Too Many Accents, Too Little Time: The Cotswolds

This past weekend, I journeyed out to the English countryside to visit an area known as the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a collection of small towns who boasted wealth made from sheep's wool in the middle ages. The name Cotswolds literally means something along the lines of "sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides." It has been named an area of outstanding natural beauty- and for good reason!

While there, we visited four towns:

1. Moreton-in-Marsh (aptly named for its bog-like surroundings)

2. Stow-on-the-Wold

3. Lower Slaughter (strangely enough, having no connection to people or animals being killed)

4. Bourton-on-the-Water (the English version of Venice...

doesn't everywhere in the world have their own version of Venice?)

Originally, the plan was to take a bus between each of the towns while leaving extra time for things like watching the England-Wales rugby match in a local pub. However, train problems persisted (the announcement on our way out from London was that our train was "deemed a failure"... that poor train, its confidence will never be the same),

followed by local traffic issues. Essentially, out in the middle of nowhere, there is one road which connects each of the towns. If there's trouble (ie, a

sheep crossing), then there's nothing you can do... other than wait.

Which led us to venture out on foot.

And what a way to see the Cotswolds! Our cleverly purchased "Walks of Stow" brochure filled in the gaps left by Rick Steves' instructions (ie, follow the footpath... seriously, Steve?). We were soon walking through private horse fields, past manors, around cricket fields, through

the wood, next to orchards, and finally returning to 'civilization.' I had no idea that I would be walking through a Jane Austen novel- at any moment, I expected Mister Darcy to ride up on his horse. It was a glorious journey, though it felt odd to be wearing jeans and riding boots instead of 19th century flowing dresses.

If you ever plan a London-based trip and like me, enjoy a little country time after visiting a city, the Cotswolds is a great option. But remember your hiking boots- as most of the beauty is on the surrounding hikes!

Here are some of the best photographs taken along the way.