I don't often get very excited before a weekend away but ever since I booked my flights for Jersey I had that same similar feeling as I had before I flew to Orlando back in 1995. The feeling that something magical was once again about to begin.
As the week drew nearer and more and more people were saying they were going the excitement began to build. I new all along Christine was coming from Jersey, as we booked our flights together. Then I found out David & Claudia were going, then Mark, Sadie, and Tracey & Serge. Many of whom I have not seen in years. Indeed the last time I saw Sadie was back in 1996.
Christine's flight got into London Gatwick at 1230 and so I made my way to the airport early and was waiting at the arrivals hall when she arrived. We had four hours to kill before our flight over to Jersey so made our way to a pub for a catch up and some lunch. Once we had dined we made our way upstairs to check in and as I touched the machine for self check in heard Alison Oliver behind me calling my name. The good thing about BA over some of the cheaper no frill airlines is your baggage is included in the fare. That said, Christine decided hers was small enough to go in the over head and as such decided to not check her bag. The four of us made our way through to security. I have to say I usually far prefer Gatwick to Heathrow, and am always amazed at how few people they have working on the security desks and how rediculously large the queue to get through Departures was. Eventually getting to the Xray we removed our belts, coats, shoes and laptop from the bag and had it all go through the Xray. Mine was fine but Christine's had highlighted something in her case and a security officer promptly opened her case and started to sift through her knickers and asking if she had any liquids. I think she must have pulled out nearly 30 different liquids from her bag ranging from Toothpaste to mouth wash & toner and creams. Thankfully none were over the 100ML allowance yet she said we were only aloud a single see through bag of items each. She thankfully said that as there were two of us we could share her allowance and managed to condense everything into two small bags and eventually we were through, re dressed and ready.
The four of us made our way to the VIP lounge that my membership allows me to access which always feels like a tranquil oasis compared to the stress and noise of the regular departure hall.
The Jersey flight was really quick. I think it was 35 minutes end to end. You felt like the plan was pointing upwards as we took off and almost immediately started landing. Bags in Jersey arrived within a couple of minutes. Was a refreshing change and then once we walked through to arrivals there was Nick, waiting to collect us. Indeed he insisted on collecting everyone all weekend and it was really nice to be met at the airport. Very welcoming.
We were dropped at our hotel long enough to hang up our clothes, grab a drink and then jumped into a Taxi over to Nick's home. It was here that we reunited with Mark, Sadie, Tracey & Serge. Ali & James had arrived at the party allready. We also got to meet Steve, Nick's brother and Nick's partner, Nathan. We all just milled in the kitchen, enjoying snacks and drinks and catching up. The amazing thing is it all felt like Disney was just yesterday and the memories came flooding back. Not long after Richard & Eros & Claudia and David arrived and suddenly the Disney gang were all reunited.
Nick poured Champagne and we all milled and chilled till close to midnight. Promising that we would all meet up more often, especially those of us in London. Christine was ready for bed and with an hour difference in time plus the fact she had been travelling all day we asked Nick to call us a Taxi but he insisted on dropping us back to the hotel. The perfect Gent. Thanks for all the hospitality Nick. I remember asking him last week what he would like as a gift. His answer was simple. Nothing, I just want you all to come and World Peace. Well the first part of that wish deffinitely came true. To be continued...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
I've seen some strange things in my time, but....
I went to the gym this evening, despite at 5PM feeling half exhausted and almost feeling in the mood to bail and cancel late afternoon. But with my Climbing class booked and having not climbed all week I went along anyway. I was glad I did in the end. I was given a chance to climb with one of the advanced climbers who taught me a few tips and I think I have finally learned to tie off the rope to my harness correctly, which is a step towards being signed off to be able to climb outside of the class sessions.
45 minutes is just about the right duration. An hour is so much that you can't help but exhaust your arms by the end. With my right arm still aching from the TRX course last Friday, I was just pleased to last the session and hoped a quick trip to the steam room would help loosen up my tight muscles. I had not been sat in the steam room more than a couple of minutes when another chap walked in. Wearing not a towell like the rest of us, not even a pair of Shorts, but wet suite style shorts & tee shirts and sat down, and started to read the Evening Standard. I was like, what the heck? I can understand you reading in a sauna where its nice and dry but in a wet and steam filled steam room and fully dressed? It did make me smile in thought at the simple fact, there aint noubt as weird as folk!
45 minutes is just about the right duration. An hour is so much that you can't help but exhaust your arms by the end. With my right arm still aching from the TRX course last Friday, I was just pleased to last the session and hoped a quick trip to the steam room would help loosen up my tight muscles. I had not been sat in the steam room more than a couple of minutes when another chap walked in. Wearing not a towell like the rest of us, not even a pair of Shorts, but wet suite style shorts & tee shirts and sat down, and started to read the Evening Standard. I was like, what the heck? I can understand you reading in a sauna where its nice and dry but in a wet and steam filled steam room and fully dressed? It did make me smile in thought at the simple fact, there aint noubt as weird as folk!
