A little sun, a visit to the dentist in Reading

The rain stopped for a few hours one morning so we made the most of it!  Katherine and Beth went for a run in the countryside (we take turns, we don't actually abandon the children), while Clare and Rachel finally (!!!) got to go in the paddling pool.

We made the most of the morning sun:


Bathing beauty


picnic lunch that ended when the rain started...

And then a trip into Reading.  Katherine broke a tooth while eating salad (and is only going to eat bacon, meat pies and alcohol for the rest of the trip.  Fortunately the UK has a National Health Service density and private practices - sometimes in the same clinic.  This means that foreigners can access the dentist by paying the private system.  And even more fortunately  - their rates for an exam and a filling are very, very reasonable.  Here's hoping the travel insurance we paid for covers it!

Reading is between 2 rivers - the Thames and the Kennet - and they have made the most of their waterfront!  This is behind the big shopping mall, the Oracle:


Bars and restaurants line either side of the river including Jaimie Oliver's Jaimie's Italian (good food) and the Slug and Lettuce (terrible service and so-so food)...

After a week and a half of very busy days, it was good to have a slower pace. 

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