Big Sur March 2010

Well I've been home for 2 weeks but can't get those ocean scenes from Big Sur out of my mind-which is a good thing, very calming. We stayed at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn which is very much like Mabel's here where I work. Rustic, charming, old and magical. And there is a great place on a hill above the inn where you can sit on a bench and look at the ocean as long as you want. My only disappointment was that many of the hiking trails were closed due to heavy rains the month before. But we took short walks on the beaches, seeing sea lions, otters, pelicans and gulls.

And of course spent much time sipping wine on the porches of Nepenthe's overlooking the ocean. Also splurged on a dinner at the fancy Post Ranch Inn, which has been deemed the best hotel in California. The hotel is out of my budget, but it was great to be at the restaurant with huge picture window views of, yes again, the Ocean!! And the meal was wonderful. For my birthday we had dinner at Deetjen's own restaurant, totally different from the Post Ranch but equally nice. It's like an Old World inn, cozy and romantic.

Great Fosters

The last day of our British holiday. And yet another incredible hotel, Great Fosters in Egham, not far from Heathrow. This was actually used by Henry VIII and then Elizabeth I as a hunting lodge. As their brochure says, "Its past is evident in the mullioned windows, tall chimneys and brick finials...fine oak beams and Jacobean fireplaces..." I'm in the "Italian Room", all damask walls and gilt carvings. The bathroom is the size of my living room at home! Well, we are going out in style. It was my sister's birthday yesterday and the only evening I got really dressed up for dinner. Carried that pretty dress all the way just for that night. Sigh.

Today the wonderful staff prepared a hamper for our lunchtime picnic. They are all so polite without being stuffy, so friendly and helpful. Stanley, who is from South Africa, carried it out for us, set up blankets on the grass by the lake, poured a red wine, and set out a spread of small sandwiches, Stilton cheese, chutney and fruit. What elegance! We watched the ducks and swan on the lake, drank in the peace and admired the beautiful brick hotel from a distance. I could get used to this. Soon back to reality, but I don't mind cause I love where I live and I miss my Cadbury!