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<\/a><\/p>\nDriving on the left side of the road definitely challenged the way our brains are wired!<\/p>\n
Several times, we drove through tree tunnels formed by the overhanging canopy of trees. Loved it! Also enjoyed this red phone booth that was being used as a mini-library.<\/p>\n We visited the farm-house\u00a0where Popo’s grandfather was born. The present owner was kind enough to give us a tour, complete with a farm kitty that our oldest instantly fell in love with!<\/p>\n Popo contacted him ahead of time so we didn’t completely show up unannounced. However, I was still amazed at the kindness of a stranger to welcome us in and chat for a while. The house was over 500 years old!!! \u00a0The rustic beauty of the surrounding buildings and grounds added to the charm.<\/p>\n After saying our goodbyes, we ventured on to the village of Thaxted. Upon arrival, we toured the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist where many of Popo’s ancestors attended. It had a little children’s corner that kept the boys occupied while we walked around. In the floor, were several tombstones. One of them caught my eye. It was for a woman named Anne who died in 1782. Written upon her tombstone were these words…”Her days were few but her end was lamented. For in her, the Needy found a constant friend.” I would have liked to meet Anne.<\/p>\n We ate our first Fish and Chips at an English pub across the street from the church. De…licious!! Afterwards, we took a little stroll along a path that led us to a windmill built in\u00a01804 with beautiful views of open fields. The thatched roofs and colorful houses added to the beauty of the countryside!<\/p>\n We then drove to the\u00a0Baptist church where the names of family ancestors were etched in the\u00a0cornerstones. We also stopped at a lovely home named\u00a0“Midsummer Hill” where Popo’s grandfather lived just before moving to America. Doesn’t the name invite you in? I noticed many homes with names in England. We should name our home!<\/p>\n We eventually made our way to our rented flat in Epping…our home away from home thanks to Airbnb. We made a food run to the grocery store around the corner, ate dinner and talked over site-seeing plans for our next two days in London. We used our pizza box as a giant pad of paper to brainstorm with. Afterwards, Mien Mann and I\u00a0took the boys out to let them run around a bit. They needed to burn off some energy! Notice E in mid-flight in the picture of Momo looking over our London itinerary! So…much…energy!<\/p>\n Day 2 and 3…LONDON!<\/p>\n “Look Kids! Big Ben, Parliament!”<\/p>\n Being in London reminded us of this\u00a0often quoted scene from American Lapoon’s European Vacation<\/strong><\/em> (circa 1985)…<\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n