Unplanned Visit

The Cotswolds was picture perfect. Although its quintessential English gardens are in deep hibernation during this time of the year, its Christmas charm is in full bloom. Christmas trees and decorations, lights up on the high-streets by 4pm, warm and cosy restaurants and pubs inviting passersby to get out of the wintry cold. Low season for tourists means less crowds and more parking spaces available, which are big pluses for a family with young children. 

I had planned a drivearound of the upper Cotswolds on our first day. We visited The Slaughters, Stow-on-the-Wold and had brunch in Moreton-in-Marsh. The plan was that we would continue on to Chipping Norton, Chipping Campden and beyond. But during our drive we saw roadsigns displaying the distance to Coventry and Warwick. My wife suggested that we visit University of Warwick, where we both studied more than 20 years ago.  I was surprised that the kids were keen on the idea. I didn't have any trouble pulling out the University's postcode from my sub-conscience to key into the GPS. CV4 7AL.

It was surreal to be back at the University with our 3 kids. A number of new buildings have come up on campus since our graduation but many things look just the same. We visited the Social Studies building, which can be a confusing maze for the uninitiated. We showed the kids the lounge where we had cucumber or tomato and cheese sandwiches in between lectures. I pointed out the area where there used to be pigeonholes, the system of communication before emails came along. 

I took them for a quick tour of the Arts Centre, Tocil Lake to feed the ducks and the two halls of residences which we were housed in our Year 1. I was in International House, which had a good mix of international students. My wife was in Jack Martins, the only en-suite accommodating on campus at that time. After the campus tour, we drove to nearby Canley to look at my wife's hardship accommodation in Year 2.

20+ years flew by, just like that, in a blink of an eye. Through life's ups and downs, there is so much to thank God for.  The visit reminds us of how far we have come. This unplanned trip was a highlight during our visit to The Cotswolds.