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Published: March 20th 2006
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All loaded up ready to go
Ok, so I'm posing a little for the photo. 18/2/2006
It was up early again to return the car before 8a.m, and I got it there safely. I'm very proud of myself that I managed to navigate Canada without the hint of an accident, considering I've lost count of how many times I've nearly been run over crossing the road.
For the rest of the day we tied up loose ends in preparation for our journey to Billings, Montana. It's been 15 years since I went to school in Billings so I was excited/nervous/apprehensive all at the same time.
19/2/2006
Packing wasn't much fun, and luckily for me Beck did the majority of the work sore elbow and all. We have been so lucky to have the use of Sal and Phil's house and hopefully some day we can repay them one way or another.
We decided to catch a taxi to the Greyhound Bus Terminal due to the amount of luggage we had. The taxi driver was so polite, dropping sirs and maams everywhere, though I'm not sure if he was too happy with the tip. We really haven't enjoyed tipping in Canada, we like the certainty of a bill. It can also end up a lot more
expensive than you planned when you take into account tax as well as the tip.
Waiting for our Greyhound Bus we had McDonalds breakfast, which was meant to be our lunch as well. You always regret eating McDonalds after the event. It was a little wait, and then we boarded our bus bound for Seattle.
Our bus driver sure was a character, and I don't mean that in a nice way! He was gruff, repeated himself and was very self important. At every stop he said the same thing, "blah, blah, blah ... listen to the advice i give regarding transfers/customs, but if you don't it will be your own fault. Here at Greyhound our bus drivers are very approachable so if you want a chat make your way down to the gate, but whatever you do don't touch the gate, I repeat don't touch the gate. If you come down for a chat you will need to raise your voice over the noise of the engines, but we don't appreciate being yelled at." This was repeated so many times that we were laughing by the time we got to Seattle.
Prior to entering Washington State and the US we had to go through customs again. We were prepared this time so it wasn't as much of a shock, it was still very thorough though. Fingerprints and photos were taken, and we scoffed our two bananas one minute prior so weren't seen to be bringing fruit into the country. Then it was back on the bus with our favourite bus driver (sarcasm intended!). We had followed the driver's instructions correctly and therefore we successfully arrived in Seattle.
From here we had to catch a shuttle bus to SeaTac airport. I expected there to be a currency exchange at the terminal but there wasn't, so the shuttle driver stopped at the bank for us. This driver was a lot happier, and proceeded to give a commentary from Seattle out to SeaTac regardless of whether anyone was listening or not. Although he did make the fatal mistake of suggesting we were flying British Airways after hearing my accent!
Once at the airport and through security we had some time to kill, so we went and had some Mexican. It was cheap and brilliant. Best meal I've had so far - chicken burrito. Up until the flight we read our books (Beck bought Anne Frank's diary). Both of us have been struggling to get over a virus, and Beck seems worse than me today.
I rang Joel who was my best friend in Montana 15 years ago when I went to school there, and who was picking us up, that our flight was on time. Then when it was time to board and we were all lined up, they announced that the flight was delayed, but it turned out to be only 15 minutes; waste of an announcement really.
We had to walk out onto the tarmac to board our plane, which was a bit cramped for height and leg room, and had propellers as well as engines. Our seats were right near the wheels, and it was interesting/disconcerting to see how they folded up/out after take off and for landing.
I read my book during most of the flight, but as we saw lights I put it away, being excited that we were passing over towns like Helena, Bozeman, Butte, and getting nearer to Billings. Getting off the plane, we were half way down the escalator when I picked out Joel. Unfortunately we hadn't stayed in touch over the 15 years, but it didn't matter we talked non-stop until one in the morning. Joel picked us up in Becky's car (very impressive), and I didn't know they had moved until Joel started making some turns I hadn't expected. We even passed a couple of deer on the side of the road, and this is near the centre of the biggest town in Montana.
Tim and Becky have a great house, and I told myself I should get up in the morning to see them before they go to work.
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noely
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british airways
Dan, Busdriver wasn't too far wrong now that you are an honarary pom for a year and even playing soccer, can't wait to hear the english accent when we catch up with you next. Looking forward to update on Billings.