Day Four

Tranquility

I anticipated day 4 like you wouldn't believe. The "chippie" had been calling my name since we landed, but I didn't want to settle for one that might not measure up. We had a few recommendations from very reliable sources that we should try the one in Matlock Bath. (Chippie: affectionate slang term for the fish and chip shop.) We were headed there, but darn it, it wasn't lunch time yet.

We just started driving. I was absolutely in awe at the beauty. The green rolling hills, the quaint farms, the fat sheep, the stone cottages, miles of hand built stone walls. If heaven were found on earth, I'm sure it would be in Derbyshire. This is my "thing." For some it may be the beach or mountains or forest: but for me it's the rolling green that I find peaceful. Seriously, I wanted to sit and gaze upon the sight for a long time. Here's a few beautiful sights we came across.

Look at this farm, nestled between the fields. I'm moving in!

Every town or village had their own church. Look at this beautiful little church set right by the winding road. The grave stones were something out of a movie.

This is my cousin's friends home. They call it the manor house. I asked her how old this property was. She answered, "It's not that old, it's only about 150-200 years." Eh, well guess what the country of America is only just over 200 years old, so that's old. That really puts a little perspective on things in England.

I would love to know the story of this old tree. The face reminded my of Grandmother Willow from Pocahontas.

The only thing that was more prolific than the churches were the Pubs. Every village was entitled to one church, but several pubs. I became fascinated with them. Not only the gorgeous features, but the names were so interesting.

I love the ivy on this Pub: Three Horseshoes

This is a pottery factory just a few miles from where I used to live. Denby Pottery is now a world famous maker of lovely things. Here we are at the factory store. I looked with great admiration. This is something I never appreciated while I lived there, but their dishes and serving ware are gorgeous. It is extremely expensive and would have been too difficult to carry back, so I left empty handed.

We arrived in Matlock Bath in time for lunch. After finding the "chippie," we ordered and dug in. The serving style has changed a lot. It used to be your fish and chips were served to you wrapped in yesterdays newspaper. These modern plates threw me a little, but the taste was even better than I remembered. The appropriate amounts of salt and vinegar are a must. The perfect amount of crunch and not too greasy. Fish moist and flaky.

We left the countryside and decided to do a little shopping. We arrived at Nottingham Broadmarsh Shopping Center at 5:00p.m. to find they closed at 5:30! We had just enough time to buy Britton some new Clark's shoes and then did a little walking tour in the dark.

Inspired by the London Eye, (you'll see us here on Day 6) Nottingham now has an Eye in their town center.Hotel Chocolate? You can actually join their club and they'll send you a sampler box every so often. The english like their chocolate. Sound good to me.

It's difficult to express what being there really meant. I was loving every minute. I wish I could share every picture. Thanks for staying with me and being interested. Don't worry, only two more days.