In Nottingham, we ran into Robin Hood. Here he is, clearly annoyed at the tourists climbing all over him for a cheesy photo op while he's just trying to get a clean shot off to save Maid Marion from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham who is trying to take back the money that Robin had rightfully stolen.

After our meeting with Mr. Hood, we were taken to the oldest Inn in England. Originally opened in 1189, this ancient pub is built into the same stone caves that Nottingham Castle is build into. All this lies over a vast network of caves that themselves were originally used as a brewery, dating from the late 11th century.

Check the picture of the haunted ship, and read the spine tingling description of this ghastly ghostly relic. The draught was excellent as well!

Our hosts for this excellent historical adventure are some dear friends, Gordon and Michelle, with whom I had spent all of 3 hours with over the past 8 years of our friendship.

I had met them at a random pub in London forever-ago. I was having a pint on a hot summer afternoon, curled up alone in a little alcove with room for probably four.

They asked if they could share the space and of course I said yes. Michelle then quite accidentally kicked my leg. I said something silly, we all laughed, the next thing you know Bob's your uncle, three hours passed in a flash, we and left the pub as great friends!

I had not seen them again until yesterday, but we had kept up on social media. When I told them I was coming through, they immediately opened their beautiful old home in a place called The Walled Garden, which is exactly as quaint and beautiful as it sounds.

We had an amazing time, met some of their kids, laughed and talked and left promising each other that we can't wait another 8 years before seeing them again.

How amazing is it when you meet people that instantly click? And we are so looking forward to seeing them again.