Today our friend shows us Taunton, the town (Ton) on the River Tone (Taun) in Somerset. We start at the Farmers Market with lots of locally grown fruit and veg, fudge and cider. Our friend tells us about the early prosperity of the area thanks to mines and railway lines that delivered fresh fish from the sea to the rest of the country. We see the earliest electric street lamp and the dragon of Taunton, the heraldic animal of Somerset.

At the Museum of Somerset, we learn even more about the area. The exhibition covers many eras of history. Bones and teeth from Ichtiosaurus, Plesiosaurus, mammoths, hippos, bears, moose and other animals that were once native to the area. Early human hand axes have also been found here, which look just like those found in Africa and Eurasia.

The Romans were here too – the Roman Empire stretched almost as far as Scotland (Caledonia). And here, too, the building techniques are almost identical throughout Europe, for example the bricks used for underfloor heating. Many silver coins are on display, found hidden in the floor of a Roman house. We also gaze at a large mosaic from the fourth century, which tells the story of Dido and Aeneas, the queen of Carthage and the hero of Troy.

One of the latest exhibits is the Cheddar brooch, which was only recently found. It is located directly below the largest collection of cauldrons in Europe.

We have lunch in the museum café and are surprised by the range of food on offer.

Now we pick up Mickey, who has been waiting dutifully at home. We drive to a garden centre, where he is allowed to come with us. It’s so nice how he snuggles up in the back seat and immediately feels at home. Garden centres in England are so much more than what we in Switzerland think they are. Their Christmas department is great. In addition to the many mushroom decorations, we marvel at the fantastic Christmas village. The small buildings are probably found in many British households.

We drive our friend and Mickey back home and say goodbye for the day. Wow, all the impressions and fresh air have made us all pretty tired. She gives us lamb stew which has been simmering away during our trip, with pita bread and tzatziki, to take to the hotel. Mmmmmh!