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Travel

Walking Cambridge: Jesus College, St. John’s, Punting The Cam And King’s College

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After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym, a hearty breakfast, we set out for Jesus College just 5 blocks away.

We were practically alone this Monday morning viewing a spectacular, little known and no entrance charge College.

Then it was off to tour St. John’s College, one of the wealthiest and historical at Cambridge.

It was time to Punt the River Cam and we negotiated a reduced rate of 40 pounds for the two of us.

It was mostly sunny during the 45 minute shared ride up and back on the Cam. So fun. A must in Cambridge.

We had a short walk to Trinity College and a tour (free) of the Wren Library. But we bought (another) Chelsea Bun at Fitzbilies on the way to eat after.

Amazing exhibit inside the Wren and we walked out to eat the bun and some mini croissant sandwiches on a bench overlooking the Cam. Incredible views.

We then took a long walk around the “other” side of the Cam before crossing back to drink some gin and tonics at the Bath House pub.

It was then time for the final, and most spectacular, tour….King’s College and world famous Chapel.

Stunning is the only word for the King’s College Chapel, the Wired’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling and breath-taking stained glass.

An amazing day.

Travel

Road Trips In England: Stratford-upon-Avon To Cambridge

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A very nice breakfast at the Arden Hotel had us ready for the 1:45 minute drive east to Cambridge.

Sunday is a perfect day to travel across central England as you miss the traffic heading into the numerous circle intersections. We arrived at The Varsity Hotel just before eleven and our room was not ready. So we checked our bags, had the car valeted and changed for a workout in their gym and spa.

Our room was ready at 12:30 so we went up to our 3rd floor room, changed and went back down to the spa for a sauna and jacuzzi.

Fully invigorated, we hit the streets to experience Cambridge.

We walked over to Fitzbillies bakery and ordered a sticky bun to go and headed down to the River Cam at the Silver Street bridge to sit, eat, people watch and view the Mathematical Bridge at Queens College.

Walked back towards the hotel and viewed Pembroke College, which dates back to 1347 and was open and free to walk about.

Much of the town center closes up at 5 pm so we decided to eat Indian food at The Curry King, just two blocks from the hotel. Very good, authentic cuisine,

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In Stratford-upon-Avon: The Dirty Duck

Just doors down from the Arden Hotel on the waterfront, The Dirty Duck was busy on Saturday night.

We walked in and to our very good fortune the window seat table opened up. We ordered two Gin and Tonics with hamburger and fries. The crowd was very interesting with several languages being spoken all round the room.

Great meal and drinks at what was once called The Black Swan.

Travel

Road Trip To Stratford: Slaughters North To Cotswolds Distillery And Shakespeare

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We left Lords (of the Manor) at 7 am for a 3 mile round trip hike to Lower Slaughter and back for breakfast at 8.

Breakfast was a nice spread of pastries, bread, fruit, cereals, yoghurt and juices. Ordered eggs, bacon, sausage and mushrooms.

We checked out and drove north to Stourton and the Cotswolds Distillery. Their recently opened tasting room and store was light and bright.

We were offered a tasting of 5 gins, 7 whiskies and their very special “1616 – Barrel Aged Gin. You will never find a better (and free) tasting anywhere.

We more than compensated them by buying Cotswolds Distillery clothing, hunter flasks and other items. They filled up one flask with 1616 for the ultimate roadie.

It was then off to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Arden Hotel.

After checking in we set out to experience Shakespeare’s birthplace, exhibits, the New House, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft.

After the tour, we had Gin and Tonics and dinner at The Dirty Duck (The Black Swan years ago) and called it a night.

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In The Cotswolds: The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton-On-The-Water

A very popular locals destination. The Mousetrap Inn had most tables reserved or occupied as we walked in Friday night at 6 pm.

The bartender was very friendly and seated us at one of the few available tables.

He quickly recommended the Roast Cauliflower with Chickpeas, dill, raisins and smoked almonds as a vegetarian entree selection. He then suggested two drinks: The Mousetrap house specialty, a Cotswold Dry Gin and soda drink with a unique long ice cube of lemons, cucumber, mint and bitters) along with a twin scotch Old Fashioned. Excellent.

Very unique food, drinks and atmosphere. A must visit.

