The padocks lining the pretty backroads we drove today were alive with spring colour. Some wore a carpet of tiny white flowers, others were a deep sea-green and many were blanketed with a burst of sunshine yellow from the crops of rape seed in full bloom. The bright sunshine made everything sparkle and shine after being washed clean with the rain from days before. The world looked new again.
On arrival in Marlborough, AJ spotted a Porche Boxster in the carpark and asked the lovely owners if he could snap a photo. 'Why don't you sit inside and take the top down' they guy said. AJ didn't need any encouragement and was in the drivers seat in a shot. The man told him all the buttons to press and told him to press the accelerator, vroom, vroom. AJ's face let up as bright as the sun, he beamed pure happiness and joy. 'Press it harder', the man said and AJ did making the car shake and growl. If this kind stranger only knew how much joy his five minutes of generosity had given a little boy from the other side of the world.
Marlborough has the widest main street of any English town. The street was filled with market umbrellas and the hustle and bustle of market day was all around. Marlborough is lovely and oh so English. We found a fabulous little place for coffee called 'The Food Gallery'. The owner, Bob, is a raving coffee fan and lives by the motto, 'If it isn't good, we shouldn't put it in our mouths'. I had a rich mocha on Bob's recomendation, Michelle had a cappuccino with dark Belgian chocolate shaved on top, and AJ had a refreshing mixed berry frappe. Bob gave us a brownie to try, 'They are legendary he says'. He arrived tableside again with a small cup of chilli hot chocolate which was rich and smooth and gave a little burst of fire on the palate, it was very good. We all decided we loved 'The Food Gallery'.
More country lanes took us to the 'Dog and Gun Inn' for our first English country pub meal. Michelle and I had scampi (we are so similar in so many ways it scares us) while AJ found his traditional side and went for the bangers, mash, onions and gravy. This place is loaded with charm and the best part was listening to the chat emanating from the characters at the bar. Alex was giggling at the funny things they were saying. The sevice was warm and friendly so I forgave them for serving frozen scampi, we had a ball.
The next stop on our journey was Stonehenge. Wow. You literally drive along the road and there it is, sitting in the middle of a paddock. We were surprised to be able to view it from the road as we are so used to any kind of tourist attraction being hidden away behind tall fences enabling only paying customers to view the attraction - not here. The stones sit as they have done for so many years. Grass, stone and sky posed for pictures as our camera shutters clicked away relentlessly, capturing this historic place to remember for many years to come.
We returned home happy after a wonderful day together. Thanks Michelle, it has been so special for us to spend this time with you and today was just sooper dooper!
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