Trip 2004 - 05

Gordy and I had decided to fly “business” class this trip and, although the cost is considerably more than “cattle”, when we were able to stroll through to the luggage check-in passed the long queue of our fellow travellers, we allowed ourselves a slight feeling of elation. Despite the girls flying economy we were able to book their luggage through and they were also allowed to join us in the Krisflyer Lounge to relax before boarding.  The flight to Singapore was quite full, though only about 21 out of 30 seats in biz.   The French champagne flowing freely and we were always addressed as “Mr and Mrs” and you could not fault the service we received.   Unfortunately Regan was ill on the way over, so Sin airport now bears a new carpet stain!

Biz in the 747 which was the aircraft that flew us on to London was superior to the 777 – first time I’ve ever been able to sleep soundly on a plane – the beds made it very easy!  The fact that there were only six people in biz also meant that the impeccable service continued.

Arrived in Heathrow and picked up our hire car – after running it for 15 – 20 mins to break the ice, we were off to Stratford – 1 degree below! 

About 2 hours later we arrived in Stratford-Upon-Avon. We found our B&B, Moonraker House, where we were greeted with coffee and teacakes.  We wandered into town to join the walking tour (GBP17) – always such good value in a new town as the guide is a local always passionate about their town and willing and anxious to share their local knowledge and regale us with stories that you would otherwise not hear…..in this case all the origins of Old English sayings such as ‘frog in your throat’, ‘don’t let the bed bugs bite’ ‘sleep tight’ etc.

We visited three of the five Shakespeare houses and Trinity Church where William and his family are buried – except daughter Judith – she was disowned after marrying the town drunk!

We finished the tour at the Dirty Duck, where we had lunch (lunch GBP26 – drinks 16).  By that evening Jordan was also throwing up! Next morning, not to be outdone, Ashleigh joined the throng.  Gordy and I enjoyed breakfast – then – somehow we got everyone organised and we were off to York. Gordy and I visited Anne Hathaway’s home on the way – it was well worth the stop.  The B&B was delightful but I would stay slightly more ‘in town’ next time.