Travel

Driving The Cotswolds: To Sudeley Castle And Upper Slaughter

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After checking out of The Swan and a pre-drive walk of Arlington Row, we headed northwest to the historically interesting Sudeley Castle.

With over 1000 years of history, Sudeley hosted Kings Richard III, Henry VIII, Queens Ann Boleyn and Catherine Parr, Lady Jane Gray and a young (pre-Queen) Elizabeth I. All before 1550.

We then drove to Upper Slaughter to check in at Lords of the Manor Hotel.

A quick walk down to Lower Slaughter and a peek at The Old Mill Museum and store. A steady rain provided a very British touch to the walk down the narrow lanes amidst meadows filled with sheep and beautiful country houses.

We then walked back to Lords in time for a tour of the gardens Emily, the head gardener.

We then headed to warm up with a full English Tea with scones.

Travel

Crossing The Cotswolds: To Blenheim And Broadway And Back

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A brisk 2.9 mile walk (yes, 2.9 miles) in mildly drizzly weather from The Swan Hotel door back to the breakfast room set up a perfect day.

Drove to Blenheim Palace and arrived at the 10:00 am opening time. Gorgeous grounds and gated entrance.

Famed Italian Artist Mauricio Cattelan was featured throughout the Palace and grounds which added to the spectacle.

We entered the palace at 10:30 and were swept up in an amazing tour of the Duke of Marlborough’s residence.

The audio tour was very informative and kept your interest in every room.

Cattelan’s very humorous exhibits were meant to convey the very accidental and interactive nature life and art, with the aim of softening the imposing feel of the castle. Amazing.

The Winston Churchill exhibits at the end were spectacular in breadth and scope.

We left at 1:00 and drove to Broadway and a walk of the very polished town, full of art galleries, custom shops and elite hotels.

A great sandwich and salad at a deli on the Main Street was followed by a drive to the Broadway Tower.

We headed back to Bibury and a glass of Rose in the small park in front of The Swan Hotel.

Travel

Road Trip To Oxford: Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library And The Radcliffe Camera

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After a brisk walk through the Arlington Row, a very nice breakfast awaited us in The Swan dining room.

The drive to Oxford from Bibury is 30 miles, but expect traffic in the last 5 miles. Allow an hour to get parked in one of the many underground parking areas, such as the Gloucester Green.

Our first stop was the Ashmolean Museum, which was remarkably uncrowded at 9:30 am this Wednesday morning. We paid to see the special exhibit “Last Supper In Pompeii” and it was outstanding.

We then walked the remaining floors to view the incredible Renaissance and European Art exhibits including paintings, sculpture, ceramics and musical instruments

The three Stradivarius violins and one guitar, along with other priceless instruments were one of a kind holdings of this world class museum.

We walked over the Bodleian Library and purchased tour tickets for 1 pm. The we walked over to University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and paid to climb the tower to view all of Oxford but especially the Radcliffe Camera.

No one should visit Oxford and not climb the tower. Spectacular is the only descriptor. We climbed back down and walked the streets nearby until it was time for the tour. Our guide was an amazing woman who studied history at Cambridge before falling in love with the Bodleian.

The history of Oxford University is centered around the 600+ year construction and evolution of its world famous library. A must see.

We walked over to the Christ Church Picture Gallery for a quick viewing and then had late lunch at The Bear, a classically old pub down a small alley.

Great day!

Reviews, Travel

Future Of Camping: The BMW – North Face “Futurelight” Camper

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From a BMWGroupDesignworks.com webpage:

BMW Futurelight Camper sideviewThe camper is a light, mobile dome made of FUTURELIGHT™ material and heavy-duty geometry. As the fabric stretches over a geodesic dome, it creates a natural, weather-proof space. Somewhere to sleep after a day of hiking, or a place to take cover when nature is being, well, nature.

The camper is crafted on top of a highly-mobile platform, providing a comfortable cave for two people. The interior includes camping essentials, such as a bed and table, while still providing the feeling of a free space in nature due to its dome structure.

To read more:

https://www.bmwgroupdesignworks.com/case_studies/the-north-face-camper/

https://www.designboom.com/technology/bmw-the-north-face-futurelight-camper-ces-01-09-2019/?utm_source=designboom+daily+-+sunday+edition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BMW+and+the