travelswithalice

We have returned to Hawley House where we stayed before going off to Stanley. 

They’ve given us an upstairs room this time. With two balconies. 

We’ve booked for dinner, placed our orders with sisters Chloë and Sophie, and we’re now sitting in this gloriously restful, pretty olde-worlde room. It’s all done up in sky blue.

I’ve turned the armchairs around to face the vine-clad front balcony. It looks over the lake, onto the sea, and into the mountains. All three French windows are open to the soft breezes and birdsong.

I feel right at home here. This is what my country house would feel like if I had one.

Later, I watch the moon climb up a cloud-streaked late night sky. I’m completely overwhelmed by the sight of Jupiter shining through the dark clouds that have completely obliterated the stars that had earlier blazed so bright. I wish I had a telescope! And I want to have a record of what I’m seeing. I wish I could at least take a picture!

Before I drift off to sleep, I hear creatures scampering on the balcony at the back; there is tapping on the windows, weird sounding calls, honking. It’s almost like being on safari!

In the morning, on the rear balcony, the moon is still up. There’s birdsong all around. And my gallant knight has brought me breakfast. 

Life is beautiful.