Cheers from England...

[kybearfuzz]

Well, I'm here, safe and sound in Welwyn Garden City, about 25 miles north of London, here in England. Traveling over here wasn't bad. The cab I took to Waterford had to go the long route because of the Tall Ships festival which had most roads closed, so we took the ferry across the River Barrow, which was neat because I'd never ridden one. It took about ten minutes to cross and I managed to get a photo of a nice burly daddy bear. The only negative from the cab ride was the cabbie, who reeked of tobacco and actually farted when he got out of the car to ask for directions. No photos of that.

The small airline I flew to England milked me out of 30 Euro because they said my bags were overweight. To which, I responded, "They're not overweight, they're stocky.." I loved the blank response I got from the ticket guy. I did get a picture of a cute bearded worker guy in the airport. I'll be posting pictures for a month when I get home. The plane itself had propellers, I swear... again, another photo.

My new hotel is strange. There's no phone in the room, which puzzled me greatly. Apparently you have to stay in their "Metro" locations for a room phone. Now, since when is that a perk? I've stayed in some crappy hotels before, but they've always had phones. They may charge you and arm/leg/nut for it, but it's there. And the WIFI network there has great connectivity... for a price... about $12/hour. Uh, no... Now I know why the signal is so strong on my 3rd floor room, because no one is apparently using it. No posted pics until I can get home, I'm afraid.

The hotel's only saving grace is its location. I'm about 1/4 mile from the mall and the train station. I'm using the internet cafe in the mall right now for a much more reasonable price. I'm actually debating going into London as the trains and metro are working for the most part and there isn't much to do here. We're not supposed to let the events of Thursday ruin plans, so I think I may be venturing out. More pics forthcoming.

Comments

Welcome to the United Kingdom

[(Anonymous)]

Glad you made it safely across the water, albeit in a World War II bomber aircraft. I see no reason why you shouldn't go to London - the chances of any of us being involved in an incident are the same as being struck by lightning, and my philosophy is what's for you won't go past you. You go and charm those London boys and take their minds of the unpleasantness of Thursday. Sounds like the hotel you're in is part of a budget chain, similar to the Travelodge one I stayed in Aberdeen last year. It had no telephone either, so when I asked if I could have a morning call, they gave me an alarm clock!

Re: Welcome to the United Kingdom

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Hey there,

I may have to ask about the room call and see what happens. I don't much like the idea of leaving my waking up to chance, especially when I'm working.

[clintswan.livejournal.com]

stay safe!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I always try...

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

Have a great time, but please be careful. HUGS

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'll do my best if I go.

[hankbear.livejournal.com]

I know it isn't the right reaction to stay away from London, but do be careful!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Hank, I'm not sure I'll go or not, but I'll be on my guard.

[jbear70.livejournal.com]

A lot of the hotel in Europe are like that -- no T.V.'s in the room and no phones. Don't know why it's really like that. In order to get something akin to an American style hotel you have to stay at an American hotel (which is a premium.)