This time next week I will be on my way from California to London. I’ll be on a three week vacation, traveling with a tour group around England, Scotland, and Wales. To say I am excited about this trip is an understatement!!
Ever since I was a young girl, I have dreamed about visiting the English countryside. I have always been an avid reader, and it seems that a good percentage of the novels I’ve read over my lifetime have taken place somewhere in the UK. Some of the descriptions were so vivid, I really felt I was there. Of course, I have seen pictures and plenty of momentos from there too. After all, isn’t Great Britain the mother country? 😉
In preparation for the upcoming trip, one of the books I have been reading is by Susan Branch called “A Fine Romance…Falling in Love with the English Countryside.” And wow….this is a book that makes me feel as though I am on her own journey to England right beside her.
Susan is a popular watercolorist, author, and designer. She has a way with words that makes you feel as if you are her best friend and she is writing directly to you. “A Fine Romance” is Susan’s love letter to England. She and her long-time partner Joe, traveled the English countryside, staying in B&B’s, and visiting the most beautiful and romantic places you can imagine.
The book is her journal and is filled with quotes, photographs, and illustrations. It is also hand-written in her own script…no it is not type-faced. She includes some background material on the places she visited and describes what she sees in a very endearing way.
Even if you never had a desire to visit England, I think you would after reading this book. Page after page is filled with delights, including her own love story about Joe.
If you will be traveling to England, I highly recommend this book. Even if you are not planning a trip there, you will enjoy this book if you are partial to cottages, gardens, quaint settings and cooking.
So go get a cup of tea, put your feet up, grab the book and start reading.
Jeanne's Journey 
We recently had a very quick trip to the UK which I loved. I hope you have a great time too.
Thank you! I’m concerned about the weather and what clothing to take, but above all the stress is the excitement! I can’t wait. 🙂
I think the layering system is the way to go. We actually had a really warm day but of course one has to be prepared for rain as well. Enjoy!
Thanks. I’m sure it will be very enjoyable.
Sounds very interesting 🙂 I’d love to read that book. London is one city I “want” to visit – I was at Heathrow during a connecting flight and that’s it. Have a great vacation there – and looking at you I’m sure you’ll have a lot to write. Best!
I’m and English native, and I love this place so much. You’ve picked a great time to come, too, as it looks like it’s warming up ready for summer and the flowers are all in bloom all over the place. My valley suddenly popped out in colour over the last week.
As the day for departure draws closer, my excitement is mounting! We leave this Wednesday. I’m grateful for your comment and am looking forward to seeing the colorful flowers! I have my raincoat and umbrella too…prepared for spring rains. Your comment has sparked another post…look for it.
hey there! i’m loving your recent posts!
I also blogged about my travel journal during my recent trip! Everything I’ve learned about travelling alone , and mostly in life. What do you think about traveling alone? and keeping a journal? does it help you as well?
here’s the link of my recent post,
http://talkaboutbeauty.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/keep-on-learning-a-travelers-journal-1/
would be so nice to hear from you! 🙂
cheers! xx
deanna ( http://www.talkaboutbeauty.wordpress.com )
Thank you, Deanna, for your kind words. I had a look at your post and I have to say that I really loved it. I love the design of your blog too. I’m going to have to work on mine! In answer to your questions, I do have a travel companion, but one thing I have learned. There are travelers and there are tourists. The difference is that a tourist just does sightseeing compared to a traveler who goes deeper and connects with local culture and the people to have a much more fulfilling experience. From what you’ve written, it seems to me you are a traveler. I truly think journaling is so beneficial in sorting out thoughts and emotions, not to mention recording some of the memorable experiences along the way. And lastly, I think not everyone can consciously travel alone and enjoy it. But those who can are admirable. And when you think about it, aren’t we all really traveling alone anyway on this journey called life?