Thom, meet Barbara and John. They are incredible hosts and long time friends. We spent two wonderful days catching up on the last 16 years, much of the time all three of us straining to remember names of people we knew in Vanuatu. They have spent a lifetime traveling around the world as John has been in the British Foreign Service. He served as the High Commissioner in Vanuatu and other countries. His last position was as the UK ambassador to Angola. Barbara and I became friends in Vila and to this day she is just as kind and generous as the day I met her. They are two people who have met the Queen on more than one occasion. Snobbish? Not a chance. I have always found them to be down to earth, real, and fun. Who would have guessed that I'd be working an hour away from where they live? Amazing.
Wonderful meals, especially a superb Indian dinner, many glasses of South African red wine, a delightful trip to Oxford and a trip to two stately homes, we ma
naged to stagger back to their house for tea. We covered a lot of territory and it's hard to keep up with these two. Here I am in front of Claydon House, a traditional country estate, dating back to the Verney family from 1620. Florence Nightingale was a frequent visitor here as her sister married Sir Henry Verney. There is a 13th century church on the grounds. To read more, go here:
http://www.claydonestate.co.uk/about.html
This a view from the botanical garden in Oxford. One of the best gardens I've ever seen. Huge variety of plants from all over the world as well as the typical English garden flowers. Beautiful.
Can't wait to see your photos, Thom, from travels to Yamaguchi and Miyashima. It's been awhile since we talked so hoping I can hear your voice in the morning.
More to come........
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