This week end had been planned so that we could meet up with family from overseas, an event I had been looking forward too. There is a whole side of my family in Sri Lanka who I have never met, and I would very much like to remedy that situation. Alas though, due to an injury the lovely Sajda had to postpone her flight and our plans to meet were put on hold. So though I was disappointed, the hotel was paid for and the weather was due to be good, so we threw a bag in the car and off we set.
Our first stop was Whilton Locks Garden Centre, somewhere we always like stopping when we are in the area. Its not a huge place, but always well stocked and we never manage to leave without buying something. This time all the Christmas goodies were out, woo hoo - that made me happy. After some browsing we bought a Christmas decoration (one that looks like Nev G.Nome) German Christmas biscuits and a couple of presents for my parents. To be honest, I could have spent all day pottering about at the garden centre, but we had a plan and after a cup of tea we headed off to Stowe.
When we arrived at the gardens we were met by a very nice man with a buggy who offered to drive us down to the house. This was a wonderful way to start the visit, and it was great fun whizzing along little pathways on a golf style buggy! I felt like a VIP!! Stowe is an Ornamental Garden spread over 250 acres of land. As you make your way along the paths and through the gardens you will come across statues, temples, lakes, bridges and many other wondrous things. Luckily we had chosen the perfect day to explore Stowe, it was mild and sunny - pretty amazing for mid October! We consulted our map and tried to see as much as we could, but it soon became apparent we would never see everything - not in one visit!
We were unable to visit Stowe house as it owned by Stowe House Preservation Trust and operates as an independent school. There are times when you can take house tours at an additional cost but Saturday was not one of those times. To be honest, I don't think we would have anyway as it was too nice a day to be indoors. The building though is stunning, I cannot imagine going ever going to school somewhere like this (says the girl who attended a tiny inner city comprehensive!) Stowe House was recently featured on Celebrity Masterchef, when the finalists went there to cook a special meal! It really does take your breath away.
By about 3pm we were both shattered, we've both had colds/coughs and though not desperately ill, it makes you feel tired! So we decided to stop and have tea before leaving. It was at this point I realised I had a missed call on my phone, and as I was pondering who the number could belong too a message arrived from my relation Anuk who is already here studying at a university near Milton Keynes. Thanks to the wonders of social media, Sajda had been able to contact her husband and let him know we were actually in the area. It was lovely being able to get in touch and arrange to meet for dinner. Anuk came to our hotel and from there we drove to a pub called the Robin Hood that the hotel receptionist had recommended. Thank goodness I had taken her advice and called ahead to book a table. The place was busy, and we nabbed the last table. It was a good choice, the food was good and the atmosphere pleasant. I was so thrilled to meet Anuk, we had a lovely evening chatting and getting to know each other. You often worry when meeting someone for the first time whether conversation will flow and if you'll get on ok. I can only say - what a lovely young man, and I am so very glad we got to meet up. It was a wonderful evening, and I was so sad when it was time to say good bye.
We stayed overnight at the Travelodge in Buckingham, nice place tucked out of the way even though it was just off a busy road. After a good nights sleep we were up fairly early on Sunday morning to head to the NEC for Grand Designs Live. We were there for when it opened and had an enjoyable couple of hours looking around. I have to admit I don't watch Grand Designs and got free tickets which is why we went. But we were pleasantly surprised at how much there was to see, and what an eclectic range of things were for sale. Like all shows at the NEC it got very busy and very hot & stuffy inside, so by about noon we were ready to head off. I think we were done looking around by then anyway.
Another lovely week end - so glad I decided not to give in to the cold!
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