We'll that was a reasonably easy travel experience.
We left Sydney pretty much on time and I'm very happy to report that qantas business class is very comfortable. We were in the bubble of the 747 Longreach - Lord Howe Island.
The change over in Tokyo was good. The business lounge is very well equiped and whilst we did not eat or drink we did have showers and a massage each.
The final leg of our flight was with British airways, not as comfortable as qantas , there are more bus class seats so more crowded, it is better than cattle class. We still managed to sleep.
So after arriving at heathrow, we went in search of our car rental. As Avis and hertz are the only companies in the terminal we took a little while to locate europcar and Alamo. It's a pretty efficient service once you know what to do. We were able to pick out the care from a group of about 20, all the same price. The bags all fit and we are off!
We didn't have far to travel but it was peak hour so the going was a bit slow, we only had to turn around and backtrack once! We were headed into London instead of south. Not to worry we sorted it out and corrected ourselves. It eventually took us about 50 mins to get to Fleet, then another 30 to find our accommodation. There is a lot to be said for NOT booking ahead if you can, you don't have to find anything!
Our room at Tinkers Furze is lovely, it's a double room with ensuite (claw footed bath) upstairs in a quaint house that has been the family home for over 60 years, the proprietor lives next door.
We got our generous sized bags upstairs and went out in search of some light sustenance. The Prince Arthur pub fit the bill perfectly, 2 pints of ale and a light meal of baked potato covered in chilli concarne for Greg and ham and eggs for me. Then it was back to our room to collapse.
We awoke to our English breakfast with 6 different homemade conserves and marmalades, Greg tried everyone! Along with pork sausage, bacon eggs tomatoes and mushrooms yumm! Proper tea too!
Our host is an extremely interesting lady who is well travelled and talkative, her stature reminds me a bit of my dad's mum. The property has a beautiful garden that is teaming with birds, she's a bit of a bird lover with feeders and boxes everywhere, quite pleasant to look out on over breakfast. We saw magpies that are sharks supporters as they have a shines blue back. Pigeons, wrens, sparrows, 6 different tits, and possibly a woodpecker.
After breakfast , we waddled out to the car and set off for Windsor castle. We got waylaid on the way by Royal Ascot, wow you should see the hats and outfits all lined up to get in. I will post photos of our race day later. We had a stop at Runnymede, the birthplace of democracy and something to do with the Magna Carta. Will find out more.
We made it to Windsor and wandered around the township of Eton ( a real Hogwarts moment) across the river before venturing around the castle. The queen is in residence at the moment because ascot is down the road, so she'll be there all week. We did pass a police escorted procession on route to ascot, don't know who but I think...............
We were directed down the road to the "long walk" which is near the queens private entrance. No cars allowed, this did not stop Greg though, nor did anyone else! We worked out our error and turned the car around and set off for Dover, a considerable distance away.
The white cliffs look spectacular on approach and as we drove around town, we found our way up to Dover Castle. One of the more impressive castles in England! We were thwarted from going into the main tower due to some pesky filming of some movie. We were unable to force any information about who was there and what the movie is, security was extreme and all were uncharacteristically tight lipped! Whoever it was, was onsite though so a close encounter was expected, however unrealised, now I'm determined to find out more.
We explored the medieval tunnels below, this castle has been a strategic fortress in repelling would be conquerers from before napoleon up till WWII.
We left Dover and started our return trip along the coast, to Brighton. We did not realise it is a university town, more modern than the likes of Eton or Oxford. We bought fish and chip and ate it walking along the shore and the famous Brighton pier?
Then it was back in the car for the drive home, it was just sunset and about 9.45pm and we had a fair way to drive. We ended up getting home at 11pm...a huge day.
So that's the end of the first couple of days in our travels and as I write this it's just turned 7am by the chimes of the grandfather clock downstairs and we must prepare for Royal Ascot, I'm off to frock up and get in the pimms, catch you all soon.
Go the blues!
Yours in racing
Cathngreg
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