Planes, Trains, and...Bicycles?

 

One thing that stands out in the trip thus far is modes of transport. In the weeks leading up to our move to the UK we flew first to Vancouver and then to Toronto, "warm-ups" as it were to the big transatlantic flight (five time zones). It was a great flight on Sunwing Air -- great food and service (in your face, Air Canada) -- but we were all pretty exhausted by the time we reached Gatwick Airport, south of London.

 

 

  

From there it was a short train ride into London (Farrington Station), followed by a brief jaunt on the tube in London (to Baker St.) to catch our connecting train at beautiful Marylebone Station.

 

 

 

Even with our Beverly-Hillbillies load of luggage, this part of the trip went really well. The rail system in the UK sometimes gets a bad rap, but we've found it convenient and relatively inexpensive, not to mention a great, relaxing way to see the countryside.

 

 

 

 

 

We've also taken the bus to various places, and the double-deckers are definitely the family favorite.

 

 

 

One of the reasons we chose to live in Stratford-upon-Avon, rather than, say, out in the country was that we didn't want to purchase a vehicle if we could help it. Stratford is small by British standards, and our townhouse is centrally located, so that we can walk pretty well anywhere -- to the schools, shops, buses, train station, church, etc. And we've done a LOT of walking over the past few weeks. 

 

 

 

 

 This is fine, but it's a bit time-consuming, so we've gradually been acquiring bicycles (at the time of writing we have four -- just one more and we can do some family bike trips), mainly by walking (aargh) outside of town to the "Tip" (i.e. the dump) where there is an over-priced recycled goods shop. It's actually a great thing to see usable items recycled rather than thrown in the landfill, and we've done our part by rescuing some shabby but rideable bikes.

  

 

 

There are beautiful bike trails around town and some gorgeous villages within riding distance --Alcester,  Tiddington,  Snitterfield,  Wilmcote. Can't wait to get rolling.

 

 

 

 



Around the Block

There is so much to discover... everywhere you look is interesting! Here is our new neighbourhood--

Down the street are some lovely terraced houses like this:

The brickwork, moldings, doorknockers and front doors are old and interesting.

 

 

 

Behind us is the canal (built in 1793) that connects the Avon River with the Worcester and Birmingham canal. There are lots of narrow boats that travel the canal, and a lock system that keeps the boaters jumping out and cranking big gears. We love the walking path alongside the canal.

 

 

In the other direction, about 10 minutes walk, is a greenspace called the Welcombe Hills. These are hilly fields, with stands of trees and fences so that cattle can graze, even though it's public land. Ken is so pleased to think that he's walking around where Shakespeare undoubtedly walked.

 

 

And here is a pub on our block called The One Elm. It has a funky outdoor courtyard where we celebrated Daniel's birthday last night.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Welcome

Hello, welcome to our blog. Why "Rookes Court"? This is the name of our townhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, which will be our home for the next 6 months. We love this place! Notice the cart and barrels on the sign? We've been told the building was once a local brewery (it's on Brewery St. after all). Thankfully, the house is spacious and comfortable, close to schools, shops, and downtown Stratford -- a great launch pad for our adventures.

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