Had a bit of a lie-in today, but then got up and went out for a tiny run. Then home, shower, and breakfast. The weather was glorious, so we decided to go for a walk around the Great Orme -- it's 5 miles to walk the Marine Drive loop, on a paved road, with gorgeous views out to sea all the way. And halfway round there's a cafe called "Rest and Be Thankful", where we had a slice of amazing lemon meringue pie in the sun.
At the end of Marine Drive we crossed back to our starting point on Invalid's Walk -- as Tony said, you'll be an invalid when you finish. But it's a lovely view of town, and passes behind the site of a house where Alice Liddell (the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland) spent her summers. Pity the house isn't there.
We walked past the Great Orme Tramway -- which goes up to the top of the Orme, but I suppose it's not even as steep as the cable car hills in San Francisco, so it must be okay.
At a couple of points during the day we stopped in at various shops to start collecting our favorite British things -- shower gels, biscuits, and, of course, sweets. How we'll get everything home, I can't imagine. But we'll try.
Then home, where we chatted for a bit, had a drink, and then headed back in to town for (guilty guilty pleasure) -- proper British Fish and Chips. A massive filet of cod, perfectly breaded, with amazingly crisp chips and the finest mushy peas I have ever eaten. Fantastic! After dinner we stopped back in at the pub and Wil and I each had the other perry from the festival (though I'm not sure which one it was).
Once home again, we moved out into the garden and chatted for hours -- it was the kind of evening that Wil had especially been looking forward to. :)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
catching up
Slept well -- even if I did wake up a couple of times too early in the morning. Woke up around 9:30 to the strange sensation of light... and someone else in the room. I rolled over, slid my eyeshade up (hooray, again, for eyeshades), and looked at Wil... who also was peeking at me. We sat up -- carefully -- to find William at the foot of the bed. How long had he been there? He sweetly offered us coffee... running back to ask me what I would like... and then scampering off while we quickly got dressed before he could come back. Well, at least he didn't jump on the bed or start purring, like Squeek.
Got ready and out the door with Tony and Sue for the drive to Penrhyn Bay -- which is just as lovely as I remembered. It's such a treat to be driven around! Oh, and we stopped at Shergill's to buy 10 samosas and half a pound of veggie pakora -- heavenly -- which we nibbled on as we drove. Once settled in the gorgeous bungalow, we headed off again, to the Penrhyn Arms, an award-winning pub to try several ciders as part of the Great Welsh Cider and Perry Festival. (Yes, these are my people.)
Wil and I had two pints each -- it's a tribute to their strength that I cannot remember the name of either of the first round them. For our second round, Wil had a Black Rat or something like that, while I had a crisp, refreshing perry. Lovely! Then home, where we decided to go out for a walk near the Little Orme to see the sea lions (who weren't there).
We came home, relaxed a little, and then ordered waaaaay too much Chinese takeaway. Lovely, as usual. Within half an hour of dinner I was nodding off -- too much good food (and, of course, cider). So Wil made us go out for a brisk walk in the twilight to get some fresh air -- which was lovely.
Sure, it's late (half past midnight), but it does feel late and soon I shall be in slumberland. It's lovely to be here!
Got ready and out the door with Tony and Sue for the drive to Penrhyn Bay -- which is just as lovely as I remembered. It's such a treat to be driven around! Oh, and we stopped at Shergill's to buy 10 samosas and half a pound of veggie pakora -- heavenly -- which we nibbled on as we drove. Once settled in the gorgeous bungalow, we headed off again, to the Penrhyn Arms, an award-winning pub to try several ciders as part of the Great Welsh Cider and Perry Festival. (Yes, these are my people.)
Wil and I had two pints each -- it's a tribute to their strength that I cannot remember the name of either of the first round them. For our second round, Wil had a Black Rat or something like that, while I had a crisp, refreshing perry. Lovely! Then home, where we decided to go out for a walk near the Little Orme to see the sea lions (who weren't there).
We came home, relaxed a little, and then ordered waaaaay too much Chinese takeaway. Lovely, as usual. Within half an hour of dinner I was nodding off -- too much good food (and, of course, cider). So Wil made us go out for a brisk walk in the twilight to get some fresh air -- which was lovely.
Sure, it's late (half past midnight), but it does feel late and soon I shall be in slumberland. It's lovely to be here!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
West Bromwich!
Landed at Heathrow -- moved quickly through immigration, got the bags reasonably quickly, walked straight through customs, round a corner and then -- bang! -- there they were! So nice to see Sue and Tony in the flesh. Sue cried, there was lots of hugging, and we headed to the car.
Unfortunately, Sue and Tony hadn't received our "we're late!" email before setting out at the crack of dawn to London, so they had been waiting at the airport for hours. But I think they still thought it was worth it. :)
We hit the road as the weather turned nasty -- a lot of rain and spray making visibility very poor on the roadways. We tried to chat, but Wil and I kept nodding off. My only real memories are of the brief stop we made at a motorway services, and the two strangely dressed contingents: a number of men in rugby shirts going to see Wales play nearby, and a number of men in "cowboys and indians" gear, headed up to Birmingham for Gay Pride weekend. Interesting blend of folks.
