Monday, October 22, 2012

Katie and Andy Come to England!

A couple of weeks ago our good friends Katie and Any came to Harrogate for a visit. It was so wonderful to see them!

Andy, me, Dan and Katie, 2011

Dan and I met Katie and Andy more than six years ago in Washington, DC and have been good friends ever since. This was Katie and Andy's first international trip together, so they wanted to see as much as possible in their 8-day itinerary. They spent the first few days in London and the last three and a half days with us.

We took them to Ripon for their first night up north. I absolutely love the Royal Oak; they serve elevated British food. Their mushrooms on toast is absolutely divine.

Cheers!

We also got to see the Ripon hornblower. This is an awesome tradition dating back to the year 866. No, I didn't forget a number there. Someone has blown a horn in the Ripon town square every single night for the last 1125 years!!

Mr. George Pickles, Ripon Hornblower
Photo courtesy of Andy

The next day I showed Katie and Andy around Harrogate and York. I love my town. It's so beautiful!


Katie had seen a local cupcake place featured on the US show Cupcake Wars. Of course we had to check them out. I can't believe I hadn't been to Mamma Doreen's yet. Their sticky toffee cupcake was fantastic! And they were the nicest people ever. We bought one cupcake and they threw in two  more for us! All because Katie saw them on TV.

Photo courtesy of Andy

Sticky toffee cupcake!

York was fantastic, as always. Of course we had to stop in Betty's for a cream tea :)

Photo courtesy of Andy



The next day is a complete blank for me. I came down with a horrible stomach bug and was absolutely incapacitated. Luckily Dan was still able to show Katie and Andy around while I was cooped up in bed. He took them up to Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay. From what I heard, everyone had a great time!

Robin Hood's Bay
Photo courtesy of Andy

Whitby
Photo courtesy of Andy

Thank goodness my bug was only a 24-hour one. I wasn't 100 percent, but I was well enough to drive through the Dales.




We had a great time touring the Wensleydale creamery too. I love going to the sample room and trying twenty different cheeses!

Wensleydale Creamery
Photo courtesy of Andy

Before I knew it, their visit was over. It went way too quickly (especially since I was passed out for a third of it), but I am thrilled they were able to come. I had a wonderful time, and I hope they did too.

2 comments:

  1. Looks like the Best of Yorkshire! Soon you and your guests will be getting tattoos of the Yorkshire rose.

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    1. I am pretty proud to live in Yorkshire, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a lifetime commitment :)

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