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Christmas 2010
Apologies for the late posting of this past Christmas. Feels like the whole festive season fell upon us in a flash and before you could say "The Baby Jesus", it was New Years Eve and work had fallen inbetween the two.
In reflection I think I prefer when Christmas doesn't fall on a weekend. Somehow it makes the week before Christmas shorter. The fact that without taking leave you had to work the full five days before the festive season meant that Christmas week filled long and very much a chore to wake each morning. Of course the fact that we had several work celebrations over the previous few weeks didn't help much. The staff Grand Ball on Northumberland Avenue kicked off a Tuesday, Gay Mens Chorus, HR Lunch, Team tour of Vinopolis to name but a few.
Christmas Eve came around and in my team's tradition we headed out for a team lunch to wrap up work for the season. Nothing fancy, just a quick beer (or Cider for me) to start start Christmas on the right foot. Then Pizza express for lunch. Wrapping up in Shepherds Market for a couple of Whiskey Mac (Which is somehow the team tradition) and then making our own ways back to our families and loved ones.
Dusan met me at Liverpool Street Station and we managed to get our train within fifteen minutes, back to Broxbourne where Mum & Dad collected us in the car. It was an amazing transformation in the weather. London was a mild 3 degrees and all the snow had long melted. Arriving in Broxbourne there were a good six inches of snow on the ground and it was way below zero from all the ice that had built up on the pavements.
Expecting to be spending the next few hours peeling vegtables I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Janice had already been over and prepared the vegtables that needed prep. God bless her. Which meant we could go upstairs, freshen up and get ready to go over to my Uncles next door for the traditional annual Christmas Eve Indian meal. Historically we have always started the festive period off with Indian at either my parents or my aunt & uncles, then the following day have Christmas at the opposite house and Boxing day back where we had Cristmas Eve. However this would have been the first year without our dear Auntie Pauline who sadly passed away suddenly in the Autumn. To this end, My Aunt's sisters two daughters, Nicola & Lyndsey and I volunteered to do the cooking on Christmas Day. Give Mum a year off and some time to spend with Trevor and the rest of teh family while we all take care of the food in the kitchen.
Going over to Trevors is the begining of meeting all the family again. Trevor, my three cousins, Janice & Colin, Nicola & lyndsey, my cousins Sam's three little ones. Alex who is 8 asked if he could sit with me at dinner and made me smile when he wispered asking about Dusan, "Where is that man from?".
The Indian was lovely but I truly felt stuffed by the time we had finished. How things have changed when by just after 10:00 Dusan and I were more than ready for bed. Maybe it was the excitment of Christmas?
Christmas morning I woke and could smell the pigs in Blankets that Mother had already put on. I rushed down to make some Coffee and to take over in the Kitchen. The Turkey had been cooked the night before and so Dad helped carve the Turkey while I carved the Gammon. Then after sharing all our gifts, Dusan and I were joined by Nicola & Lyndsey and started to prepare all the food. Janice had been keen that lunch was on time and we were happy to call everyone to the table ten minutes early. I knew I had done a good job with my potatoes when Lee whom had flown in just days earlier from Melbourne said, "These potatoes are legendary". I think the trick is in the grated fresh Garlic & Lemon Zest I grate over the top along with the Rosemary and of course Goose Fat. (Detox starts on Monday).
We dinner on a feast of food. Sausage Meat, Gammon, Potatoes, Parsnips, Pigs in Blankets, Corn on the Cobb, Carrotts, Beans, Cauliflower Cheese, stuffin to name just some of it. Of course it seemed like there was as much left as there was cooked but it would all go. Bubble & Squeek tomorrow!
By the time we had cleared the table and the 20 place settings, (Yes we cooked for 20), Miss Grace and I watched Doctor Who and then settled down in the lounge to play games with the kids. Musical Chairs, Sleeping Lions and then Alex wanted to plug in the Wii. Handy as I had just recieved from Dusan the Glee Karaoke set for Christmas! I think it was the first time I saw a game played that the entire family joined in. Cousins, Nephews, the entire family sang along and had a great time.
Boxing day was spent over at Trevors and originally we had said we would stay till Boxing day lunch and then head back to the big smoke. Nicola, Lyndsey & Samantha begged us to stay the extra night, then proceeded to dissapear to watch either Spurs or have a mid afternoon nap. I don't know how the Evans manage it? Christmas day there was a moment, post lunch, all four were asleep on the sofa!
Boxing Day lunch is actually my faveourite. Cold Meats, Salads, Mashed Potatoes, Pickles and Nicola's Bubble & Squeek. More Christmas Pudding, Triffle & Mince pies.
Having decided to stay the extra night meant I could enjoy a drink or two and then we started to play the games for the children. We were tucked up in bed just after 1030. Ever noticed how exhausting the whole Christmas thing is?
