This story begins on a boat on the Mekong River, on a 2 day trip downriver, from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, Laos. Travel pal, Jim, and I had taken the route a previous year on a freight boat, interesting but far from comfortable. In other words, an adventure. So we decided to do it again and up the budget, opting for a Luang Say cruise with the overnight stop in Pakbeng in their private lodge, rather than in the budget hotel of the first trip.
We found our spots on the boat and shortly thereafter, an English couple sat down in the facing chairs, Rosemary & Nigel Grove-White. They were charming company for the 2 days we floated on the river and we got together again in Luang Prabang. During our conversations, it was revealed that they owned a B&B near Oxford, a place I was very likely to find myself one day, and I tucked the information away in my mental travel file.
It was, if I recall, 2 years later that I made a reservation by email at Home Farmhouse, in the village of Charlton, Oxfordshire. I stayed for 2 nights and it was wonderful to see Rosemary, an interior designer, and Nigel, a retired military man, again. Rosemary cooked for me and another party of guests, whom she charged for our dinner and I enjoyed on someone else’s dime, I’m not sure whose. One doesn’t ask. Thank you, Rosemary, for the delicious chicken dinner and your impeccable hospitality. I so hope we meet again.
Nigel, bringing in the groceries.
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