Day 2: Success!

A few of our appointments fell through this morning, but we looked at two places. The first place, on Montpellier Spa Road, was a beautiful location, but unfurnished. The second, on Montpellier Terrace, was also an excellent location – tennis courts across the street, no less – and seemingly a better fit for us.

We had lunch at a fabulous sandwich shop called Hot Pepper Jelly. Tea had a mozzarella and prosciutto sandwich with avocado and tomato salsa; pesto and balsamic dip on the side. I had a smoky and spicy BLT.

On the way back to the apartment, I took Tea past the Lypiatt House, where I'd stayed almost five years ago. Turns out it's even closer than I thought to Willoughby House; we'll get the lay of the land yet.

The afternoon was incredible! We found the perfect spot in the St. Mark's area! Pictures of the front and kitchen area -- note the fabulous skylights -- follow; fingers crossed, the paper-work will be finalized tomorrow.
 

Day 1, Part 1

Central Bus Station, Heathrow
 We've arrived! The flight was uneventful, save for some bumpy circling over our destination. An espresso for me and a smoothie for Tea fixed us up as we waited for the coach to Cheltenham.

Swindon
 Despite barely sleeping on the flight -- we made up some time in the air, so they served breakfast early -- I was craning my neck this way and that as the coach pulled out on to the M4 motorway, drinking in the sites. Tea didn't get many winks either, between the cramped seats and my pointing out sheep to her -- I wasn't brave enough to suggest she count them. I must've closed my eyes at one point, though, because I woke to the driver announcing that we'd reached our first stop on the route: Swindon.

Cirencester
 The second stop was Cirencester; quite a bit a road work going on there, providing opportunities for many snaps.

Outside Cheltenham
 Finally, we're just outside Cheltenham. No idea what this little building was for, but it reminded me of the reading I've done on Mongolian yurts; totally out of place in the English countryside by my reckoning, and awesome for that very reason.

Time for a little cat-nap at Willoughby House, then it's out for some groceries before an early night. Big day tomorrow: five appointments! Wish us luck!