I utterly destroyed a Ford Mondeo the first trip...asspecially the left front tire by finding every curb I could. A Disco TD made a better family drive, and actually hauled ass on the secondary roads...plus you can see over the roadside hedges and see the countryside.
Bernie...Oxford-Chipping Norton put you at the doorstep of Blenheim, my favorite great house/palace. Duke of Marlborough kicked some French ass, loaded up most of the furnishings of Versailles and put them in Blenheim, which Queen Anne built for him for doing such a fine job in teaching them that next time they should retreat (now they can't stop). Churchill was born there.
We stay at the Marriott County Towne Hall. Here's what's cool about it...it's part of the big crescent shaped old building behind the Wheel. Many diplomats from other countries stay there because you're across the river from Parliament and Whitehall, so the great breakfast room is full of folks of many costumes and cultures...even a few Aussies. Walk across the Westminster Bridge, and the tube station takes you everywhere. Or...go east across the curve of the river and you can cross right into the heart of theatre district. We got rooms in the crescent of the building, and Big Ben was our alarm clock...open the window and it's right there.
We're planning on heading over again next year...early spring...without the kids (grown up now, or at least they think so). Couple of days in London, renting something cool and driving to Edinburgh...seem some Gasholes in the Midlands (Wilf, Dingo)...just taking our time.
I love England and the English...just so damn cute acting all formal and thinking they still rule the world. Almost feel like tipping them for putting on their little quaint performances.
