Our Return to "This Scepter'd Isle"

Our walk took us by Windsor Lock on the Thames Path.

Yes, we're back in the land of Shakespeare again, not to mention the land of cottage pie, bangers and mash, and that "heart attack on a plate," the full English breakfast. We've been pining for the latter since our last trip here was cancelled in 2020. (And we all know what happened in 2020.) But when we arrived on Sunday, September 1, it was too late in the day to satisfy our longing, so after dropping off our bags at our Airbnb in Old Windsor, we chose to head along the Thames Path.

That Kevin! He couldn't resist photographing me next to the arrow!

We encountered a few dog-walkers, joggers, and bikers along the way. A sign before the entrance to the path reminded us we were, indeed, back in England. Although some of the words were worn off, we smiled to see a familiar warning: "No fly tipping." And no, it does not mean giving small monetary gifts to flies! It's a typical British sign advising that you are not to dump garbage (on the fly, I guess).

Although worn off, the sign says "No Fly Tipping."

Another sign you'd never see the U.S. was posted along the path. Complete with an image of a dog and its leavings, it read simply, "No fouling." 


It's not just the views we encounter, but these small reminders that proclaim "this is England."  Another couple is encountering the "washing up liquid" (not dish soap, mind you) that we used when we lived in England--Fairy Liquid, though it wasn't magical. And then there are Jaffa Cakes. Yes, I must stock up on a few boxes to bring home. I love Jaffa Cakes!


But to return for just a moment to the Thames Path, it was delightful to stroll along what once was a towpath in an area that is now area of expensive real estate.



The next morning we celebrated our return with our favorite "heart attack on a plate," a full English breakfast. (Although the one we had was missing blood sausage.) Nonetheless Kevin and I were both quite pleased with the little cafe down the road from our Airbnb, where the food was tasty, and the people were friendly. It was a great welcome back to England!




The friendly staff at the neighborhood cafe.

The following day we met up with our friends after a long night's sleep. More fun was to come.








Comments

  1. KenKathSeptember 11, 2024 at 12:11 PM

    Hello Neighbors,
    Rachel, you have a real talent for a writing style that evokes contentment and joy. Obviously, you guys are really enjoying your trip. Kath and I also really enjoyed your blogs. It's like reading a good book - they are never boring. We got to hand it to Kevin with his amazing knack to juxtapose objects in a photo and come up with an entertaining message (ala the sign arrow pointing to Rachel at the beginning of the Thames Path). Great photos! Especially liked the one of Kevin eating what appeared to be a heart-abominable breakfast that probably tasted great.

    Keep up the great publishing of your trip adventures. We really envy you guys.

    Have fun and see ya soon,
    Ken

    p.s. Hope you had a chance to view the Debate last night. Kamala really nailed it and took it to Trump. As usual Trump was a despicable, lying SOB as he always is - and those scowling expressions of his were just too much.

    ReplyDelete

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