Then things started looking familiar -- and we arrived in West Bromwich. We pulled onto the drive and out came Steve, Beck, Lydia, and William -- so big! So nice to see everyone! Of course, we were dead on our feet so after a bit of chat, we were sent to our room for an hour's nap. We passed out, essentially, then got up and had showers and then it was time to head to dinner at Tony's favorite restaurant -- the Akash.
All nine of us went -- Joe having come home from work -- and we had a fantastic meal (except for the glasses of "dry white wine" that Sue and I tried -- they were golden yellow and tasted.. well, let's just say I'm not sure they were made of grapes). And it was great to have the family together.
Steve, Beck, Joe, Lydia, and William went home in the van, but Tony, Sue, Wil and I decided to walk the 10 minutes home. Got home, watched a bit of "Britain's Got Talent", and then headed for bed.
Unfortunately, Sue and Tony hadn't received our "we're late!" email before setting out at the crack of dawn to London, so they had been waiting at the airport for hours. But I think they still thought it was worth it. :)
We hit the road as the weather turned nasty -- a lot of rain and spray making visibility very poor on the roadways. We tried to chat, but Wil and I kept nodding off. My only real memories are of the brief stop we made at a motorway services, and the two strangely dressed contingents: a number of men in rugby shirts going to see Wales play nearby, and a number of men in "cowboys and indians" gear, headed up to Birmingham for Gay Pride weekend. Interesting blend of folks.
Then things started looking familiar -- and we arrived in West Bromwich. We pulled onto the drive and out came Steve, Beck, Lydia, and William -- so big! So nice to see everyone! Of course, we were dead on our feet so after a bit of chat, we were sent to our room for an hour's nap. We passed out, essentially, then got up and had showers and then it was time to head to dinner at Tony's favorite restaurant -- the Akash.
All nine of us went -- Joe having come home from work -- and we had a fantastic meal (except for the glasses of "dry white wine" that Sue and I tried -- they were golden yellow and tasted.. well, let's just say I'm not sure they were made of grapes). And it was great to have the family together.
Steve, Beck, Joe, Lydia, and William went home in the van, but Tony, Sue, Wil and I decided to walk the 10 minutes home. Got home, watched a bit of "Britain's Got Talent", and then headed for bed.
morning
I don't think I slept much, sadly. We sat on the tarmac for a while, and then found ourselves at the back of a queue with the air traffic controllers -- but then finally we were airborne. Soon after they dropped off our special meals -- essentially what most people had, given that there was a vegetarian pasta option. Of course, getting fed first meant that we didn't get drinks until long after we finished eating.
Wil and I watched "The Young Victoria" -- at least he started watching it, but abandoned it in favor of trying to sleep. Easier said that done, of course. I tried listening to music, wearing the eye mask, everything. Perhaps a tiny bit of sleep.
Someone had a shrieking baby -- finally the flight attendants went and had a word with the parents. Bravo.
Landing in 90 minutes -- excited!
Wil and I watched "The Young Victoria" -- at least he started watching it, but abandoned it in favor of trying to sleep. Easier said that done, of course. I tried listening to music, wearing the eye mask, everything. Perhaps a tiny bit of sleep.
Someone had a shrieking baby -- finally the flight attendants went and had a word with the parents. Bravo.
Landing in 90 minutes -- excited!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Delayed in Detroit
We had a 2.5 hour layover in Detroit so weren't worried when our flight from Seattle was 20 minutes late. Indeed, we had plenty of time to wander the airport shops, marvel at the little red tram that zooms overhead, eat the snacks we brought from home... but we didn't quite have time for our pre-flight "to Betsy" drink.
We got to the gate 30 minutes prior to takeoff. I saw the plane and thought that there didn't seem to be much "bustle" around it. Then the gate agent said they weren't going to start boarding yet, but would have an announcement in 10 minutes.
Boo.
Sure enough, in 10 minutes, he announced that there had been a leak in the fuel system, and that they would have to bring in mechanics and testers, and it would take about 1.5 - 2 hours -- but that we should come back in 45-60 minutes for an update. We, of course, headed straight for "Slap Shotz", a hockey-themed bar, where we had tiny but absurdly strong drinks and seasoned cross-cut fries drenched in "cheddar cheese" sauce. Let's just say we didn't stick around for a 2nd round... though we did get to witness a woman reverently telling her young son "that's Gordie Howe" and making him stand next to the large autographed photo on the wall.
We found ourselves with more time on our hands, so we decided to walk around the airport. We took the tunnel to concourse B&C, which was a pleasant surprise. I was just thinking about the fantastic "Rhapsody in Blue" neon tunnel at O'Hare, and how great it is, when we descended to a low enough level to see the art installation. lights, music, rt glass -- and loooooooong moving walkways. Fantastic.
We got to concourse B/C -- nothing special -- and then decided to head back as the departure displays still read 8pm. The lights and music were even nicer on the way back. At some point Wil noticed an electrical outlet next to the moving walkway -- and imagined ourselves walking in place with our laptops plugged in.
