Ian is coming to America … just in time for Christmas! I’m excited to have him here, in the place that I’ve been telling him about for so long. We’re busily plotting our Christmas dinner and where he wants to go and things we want to see.
This will be the first time TLK has met Ian, and I know they’ll interact famously.
And I’m sure the dogs will not be willing to let him out the door. I can see us coming home, and they’re jumping on him instead of me. hehe 
I am fascinated by canal boats, and Ian had the brilliant idea to go to the canal boat museum.
We walked through the museum itself (fascinating.. you must go, if you can), then walked down the canal, where a man and his wife were about to turn their canal boat around in the canal.
It was fun to see them maneuver their boat in the canal. Afterwards, they headed through a long tunnel (about 1.5 miles, if I remember correctly, and I may not).
Walking along the footpath, we found blackberries (yum) and talked about poisonous berries vs. the berries you can make wine out of (don’t confuse the two).
It was SO much fun!
I think that one day, I fancy a vacation involving a canal boat, a handsome British poet and TLK.
So, back to the bouncy, happy woman. We shall call her “Jane”. Or, you could call her my sister, since she seems to be every bit of what I’ve always said she is: My sister. Upon arrival at their lovely flat, we met Fletch, who was exactly who I imagined he’d be, as well (funny how this Internet thing works, innit?)
We talked for awhile, then headed to a nice local pub for Leffe. Leffe. What can I say? Leffe goes down smooth. It goes down smooth x4. The light german beer inbetween just makes you want more Leffe.
Can you say “toasted”? I thought you could!
After too many Leffe’s and some pistachios and cashews, we went to an Indian curry house, where I asked Ian to order for me (lamb bhuna) and then Jane and I attempted to use the ladies room. I could not walk a straight line at this point, or stop laughing. I washed my hands and attempted to use the hand dryer, which we could not figure out. Finally, Jane got it working, so I used it for .. oh… 2 seconds, and was ready to go.
After dinner, Jane and I walked back in the rain whilst the guys picked up snacks. Somehow, I ended up drinking a glass of wine, got a headache and decided that Leffe was not good for me, to the extent that I have sworn off Leffe. Although I will always remember it’s very smooth taste. Good Belgian beer.
In the morning, I made pancakes, after the guys went out for supplies and Jane made us coffee. What is
fun about British households is that coffee and tea always seem to be readily available. At home, I can go ages without drinking a thing, but we were always picking between coffee and tea.
Anyway, the pancakes seemed to live up to expectations.
After awhile, we headed off to Cambridge, for a tour of the city. The city was amazing, full of students returning to school and people wandering through shops and coffee houses. The architecture was ancient, by American standards, the company was wonderful and I think I can safely say we all had a great time.
Ok. The whirlwind tour of England, which was actually for a week, but seemed more like an hour and 1/2.
Day 1 – This was a day of travel. The dogs had been dropped at the kennel. The child had been dropped at her father’s, and I headed for the airport 2 hours in advance. I was frazzled. I couldn’t find the airport. The construction around the area had eliminated a few signs indicating the logical route to the airport.
Ok. Who has taken the airport? Oh. There it is!
I parked in far-away parking and rode the shuttle to the airport, checked in my luggage and waited for the plane to leave. Ian and Jane were texting me all along. So exciting. I am leaving the COUNTRY!
Day 2 – Starts at 6am when the plane lands in London, having not slept most of the overnight flight (but tried). I notice the directional traffic differences from the air, the fact that the sun is rising already (it’s midnight my time) and then….. it occurs to me… “OMG! Ian is in the airport, waiting for me!”
I proceded through security after speaking to a very thorough border patrol agent.
My luggage was immediately available. I grabbed it and headed for the restroom, since I’d needed to “go” for the last 45 minutes. LOL Eventually, I found the correct customs line and proceded without incident (or person to talk to) in a matter of seconds.
I spotted the man in the Spider Pig shirt. He was EXACTLY what I expected. He smiled at me and said, “See? I knew you’d be perfect.” We shared a hug and kiss, he grabbed my suitcase and we started walking… smiling at each other. We talked about how bizarre it was that I was actually there, then I grabbed his hand and it was off to find the car.
We took a long country route home. I saw loads of old architecture and deer, as my handsome tour guide began to describe what I was seeing. Part-way through, the jet lag started to hit me. I felt nauseous, especially on the round-a-bouts… many, many round-a-bouts.
We spent some of day 2 going through Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, looking for various items for my personal chef to cook!
We slept for awhile. We called Jane to say “HELLO!” (as we say it to each other) and we arranged for Day 3, visiting Jane and Fletch.
Day 3: Saturday in the market. We don’t have many (if any) open air markets where I’m from, especially filled with Indian food, fresh fish, clothing, and especially my handsome British tour guide.
After walking through the market, we walked through the shopping mall, looked around at various things, found Butterfinger candybars and returned home. Soon after, we took off to meet Jane and Fletch, where some really bouncy woman met us in the parking lot, very excited to see us, and very much like I imagined.
I’ll leave you with these photos for now. More to post on Day 3 later.
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| The meat and cheese case in the market |
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My handsome tour guide  |
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| Lots of interesting/fresh fruits and vegetables |
… just temporarily, evidentially. The flight went well, and 12 hours (4 of them in the airport) seemed to pass quickly. Well, except for the 4 hours in the airport.
Border control was interesting, but I was prepared. Thanks to Ian.
You’re travelling alone? Yes
The purpose for your visit? Holiday
Do you have family here? No, just friends
Is there a reason you’re here now, rather than any other time? No, just holiday from work
What do you do for a living? Technical support; I run a help desk
For anyone in particular? Yes, (my company’s name)
How much money do you have with you? xxx pounds and some credit cards
How are you leaving the airport today? A friend is picking me up
[stamps passport]
“Enjoy your holiday in the UK”
Where then I lollygagged getting my luggage, took a long-needed bathroom break and went to find the lovely man in the Spider Pig shirt.
Last night, moroccan chicken… to die for. And lots of sangria.