Arrived back home mid afternoon on the 27th and Dusan said, "It felt really right being at your mum's". For if there is one thing that Christmas is about its about Family. How lucky we are in ours that its such a great one.
In reflection I think I prefer when Christmas doesn't fall on a weekend. Somehow it makes the week before Christmas shorter. The fact that without taking leave you had to work the full five days before the festive season meant that Christmas week filled long and very much a chore to wake each morning. Of course the fact that we had several work celebrations over the previous few weeks didn't help much. The staff Grand Ball on Northumberland Avenue kicked off a Tuesday, Gay Mens Chorus, HR Lunch, Team tour of Vinopolis to name but a few.
Christmas Eve came around and in my team's tradition we headed out for a team lunch to wrap up work for the season. Nothing fancy, just a quick beer (or Cider for me) to start start Christmas on the right foot. Then Pizza express for lunch. Wrapping up in Shepherds Market for a couple of Whiskey Mac (Which is somehow the team tradition) and then making our own ways back to our families and loved ones.
Dusan met me at Liverpool Street Station and we managed to get our train within fifteen minutes, back to Broxbourne where Mum & Dad collected us in the car. It was an amazing transformation in the weather. London was a mild 3 degrees and all the snow had long melted. Arriving in Broxbourne there were a good six inches of snow on the ground and it was way below zero from all the ice that had built up on the pavements.
Expecting to be spending the next few hours peeling vegtables I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Janice had already been over and prepared the vegtables that needed prep. God bless her. Which meant we could go upstairs, freshen up and get ready to go over to my Uncles next door for the traditional annual Christmas Eve Indian meal. Historically we have always started the festive period off with Indian at either my parents or my aunt & uncles, then the following day have Christmas at the opposite house and Boxing day back where we had Cristmas Eve. However this would have been the first year without our dear Auntie Pauline who sadly passed away suddenly in the Autumn. To this end, My Aunt's sisters two daughters, Nicola & Lyndsey and I volunteered to do the cooking on Christmas Day. Give Mum a year off and some time to spend with Trevor and the rest of teh family while we all take care of the food in the kitchen.
Going over to Trevors is the begining of meeting all the family again. Trevor, my three cousins, Janice & Colin, Nicola & lyndsey, my cousins Sam's three little ones. Alex who is 8 asked if he could sit with me at dinner and made me smile when he wispered asking about Dusan, "Where is that man from?".
The Indian was lovely but I truly felt stuffed by the time we had finished. How things have changed when by just after 10:00 Dusan and I were more than ready for bed. Maybe it was the excitment of Christmas?
Christmas morning I woke and could smell the pigs in Blankets that Mother had already put on. I rushed down to make some Coffee and to take over in the Kitchen. The Turkey had been cooked the night before and so Dad helped carve the Turkey while I carved the Gammon. Then after sharing all our gifts, Dusan and I were joined by Nicola & Lyndsey and started to prepare all the food. Janice had been keen that lunch was on time and we were happy to call everyone to the table ten minutes early. I knew I had done a good job with my potatoes when Lee whom had flown in just days earlier from Melbourne said, "These potatoes are legendary". I think the trick is in the grated fresh Garlic & Lemon Zest I grate over the top along with the Rosemary and of course Goose Fat. (Detox starts on Monday).
We dinner on a feast of food. Sausage Meat, Gammon, Potatoes, Parsnips, Pigs in Blankets, Corn on the Cobb, Carrotts, Beans, Cauliflower Cheese, stuffin to name just some of it. Of course it seemed like there was as much left as there was cooked but it would all go. Bubble & Squeek tomorrow!
By the time we had cleared the table and the 20 place settings, (Yes we cooked for 20), Miss Grace and I watched Doctor Who and then settled down in the lounge to play games with the kids. Musical Chairs, Sleeping Lions and then Alex wanted to plug in the Wii. Handy as I had just recieved from Dusan the Glee Karaoke set for Christmas! I think it was the first time I saw a game played that the entire family joined in. Cousins, Nephews, the entire family sang along and had a great time.
Boxing day was spent over at Trevors and originally we had said we would stay till Boxing day lunch and then head back to the big smoke. Nicola, Lyndsey & Samantha begged us to stay the extra night, then proceeded to dissapear to watch either Spurs or have a mid afternoon nap. I don't know how the Evans manage it? Christmas day there was a moment, post lunch, all four were asleep on the sofa!
Boxing Day lunch is actually my faveourite. Cold Meats, Salads, Mashed Potatoes, Pickles and Nicola's Bubble & Squeek. More Christmas Pudding, Triffle & Mince pies.
Having decided to stay the extra night meant I could enjoy a drink or two and then we started to play the games for the children. We were tucked up in bed just after 1030. Ever noticed how exhausting the whole Christmas thing is?
Arrived back home mid afternoon on the 27th and Dusan said, "It felt really right being at your mum's". For if there is one thing that Christmas is about its about Family. How lucky we are in ours that its such a great one.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)