Downton Village (Bampton) - Day Four, Part Two

When people have asked about this trip, I usually say that it was unlike any European trip I've been on. The reason being that it was so leisurely. We ate our meals sitting down. Shoot, we actually ate full meals. Why? Because we weren't in cities. We weren't feverishly running up the stairs of a church and then racing to make the metro to a museum. Instead, we were driving through the countryside and following the whims that usually you only think about in passing. Visiting Bampton was one such whim. Why you ask again? Because the whole reason for visiting this small (very out of the way) village was that it is the backdrop for Downton Abbey's outdoor village scenes. Yes, we are that obsessed.

 My dad doesn't understand the obsession, but he graciously drove us (on the wrong side of the road no less) to Bampton. He was anything but cheap on this trip, but we got a kick out of this sign just the same.

 This is the church where *SPOILER ALERT* Mary and Matthew will get married. Don't worry, you already knew they were getting married. We just know that they're getting married for sure courtesy of a cute old man who lives next door to the church.

 Lavinia and William are supposed to be buried here.

 The cute old man's home is actually the house used as the Crawley home. He invited us into his gate and let us take pictures. He also told us that another Downton couple is getting married this season, but wouldn't say who.

 Wish we were throwing rice at Mary and Matthew here - cannot wait for the season to return!

 Bates and Anna filmed multiple scenes right here...not to mention the carnival scene, etc, etc.

 On the way back to Chipping Campden, we were still lost in our Downton dreams (okay not my dad, but the girls certainly were) and we had a bit of a fender bender....

 ...with a mail truck. Both cars from these pictures look just pretty good. Ours was a bit worse than you can see.

Good thing we were going home to this.

ps. Downton Abbey returns January 6, 2013. Not sure how we are supposed to wait that long. And can I just add how much I love Lady Sybil's dress? 

Blenheim Palace - Day Four, Part One

On this lovely Monday, I woke up all sorts of cranky. Jet lag and feeling sick will do that to a girl. The remedy to attitude and illness - a Diet Coke and hours spent wandering the Blenheim Palace and its amazing grounds.

Don't worry - this is not even half of the house front.

You know a house is impressive when the back is even more beautiful and detailed than the front.

This is my favorite "European" outfit of Jenessa's. Had to include this picture.

I could definitely get used to views like this.

~Hello Harry Potter~

There are no words.

From the decadence of Blenheim, we went to Bampton. Stay tuned....

Chipping Campden - Day Three, Part Two

Every time we said "Chipping Campden" I heard Debbie Reynolds' voice singing "Here we are, Sunset and Camden" from Singin' in the Rain.

Marketplace from hundreds of years ago...check out Jenessa's travel purse from last year. Still such a fantastic purchase.

Not sure why I feel compelled to peak out from behind things so often.

Smoochy smoochy

It's like being in a story book...all the time.

Our hotel - Jenessa and my room was the top left window...with the curtains wide open...can't help but stare at the street.

Definitely a fan of pub food...even more so of pubs themselves...and Diet Cokes to help combat the jet lag.

Phew - we made it through our first full day....

Warwick - Day Three, Part One

Waking up in England is surreal. It's a place I travel in my dreams...and to just be there is more wonderful than I can explain. Day three began with a journey into Warwick Castle.

This definitely is one of our top five favorite pictures of the trip. Plus we were pretty excited to have washed our hair and had Cocoa Pops for breakfast.

Dad's "tally-ho/I'm going to attack with you with this umbrella" pose made quite a few appearances.

Shhhhh.....

Sassy, Gatsby goodness

SO MUCH WIND...but at least it's not raining

Jenessa decided to make friends the peacocks that roam Warwick Castle in honor of Freddie from last year. 

Not the greatest idea as the peacocks started fighting each other. (you should definitely click on this picture so you can see Jenessa's face in more detail)

Hard to believe this is real.

In the center of nearly every town in England is a beautiful old church. This one was stunning and simple....and the cute lady volunteering inside suggested we eat at the Lazy Cow for lunch. Best suggestion ever.

 There are no words....

 ...but there is dessert....

 ....REALLY REALLY good dessert. If I was given the chance, I think I would probably bathe in this custard. It was that good.

 Oh Lazy Cow - how we love you.