And from Tess

Hi Tim
Well we arrived safely yesterday. Singapore airlines made it as pleasant as possible. Lots of service and courtesy. Of course we were exhausted, I think I'm getting too old for that long haul and will have to have a stop over next time.. They upgraded our car yesterday - they must have intuitively known we were BMW drivers so we have a Mercedes C Class for a month. Although I must say after the BMW it is awfully plain - tough! Dad is enjoying driving it and despite how tired he was yesterday did not let me behind the wheel. After we left the motorway we really enjoyed the drive down the A4 to Bath lots of historical towns. We fpund a canal and walked along it in Newbury watching the long boats. Now of course Dad is wondering if we could somehow incorporate a few days on a ,long boat. By afternoon we were flagging fast so cut short a trip to Avebury Circle prehistory site and slept. The B&B has a great location 5 mins walk to most important sights and township but is on a busy road. Double glazing is helping. The room reminded me of some of the places we have stayed in the past. Three flights of stairs, very snug, tiny bathroom but I keep thinking of Jane Austen's time and its fine. Before we collected Emma from the airport we stumbled into a small village pub for dinner and enjoyed a long chat with the publican and a local. The pick up was very smooth - 10 minutes free parking was all that we needed. Emma has had to suffer many hugs but is holding up well to her mother. Perhaps greeting her with a eurail ticket, easter egg and amex card helped. Today we are off to explore North Devon down to Lynton / Lynmouth and back across through Stone Henge to Bath. The day has started inclement but a very reasonable temperature. Take care - miss you - lots of love to you and Saskia
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