Photo: Grosvenor Arms Pub, Alford

Chester On Monday, Deb and I took the train back to Chester and were met by Leone who drove us to our next airbnb at the Chapel. It was in the same location as 7 Steele St., just around the corner! The building was a converted Chapel and apparently had up to 10 units! We were on the top floor. The apartment was smaller than the previous airbnbs but completely adequate for our needs – we’d only be there for two nights. The entrance hallway had the bathroom and main bedroom to the left. To the right was the open living space/kitchen. A utility room was at the end of the hallway with a washer/dryer – inside a closet, which was a bit awkward to reach. Luckily, we had both done laundry at the Granary. My room was the loft, which one reached by stairs from the living space. Windows were at foot level and skylights also provided extra light. I had a single bed, but it could become a double by rolling out another mattress – like a trundle bed. Deb had the main bedroom – a bit tight as it had a large wardrobe that took away space. But, all modern, new and fine for our needs. We went to Waitrose (Leone drove us) and got some provisions for that night and the next day. Didn’t need much as we planned to go to Gail’s for breakfast next day and on Wednesday we both flew home, so only needed breakfast. An early night as sitting on a train is tiring.

Tuesday I will dub as “pub” day because we ended up having two very good meals in two excellent pubs. Late morning, Leone picked us up and we drove to a near-by town Alford dominated by the presence of the local Duke of Grosvenor, whose family owns most of the land in those parts. In fact, the first pub was called the Grosvenor Arms….we first did a nice walk eventually coming down to the River Dee. This is where one could walk from Chester to this pub! We had a late light lunch at the pub. Deb and I had a great soup which was fabulous. The pub was really nice as well.

That night, Leone had made a reservation for dinner at the Pheasant, a pub further out in the country. Luke joined us for that. Again, a fabulous meal. Deb had to take at least half of her meal home as it was such a big portion. I had a curry, which was excellent. It was pretty fancy for a pub and in a lovely setting. Leone drove us back to our place and we turned in again for the night.

Wednesday. Going home today. Leone is going to pick us up later in the morning to go the airport. It was raining fairly steadily, but in a break I went to get us some stuff from Gail’s for breakfast. Leone arrived and it was time to say goodbye to Chester! Got to the airport fine, said our good-byes, and in we went for the long wait. Both our flights were after 2pm and neither had been posted yet. Finally, my gate was announced but unfortunately Deb’s had a delay. I got off on time, but later I found out Deb’s flight was very late and everyone with connections in Dublin had missed their flights. Also, no more flights to the U.S. that day as customs closed by 4pm and it was passed that already!! They were transported 1 ½ hours north of Dublin to a country hotel. Deb said it was very nice and everyone got into the spirit of adventure and had a nice dinner together. Next day, they were transported back to the airport and she flew home – a two day trip! I got home fine on schedule. But, it was a fabulous sojourn in England.