Dreary Day 5

Not much happening today. Had a leisurely breakfast, then tidied up so I can pack tonight. 

We paid our bill this morning, so we wouldn’t have to wait endless hours for Peter to do the reckoning. Also ordered breakfast because we have to leave at 9 o’clock sharp. Let’s see what happens. Peter gave us business cards so we could recommend his establishment. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

Lydia, the maid/factotum knocked on my door and asked if she could clean. I told her to go ahead, and although she is very sweet, she’s not exactly a good cleaner. She pulled the duvet straight, took the garbage out, and gave me new towels. No vacuum, no bathroom, no dusting. However, she did leave biscuits and chocolates (the cheap kind). Cheap chocolate is still chocolate, so I’m not complaining.

We got a late start and moseyed down to the center. Of course, we need to stop at our favorite cheese shop. The young man was giving us lots of tastes again. Pat bought some gift items to make up for all the free cheese.

We went in and out of shops. I stopped in a Lloyds Bank and used the ATM. The outside of the building is absolutely gorgeous, the inside is just like any other bank in the world.

I exchanged a 10 pound note for 10 pound coins. They are very weighty.

We waited out a brief rainstorm in an organic potion shop called Neal’s Yard. Pat bought some potions. I probably should have bought some but I figured not much will help me now.

Rosario‘s Restaurant was recommended to us. It was a tiny café with part of it across the alley. There was also a steep narrow staircase to the second floor.

Behind the counter was a giant, Italian espresso machine, and hundreds of assorted cannoli. My kind of spot. I had a cappuccino and a bowl of homemade leak and potato soup. It was delicious, not thick and gluey. Pat had grilled panini with brie, tomato and pesto. And the crowning achievement was tiramisu. That was really spectacular.

I left Pat to continue her window shopping and I came back to the B&B. 

We canceled our dinner reservation and decided to go back to the pub we enjoyed a few days ago, The Griffin.

Charcuterie for dinner?

Why yes! We split the charcuterie platter and the highly recommended chicken ale  pie with homemade mash. That was wonderful. AND I had the hard cider again! I am going to be the life of the party in State College now that I know how wonderful cider is.

Then a walk back to our stupendous, luxurious, elegant B&B, with my one towel (which is not bath size).

Hijinks to come tomorrow, off we go to Oxford.

Love,
Lynn