The Great European Vaction: England - The Countryside!

The last leg of the 10 day super trip through Europe was England. I am lucky enough to have a friend, Katie, for Essex. Her Dad let us stay at their house in the English Countryside, drove us around to see the Tour de France route and Cambridge, cooked us food, and was an awesome Dad! We were so lucky to have them give us the real tour of England.

We took about a 30 minute plane ride from Amsterdam to Stanstead, which is about a 45 minute train ride from London, but only a 15 minute cab ride to Katie's Dad's house. When we got in, we were given a wonderful tour of the countryside, including the Tour de France route. 

I must admit two things: 1) There was some jet lag involved - and I might have repeatedly fallen asleep in the car, causing minor whiplash as my head kept falling straight back. I don't think this was helped by the fact that my Mom used to drive me around in the car to get me to go to sleep as a child- haha! 

Admission 2 coming up after a brief pause for some pictures...beautiful countryside 

 Lunch and beers at a village pub - so tasty!

 I believe this was the oldest court house in the Essex...I don't know (shakes fist at jet lag)

 Smallest house in Essex and notice the thatched roof.

Another view...

Admission # 2) The Tour de France was going through England in the exact spot I was staying, and I didn't know!!!!! This means, of course, I left the DAY it was happening! I've been watching the tour for years, and I've always wanted to see it in person. I guess that dream is still alive, and it was super cool to drive the route the day or so before them.

Scenes from the Tour de France (which actually include our country drive, Cambridge, and London)

England Parts II and III coming up...London and Cambridge!