The hotel was the slightly dodgy sounding Purple Orchid down in Livermore. This is a town a little south of us but the short drive takes you into a different world - rolling green hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Quite strange with the East Bay megalopolis so near, and a proper break from reality. We wandered the grounds in sunshine and enjoyed the complimentary afternoon wine and nibbles. The owners have newly bought it, having been wedding photographers in Vegas (speaking of different worlds). They had a 10-month-old, and there were only a few other guests, so the whole thing resembled a relaxed rural daycare. With wine. It was completely fabulous, and just what we needed.
We came back this morning having learned several new things: you can get Indian food almost as good as in Britain around here; Walnut Creek has two wineries (how did we miss them?); after another night of chuckling/singing/ grunting/growling, Peter is old enough to move into his own room. Maybe Hannah too.
This is the place.
See? Rather nice.
Charming.
Splendid.
Cheese and wine is served at 4.30pm, and we don't need telling twice.
If your baby's poo is purple, you're feeding him too much Beaujolais.
One for baby, one for mummy and daddy.
Extending the olive branch - in a few years (says the proprietor) California will be the biggest producer of olives in the world.
Ready for another chicken tikka masala.
