Buxton rocks!

We are now ending the second leg of our European Trip spending time in Buxton, England with our long-time friends that we met in North Carolina who are more like family. We visited here in the winter of 2016 and promised ourselves that we would return when the land was green instead of snow covered. This was a chance to be with Dan, Fi, Aidan (14) and Will (9) as they spent the last week of their summer vacation with us. As I write this they have all returned to work or school. Together we walked over 70 miles and ate our way through the beautiful Peak District.

I will highlight some of the best memories so that when we return we will remember what we did and where we walked.

• We walked to Solomon's Temple, Bishop's Lane and the golf course, took Robbie (a dog) for a walk, to Roaches with a stop at Roaches Tea Room, Derbyshire Dales National Park with a stop at Biggan Hall for High Tea, Monsal Trail with a stop at Hassop's for another delicious meal. How amazing that through all these hills and dales one always finds a spot for tea and a meal. Richard has sampled all the scones and crumpets along the way. 

  

  Buxton Pavilion Garden

•  We went with Fi to a horse event where we learned about natural horsemanship. It was the introduction to her several day workshop

• Massages with Pierre at home for Susan, Dan and Richard. We had our sore walking muscles attended to.
• Walking around Buxton has much to offer - one day had the Green Man Gallery and tea at the oldest building in England. Another for the historical tram ride and high tea at the Palace Hotel. 

  

  The heather is blooming

• We timed it right to be here to attend Dan's citizenship ceremony. 
• A visit to Manchester which included Dan and Ricardo's visit to the Kadampa Buddhist Center for meditation and a return to the Earth Cafe followed by the Manchester Art Gallery. 

  

  Manchester is pride friendly

• A visit to the town of Macclesfield, visiting King Edward's Chapel - the oldest Unitarian Church in England. Then it was off to the Silk Museum and to learn the interesting history of Silk in this town.

• A new city for us was Liverpool for Ricardo to meet his sister Maria (who lives in N. Ireland) and my chance to see the Beatles Story and Museum. It brought me back to the 60's and 70's with such deep music history. 

  

  Liverpool is pride friendly too.

• We attended the practice session of the Burbage Brass Band with Aidan on the drums. 
  
• We finished this excellent trip with a day at the award winning Devonshire Spa right here in Buxton with steam, sauna, hydrotherapy waters, foot baths and aromatherapy room. Yes we are spoiled to the max. 

The best, though, was our many hours of walking and talking together and witnessing these two great boys as they grow to be men. Having an extended period of time to just "be" together is a bonus to us as we travel the world. I am so very grateful to them for their love and hospitality and we look forward to our next time together.

Now for a few words from Ricardo.

Our time here in England has ended and we are leaving hungry for more. We visited Manchester, Macclesfield, Liverpool and spent our nights here in old Buxton.  There were many walking adventures on the old pathways through the high peaks and old railway trails. Lastly, we ended with a relaxing spa treatment at the famous Devonshire spa.  Here in Buxton we have long time friends who have become family over time and every moment with them is always a joy especially watching their two children Aidan and Will growing up to become good citizens of the world.

This charming English town is a destination place for many with great hikes, history, food, people and healthy thermal waters. This was our second time here and are looking forward to our return. I want to thank our friends/family Dan, Fiona, Aiden and Will  for opening their doors again to us and showing us even more of the magic here in the Peak District.

Richard's sister, Maria

Another very special events was when my sister Maria met me in Liverpool the home of the Beatles. It has been 5 years since we last were together and were able to fill in many of the blanks of the past 5 years which was very enjoyable. 

I feel very honored to have the time and resources to travel with Susan and to share this time with all those that are dear to me.