Breakfast at Wimbledon Day 1

The magical day is finally here (Monday). I have taken the tube out here once before, to my total and utter dismay, on one fine September morn. From the famous Victoria Station, it is a straight shot on the District line to Southfields exit. Then a half mile walk to the queue. Just follow the masses.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club has grown considerably since 1972. It is one of the world's premier sporting events, and a major happening here in the United Kingdom. It is surpassed only by football, cricket and pub crawling, not necessarily in that order. Oh, and maybe for the first week of the fortnight, Glastonbury.

Sitting and standing in line (the queue) is a curious process. I have often stood in lines here in London for music concerts. It is mostly young people, who have nothing but time on their hands. I have time, and nowhere else to go. I met many interesting people while in line.

We form the queue in a park across the street from Wimbledon itself. They use the golf course to park cars. It must be heresy! The line is fairly neat and orderly. But as you can imagine, kids are playing hacky sack, cards, Wii, video games, listening to iPods, sleeping, eating, and nagging their parents.

I was able to meet the nicest ex-pats from Houston. They are here for a two year stint with IBM. Their two kids go to the International School here. Another Indian lady is an ex-pat from Chicago, along with her son. They all know each other, kids to same school, and hang out together in London. They were so nice to me, and it really helped pass the time.

I also met some crazy Italian men, who I told you have done the tennis Grand Slam. Pretty impressive. We had a somewhat limited, but spirited conversation about world wide sports, like World Cup Soccer, Olympics, but not much about U.S. events. I think they just hung around because one of the ex-pat women was wearing a rather revealing sun dress.

Alex and Susan's kids, two boys, were well behaved. They preferred to read books rather than play Wii or horse around. I thought that was pretty neat. He said they had grown closer as a family in their two years here. They went on many European vacations to expose the boys to more culture and geography.

But they miss things like American football, baseball, and pro basketball. They also miss good old American food. But they have really made their two years here a great experience. I admire them for that.

On my way back last night, in my sleepless stupor, I took a slight wrong turn, and ended up about two blocks away from my hotel. As I circled, I got closer, until I finally decided to ask. It was on the next corner!

This room, shall we call it rather loosely, a hotel room, is about the size of either Pandora's Box or a dressing closet back in the U.S. It has a single bed, small desk, small closet, and a mini sized bathroom. Pity you big people out there, as it would not work for the big guys. But it is very clean, quiet, and enough for me while I am here. Bit it has a just right sized flat screen TV on the wall, AC, and a hot water machine. Let's just say that if Sheri had joined me on this trip, it would not have worked out.

The English have been extremely friendly and helpful in my first day here. The stereotype of an Englishman or woman does not seem to fit. They smile and appear much more friendly than in my previous trips here. I will head out for my fist real meal this morning, skipping the 5 pound breakfast here at the hotel. Yesterday, I spaced out about three sandwiches between about 8am and 7pm. Someone told me the food out at Wimbledon is very good. We shall see.

I also plan on my first strawberries and cream, glass of champagne, and maybe a Pimm's. And my Oyster card, for transport on the Tube and buses was fantastic. It is a must for all U.S. travelers here.

I may take Wednesday off from tennis, and head out to Stonehenge or go to the theatre. The latest publicity over the Solstice out there has everyone talking about it. So, maybe I should go out there before the weekend crowds.

Also, the neighborhood here is very interesting, with lots of small hotels, and many neighborhood pubs and restaurants. I may try a little pub or an Italian place tonight. Bottom line, it is safe, and clean. I guess I got lucky when I chose this place to stay.

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