Back in tune

We made a return to "the best place on earth". Over a few years, I had been worrying that it was trying to move up market and become exclusive and elitist - it easily could, if it wanted to. I think the Covid staycation boom scared and overwhelmed them a little, provoking a defensive reaction. That is now definitely over - in beautiful June weather, the area is back to its sleepy, deserted best - and the Druidstone is back to its chaotic, ecclectic, threadbare welcoming self

A notice on the gate said they were hosting a wedding, so would be pleased to welcome us another day. We ignored it and drove in, politely asking if it was true. Thirteen-year-old daughter was dispatched to remove the notice. If you want something, you have to find someone to ask. MrsM negotiated with them over cakes - baklava was available and recommended, but how many servings? We often share a cake, but baklava is expensive to produce, should we order one or two pieces; how big are they? No firm conclusion was reached; they served three pieces and we ate them all (it's not the first time this drama has played out - last time it was profiteroles! We are perfecting our part) 

As we waited to be served, this couple (father and daughter) arrived. They said if we wanted to move further away, they would not be offended - his wife was as far away as possible, he said. We stayed; they played beautiful, sad music in a minor key; some traditional Jewish, some Beethoven, Chopin, an unattributed French piece. We clapped. He said he passed piano grade 5 seventy years ago, but had not really progressed since then! 

Time to move on; we found someone to pay, eventually. I bought some local honey, because it had the hotel name on it. They warned me it was ridiculously expensive, thinking I would change my mind; I said it's fine. MrsM found a present to take home; that and the tea and baklava were ridiculously cheap. We left, smiling in a major key