Then up to the gate -- still empty -- and the agent was telling a would-be passenger that he would be making an announcement in 10 minutes. Ten minutes later, sure enough, he came on the loudspeaker and announced that they were still working, and would make an announcement in 20 minutes. Another 20 minutes have now passed... and he just made an announcement that they're still trying to identify the source of the problem, and that they would make another announcement in 20 minutes. We're now 90 minutes late. I wonder how long this will go on?
30 minutes later -- another announcement -- though this time they said not to leave the area...
Success! 2 hours after the flight was due to leave, there was another announcement. I couldn't quite hear him -- but I heard the whooping that went up. And then they announced they were starting boarding immediately. Excellent. I mean it's not like you want them to rush repairs on a fuel leak for a transatlantic flight... but.
We got to the gate 30 minutes prior to takeoff. I saw the plane and thought that there didn't seem to be much "bustle" around it. Then the gate agent said they weren't going to start boarding yet, but would have an announcement in 10 minutes.
Boo.
Sure enough, in 10 minutes, he announced that there had been a leak in the fuel system, and that they would have to bring in mechanics and testers, and it would take about 1.5 - 2 hours -- but that we should come back in 45-60 minutes for an update. We, of course, headed straight for "Slap Shotz", a hockey-themed bar, where we had tiny but absurdly strong drinks and seasoned cross-cut fries drenched in "cheddar cheese" sauce. Let's just say we didn't stick around for a 2nd round... though we did get to witness a woman reverently telling her young son "that's Gordie Howe" and making him stand next to the large autographed photo on the wall.
We found ourselves with more time on our hands, so we decided to walk around the airport. We took the tunnel to concourse B&C, which was a pleasant surprise. I was just thinking about the fantastic "Rhapsody in Blue" neon tunnel at O'Hare, and how great it is, when we descended to a low enough level to see the art installation. lights, music, rt glass -- and loooooooong moving walkways. Fantastic.
We got to concourse B/C -- nothing special -- and then decided to head back as the departure displays still read 8pm. The lights and music were even nicer on the way back. At some point Wil noticed an electrical outlet next to the moving walkway -- and imagined ourselves walking in place with our laptops plugged in.
Then up to the gate -- still empty -- and the agent was telling a would-be passenger that he would be making an announcement in 10 minutes. Ten minutes later, sure enough, he came on the loudspeaker and announced that they were still working, and would make an announcement in 20 minutes. Another 20 minutes have now passed... and he just made an announcement that they're still trying to identify the source of the problem, and that they would make another announcement in 20 minutes. We're now 90 minutes late. I wonder how long this will go on?
30 minutes later -- another announcement -- though this time they said not to leave the area...
Success! 2 hours after the flight was due to leave, there was another announcement. I couldn't quite hear him -- but I heard the whooping that went up. And then they announced they were starting boarding immediately. Excellent. I mean it's not like you want them to rush repairs on a fuel leak for a transatlantic flight... but.
en route to Detroit
So we're flying Delta -- the "flight leader" is one of those ancient flight attendants -- thin and taut and leathery, like a coiled bullwhip -- who has been flying since the miniskirt and jaunty cap days. There's nothing she hasn't seen, no route she hasn't flown. She knows no fear. The other attendant in our section is also older, but more frumpy, and even a little mannish. She looks as if some of the vertebrae in her neck are missing.
The leader attends to the pilots and those in business class. We get the minions, who seem nice enough, if a little terrified, of the leader.
I watch her bustling gracefully up and down the aisle -- I imagine that she studied ballet as a young girl (perhaps she still does?) and dreamed of a career on the stage. But the romance of travel -- and the carefree life of a stewardess beckoned (note: when she started, she was a stewardess. Honest.) Perhaps she flew the European routes, having affairs with handsome pilots, saving up to buy Hermes scarves, bringing home souvenirs for her kid sister. Perhaps she imagined that one day she would settle down -- mary that cute pilot from the NY - Paris flight - but couldn't kick the lifestyle. It's hard to settle down when you've got wanderlust.
So here she is, matriarch of the plane, running a tight ship but spoiling her regulars, just a little. Her kid sister is a grandmother now, so the souvenirs are brought to her great nephew (grand nephew?). But she still wears those gorgeous Hermes scarves.
The leader attends to the pilots and those in business class. We get the minions, who seem nice enough, if a little terrified, of the leader.
I watch her bustling gracefully up and down the aisle -- I imagine that she studied ballet as a young girl (perhaps she still does?) and dreamed of a career on the stage. But the romance of travel -- and the carefree life of a stewardess beckoned (note: when she started, she was a stewardess. Honest.) Perhaps she flew the European routes, having affairs with handsome pilots, saving up to buy Hermes scarves, bringing home souvenirs for her kid sister. Perhaps she imagined that one day she would settle down -- mary that cute pilot from the NY - Paris flight - but couldn't kick the lifestyle. It's hard to settle down when you've got wanderlust.
So here she is, matriarch of the plane, running a tight ship but spoiling her regulars, just a little. Her kid sister is a grandmother now, so the souvenirs are brought to her great nephew (grand nephew?). But she still wears those gorgeous Hermes scarves.
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