Getting to Know Marlow

From mid week through to the weekend, with most activities focused upon grand parenting and travelling on foot has meant getting to know Marlow quite well. With its vibrant streets, numerous parks and proximity to the Thames, the riverside town has much to offer. Our daily routine of walking with our granddaughter to school, then on to the daycare centre inevitably puts us near the High Street. The High Street is the center of many activities, from shops, restaurants, groceries, to coffee shops and more, it is a very attractive town!
On Wednesday, we were fortunate to attend the reopening of a pub, The Two Brewers - Marlow. Following a devastating fire in August, 2013, The Two Brewers, much like The Cheshire Cat near our home in Canada, has risen from the ashes... He (Anthony Burnham) and the Therrien family of  Cheshire Cat have so much in common. Located on St. Peter Street, near the Thames, it features an interesting layout with low beams, shiny black woodwork and a nice mix of furniture on bare boards, historical area pictures and brass ware. Rebellion, a local Marlow beer is featured, along with Brakspears, and Fullers London Pride are but a few of the beers offered. There are several wines on hand as well...Pinot Grigio seems to be a favourite! Because it was a 'soft' opening, the pub was quiet. The food (we tried the fish & chips the steak & ale pie) was perfect! The owner took time to chat and brought us up to date about the rebuilding process; a traditional old English Pub and restaurant, same location since 1775 is once again refreshing the downright sociable and the thirsty! Wouldn't you know it... I forgot my cap there, so had to return to be sure that the Stella Artois was properly tapped!
The week has also included a visit to Keira's school to attend a Harvest Assembly; an after school walk to All Saints Church of England, where Keira has been invited to audition for the children's choir. This very prestigious invitation could lead to a great musical education and an opportunity to be a part of a choir that sings locally as well as away from the community. Friday evening also included a walk to Keira's former school, Marlow Church of England Infant School or 'Sandygate' as it is known locally. There she attends a program called, "Stage Coach", a weekly training for the things that are done on stage... a well rounded acting program.
While it's been a quiet, child-centered weekend, we did get a chance to enjoy a favourite pastime of ours, watching the Ottawa Senators play hockey. Although puck drop didn't occur until 12:16 AM, Sunday morning, a win is a win and it was great to see...thanks to modern technology!
And now we prepare for the re-entry of the parents from their exhausting flight from Jamaica. They'll be flying overnight and arriving home tomorrow morning. It will be a joyous reunion for everyone.
Hopefully, we'll stretch a little beyond Marlow over the next few days, before it it time to depart for Basel, Switzerland, where we'll board the Viking Gullveig to cruise the Rhine towards Amsterdam.