Nottingham

We left York and had an uneventful journey to Nottingham . Found our hotel and immediately knew this was our "bad holiday" experience . It is indescribably sub standard - probably was not helped by the fact on our arrival an African "pimp" was throwing his "blonde hooker" into the back of his car right at the hotel entrance. 

As we have already paid, we are just making the best of it and staying away from the hotel as much as possible - we will place a complaint on our return. It is such a shame as it is right in the city and close walking distance to all activities .

That aside , we have been able to get around and see the sights of Nottingham and the region to see some interesting places. ( Mary, have not found the town as bad as you described). 

On the first day we explored the city centre and shops - yes Peter actually walked around shops. The actual city centre is so close, and we have found it enjoyable to wander around - new and old buildings compliment each other. As it is the holiday season, right in the centre in market Square there is a Fair and carnival activities - seem so popular, it's just something you do not see in Oz. We ended the day in a little pub the Langtry which had been frequented by Australian cricket supporters during the last test - enjoyed a couple of drinks.

The next day we took ourselves off to see a bit of the region ( last day of the car). We went through Newark, then to Lincoln which we both loved ( irene had been there previously). This is the home of the Magna Carta, however we were not able to see as the museum was under renovation. And the Lincoln Cathedral is beautiful, then going down to Steep Hill and the lovely little shops. ( Jane, please do not get too homesick looking at the pics). It was also a treat to see a different type of countryside, this time it seemed to be farming - tractors ploughing and headers trying to get the crop off. There has also been a vast difference in what building materials are used - in Niottingham and surrounds, it is mostly red brick. 

Lincoln had such lovely little old steep streets- a great place to visit and again so much history.

We then ended up at Market Rasen for lunch. They were having an auction in the square - this kept us entertained for a while, apparently it happens every Tuesday- all sorts of things from plants, vegs,and old wares. They take their bits and sell to the highest bidder. The auctioneer was a woman and she did not stop for the two hours we were there.

We then returned to Nottingham as we had to return the car. This in itself is another story. We needed to fill the petrol tank - but you know how it is, service stations are never around when you want Them. Plus the fact Irene thought ( a blonde moment) the P on the sat nav meant petrol BUT no it means parking. So Peter is getting worried ( and stressed) as we were running on fumes, Irene getting stressed because Peters stressed ( you all know the scenario).... Anyway IRene finally figured out the petrol sign on the sat nav and all was saved.... We found the petrol, found Avis and returned the car ( without harming each other)

The car was so good , and Peter did such a good job of driving. I might say up until the incident previously described, Irene has done a magnificent job of navigating. We drove 1826 miles across England and saw bits that would not have been possible without the car.

Today we have explored Nottingham Castle and grounds - well worth a visit spending time there. A lot of history dated pre Norman times.beautiful gardens and so nice to see families having a picnic lunch on the lawns.It was also interesting to learn a little more about the caves that have been used for centuries and are still visible today.

Tomorrow we are off to London by train, and leave for Paris Sunday.