The Cotswolds is an area of England known for their gentle hillsides, sleepy little villages, and honey-colored stone architecture. 

Because I know you're wondering: the  word "wold" is an old English word for "upland common." I have no idea about the "cots." Cotswold sheep, and the wool they provided, made Cotswolds merchants rich—-so rich they could build the fine homes and buildings still standing today, several centuries later. 

There is almost more coolness in the photo above than can be borne: horses in the village center; a Land Rover like the one the Queen uses in Scotland; a red Royal Mail van; ancient buildings made of ancient Cotswold stone; and cute little shops full of cute little stuff. 

​The village is called Bourton-on-the-Water because the River Windrush runs right smack through the main street and the village is, literally, On. The. Water. To get around, you go back and forth over these sweet little bridges.

​Or you sit and get your picture taken for folks back home.

Many of the cottages and house are at least 300 years old—with some dating back to Elizabethan times.

The Old New Inn was originally built in 1793. I wish I knew why it's called the Old New Inn, but I don't. I could understand if it was called the "New Old Inn" because that would mean it's a newer version of an old inn. But it's not, it's called the Old New, which makes not an iota of sense. It's a puzzle.

Just behind the Old New Inn is this. Notice anything amiss?

How about here? Anything just a little not-quite-right about this photo?

These are all part of a miniature display.

The Bourton on the Water Model Village was built in the 1930s and is an exact replica of the buildings in Bourton in the "30s. Cool, huh? It's built in a one-ninth scale and uses only authentic building materials.

It all looks so real...

...until the giants tromp in.

And just when you think it can't get any better than this, you find a model of the model.

And then -- a model of the model of the model.