Norfolk in Midsummer

 

My drive down to Norfolk took 11 hours this time, due to roadworks and some heavy rain. There was of course, no sign of rain in Norfolk where the grass is already scorched. I’m not sure the last time I experienced a dry summer solstice and it has been HOT. My plan is to sit in the shade when I am not meant to be somewhere and dew the tiny bells onto the prairie points for my FOQ entry. 

Nella and I had a day in London which is just under 2 hours away by train. We had a really nice day but tried to fit too much in. We did not do any sightseeing or museums on this trip. Near Liverpool Street Station is an eclectic collection of posh shops, smart flea market and street food at Spitalfields Market. To be honest, you could just mooch around that area all day. We also headed to Chinatown because Nella wanted to go to a Miffy pop-up shop. We had lunch at the trendy Seven Dials Market then made our way to Covent Garden which was very busy. I was over ambitious in wanting to go to Fortnum and Mason, followed by Liberty and rather wished I had opted for a calm exhibition of some sort instead. Fortnums was full of over-priced Coronation fruitcake tins but we did have a refreshing break at their ice cream parlour. It was pricey but worth it for a nice sit-down. 

I was a bit disappointed by Liberty, which I don’t think I have been to since the 1990’s. Maybe it was because it was late in our day or because Liberty is not as exclusive, or because the cotton lawn was almost £30.00 per metre. On the train back to Norwich I made a note of what we had particularly enjoyed and jotted down ideas for a future trip.

I have missed the reliability of East Anglian summer weather - here everyone has all their doors open to let in cooler air but at my house in Scotland I open the doors to let in warmer air;) It is so nice to eat outside all the time, not just occasionally. It is sweltering though!

This coming week Nella and I plan on wandering around in Norwich and going to the seaside. She will pack up her stuff to come back home for the summer. I hope she does not find it too boring and chilly back home. Mind you, if it is then she will look forward to returning for the new term!