Norwich

To celebrate a special date on a Saturday (and also for a break we desperately needed), we decided at the very last minute to go up to Norwich to visit my brother-in-law and his wife. They were sweet to take time out from studying to show us around the town. 

We got a good rate at Holiday Inn so we decided to stay there for the first night. Upon arriving, we did our favourite thing to do when staying in hotels which was to take turns in the lovely hot shower with great water pressure. :) It is the little things that make us happy! After a relaxing therapeutic shower, we headed out to meet up with the family. Jess made us carrot cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting. 

We went for a spin around the University of East Anglia's campus. Exploring the town center was next on the agenda. We had a late lunch at Grosvenor Fish Bar which coincidentally turned out to be the number one spot rated on Tripadvisor. The cod and chips were one of the best that we've had. Also very reasonably priced. The dining space was below deck. Very creative. 

We went on the Riverside Walk and then saw the Norwich Cathedral from a distance. After a good walk, we headed home and Jess made us a grilled chicken dinner.

The next day we checked out and joined Yih & Jess again for some chicken porridge that Jess made and some olive bread we found at Asda. After that, we all headed to Colts Lodge, a B & B that we had booked for the second night in Norwich. It was located on a farm which was quite secluded. 

When we arrived at the lodge, we were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was. There was an adjoining conservatory paved with rustic bricks. It was filled with fresh flowers and cozy wicker furniture. The dining room was separated from the living room by a dual-facing fireplace which was such a unique feature. The living room was very well-furnished and complete with many comfy armchairs, a well-stocked bookshelf, TV and a grand piano with many scores to choose from.

We made some hot chocolate and tea which was provided. The managers of the place was a couple called Andy and Caz who lived in the adjoining cottage. They were very welcoming and had no problems with us having family over for the entire afternoon. It was also great that no one else was staying there for the night except us so we could basically make ourselves at home in the whole cottage. We had bought some food for our dinner and heated it up in the microwave. After dinner together, my husband sent Yih & Jess home and drove in the dark back to the farm. :) He made it back safely otherwise we would have sent a rescue team for him. 

We finally settled into the room for the night which had cute tiny mason jars of candy on the bedside tables and mineral water. Nice touch. We enjoyed some TV in the room before turning in for the night- Top Gear and Night Cops. The next morning, we were greeted by a generous breakfast spread of cereals, coffee, tea, milk, apple and orange juice, fresh fruit and yogurts.

Andy and Caz also made us a wonderful English breakfast complete with Caz's homemade bread. It was such a treat. They were very friendly and we ended up talking for about an hour about travelling and life in the UK. 

 All in all, an unforgettable weekend getaway.