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Stanstad Airport
Waiting in line for the National Express Bus to Liverpool Street StationFinal tea party with Edgar and Georgie and off to the airport. A bit of a misstep with the Sat Nav but we eventually made it to the car rental return lot. Way early for the flight but better early than late.
Now that I have left the country I can actually tell you what I think of the Irish folks!! They like to present this facade that is all jolly, laughter, happy go lucky but really they are uptight, paranoid CONTROL FREAKS!!(hehe) I came to that conclusion after seeing nothing but hedges surrounding their properties, if not hedges then fences, and if not fences then gates. They have serious issues with outsiders.....I'm convinced this is an accurate interpretation of this passive aggressive behavior. I understand control, wanting to control your universe but these folks take it to the extreme. The world thinks it is the British that are uptight!! BUT, as long as their facade stays intact and their jovial side is presented all is good. We really did have a wonderful time with all the control freaks we met 😊
We had several tells us of Ryanair snafus but our flight was uneventful and on time. Caught
the bus at Stanstad for Liverpool Street Station. Found a ticket counter with assistance and just handed him Donna's directions. He promptly said well now you've missed the last train there so we'll have to send you a different way. He marked the Tube map took our money and sent us on our way. A bit disconcerting how far the escalators travel down underground!! It was fun and I got to visit Waterloo Station where my good buddy Jason Bourne had a wee bit of trouble 😊 We got off the train at Norbiton Station, walked down the ramp and couldn't believe our eyes....Gordon had just pulled up. He figured we'd be arriving about that time. Quick trip to the flat and a beautiful meal and evening filled with catching up on everyone and everything.
Sunday a.m. meeting and then off to cousin Jason & Jonelle's for a pizza party. Awesome to meet Jonelle and catch up with Jason. I think it has been about 20 years since I actually saw him. They have a delightful house with a huge garden and an amazing courtyard that now has an outdoor ping pong table. It might be time for Cathy
Waterloo Station
HUGE!!!! I think there were 15+ platforms that trains came and went on. and Ron to come over and show Jason and company how to play 😊 We had evening bible study at 6pm and then back to the flat to put on the walking shoes. Headed on foot to Kingston Upon the Thames. I don't know how many miles we walked but it seems like a lot but the evening was absolute gorgeous and a perfect temperature. Joseph was on his scooter and has mad skills. Gave me a heart attack a couple of times. Had a late Italian dinner and then home to pour over the London map and get pointers from Gordon.
Awesome day walking around London. Sunshine, warm temperatures and lots of people. Harrod's was as amazing as I remember it. Baby Monsees was a winner 😊 I'll describe with each picture rather than here. Not sure how many miles we walked but it was a lot. Hit the high points street wise, Waterloo, Piccadilly Circus, Regent, Oxford, Bond. All my walking on the treadmill before hand paid off!
Ended the day with a soccer game and evening with the young friends in London. Now impatiently waiting for the news on baby girl or baby boy Monsees......Amber
My traveling buddy
The trains are all getting upgrades and were clean and very pleasant. teased us with the call but then the Dr. came in again so now waiting! Just found out but you'll have to get the news from Amber & Nate.
We'll head out in the morning and see a few more sights before catching the Eurostar High Speed Train to Paris.
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Raymond
non-member comment
grandparents in waiting
Congratulations on your grandson-to-be. Lovely day here on the West Coast. Actually a bit too hot for this old sidewinder. Had an outdoor Canada Day brunch at Doug and Loretta's---a big crowd in honour of Trevor and Carissa's visit but I sat in the more comfortable atmosphere of the air-conditioned house. Sure enjoying keeping up with your travels. Just waiting for our "troops" to explode the front door off its hinges any minute!