Sleeping in the Attic

Hi Friends.

Ok! We are in Poole. Or Poolie as B calls it. He's clever like that. 

We are staying at my Nan's (mum's mum) this week, sleeping in separate beds (a theme for this trip?) all the way up in the attic. And I must be honest; I was willing to sleep on separate floors as long as I still got 'my' room in the attic. 

Today was mega adventure day as we drove up to Bath to check out the hot springs the Romans left for us. We were trying to figure out what would be a good day trip and were initially going to see Stonehenge but after finding out that you can't touch the giant rocks even a little bit (does anyone else have the sneaking suspicion that you can probably knock them over but no one knows that because they haven't tried in ages? Just sayin' I'm really strong) we decided on Bath.

Oh. And may I just add that once again, England has revealed its love for me as we have been graced with only beautiful weather. Just like every other time I'm here. Based on my experiences, it only rains in Wales.

In another life (the one where I roll in money in my free time) I would go back and visit one of Bath's lush spas. They seem superb. But today, we settled for the school child visit. Quite literally. I was asked if I was leading a school group when I went in and it was my look of disgust that settled that question. Throughout the Roman Bath Museum we were dodging and avoiding the school groups but there were too many. All carrying clipboards they kept yelling at their teacher, 

"Is this going to be on the test?!" 

"Is this one of the answers over here?!" 

Please oh please, let me have one million children. 

The Roman Baths were a lot of fun. They gave us (free) audio guides. And it's important I mention they were free because normally I'm too cool for school (ok, poor) to shell out for that fancery. But they were actually really good. Enlightening and what not.

After the museum we found a pub quick fast where Brock proudly declared it his ninth of the trip. For some reason we missed going to even one yesterday but I'm sure he'll make up for it tomorrow and somehow find time to visit at least three.

Brock and I gave the British Veggie Burger another go and this time it was a success. And by success I mean, bits of chopped up veggies, held together by cheese and deep fried. Yes please. Who says being veggie has to be healthier anyways?

Oh yeah. I had nacho's to start. 

After a nice walk through the park we headed back home. And I'll add at this point that I am a superb driver who can easily and masterfully navigate the narrow and windy streets of Bath. So take that. 

Ok. We're here.

Hi Friends.

For the fam reading - sorry for the delayed update. We've been at the pub. There were wireless issues etc. but I'd like to be clear; the real reason is that we, and mostly Brock, have been at the pub. In fact, as I type this Brock is drunkingly slurring 'tell them I've been to six - no seven SEVEN pubs.' Yeah... it's day three folks.

The last two nights have come and gone quickly but were amazing fun. My family, Katie and Richard (and adorable pup penny) were phenomenal hosts in their old cottage home. We went on walks in fields to play fetch with Penny and into small towns to drink at local pubs. My fav so far was definitely the legion in Elstead with low ceilings, flagstone floors and cheap (CHEAP!!!!) drinks. And did I mention... little miss Penelope joined us on all journeys. Thai food. Pubs. She was there. I wish Tonka could go to pubs! I think he would love it.

On one of our walks with Penny she introduced me to some horse friends of hers. I swear, the little blonde one wears more eyeliner than I do. Way too cute.

Today we arrived in Brighton after a quick drive. Yeah that's right. A drive. As in I DROVE THERE!!! Richard and I picked up the rental car yesterday and to my dismay they gave us a massive upgrade. I begged for a downgrade so I could have a smaller car but that was all they had. It is huge and so difficult to maneuver. Richard gave me some quick lessons yesterday while patiently and calmly directing me to drive on the left side and stops hitting the curb. I couldn't sleep last night because I was so scared that I would drive us off a cliff, on the wrong side of the road no less. But it was totally smooth sailing. I'll have to take a picture of me beside the beast so you can understand its size.

I will have to post more about Brighton later on but here's a quickie:

We found a hat shop and both have new headgear. Brock's hat makes him look like Captain Highliner and has requested to be called the following names:

1. Ginger Highliner

2. Brock the Highliner

3. Captain Ginger

4. Captain Brock Highliner

Then Brock found the Great Eastern Pub (#6!) which he had researched and we had a vegetarian Sunday Roast. Ab Fab. We of course had to stop at the first of three Brighton record stores another pub and then a charming greaser on the way home from too many drinks called 'Extreme Flame' for (disgusting!) veggie burgers. 

Now we're lying in our separate twin beds (I do think Brighton might just be the world capital for romance) and watching British telly (after I drunkenly demanded the night manager fix it!). Our hotel room is pumping the heat and the windows are wide open in an attempt to combat the lack of temperature control.

On to Nanny's on Tuesday. Word on the street is, she's joined us in the 21st century and has gone wireless. 

xoxo.