Chapter 117: Treats and Suites

nerd blog post #128

After an uncomplicated voyage from France, I arrived in England. I must say that this time, the travelling was much easier. I moved four times in France, so not only do I travel relatively lightly, but I have mastered the art of packing and carrying luggage. This being said, I have also decided that charity is necessary so I don't get too worn out. And so, when at the bottom of a large metro staircase, I wait until Prince/Princess Charming offers a hand. I just stand there, suitcases on the ground, looking up, and wait. It usually takes less than 30 seconds. The philanthropist stops, offers a hand, I act slightly surprised and accept, giving the heavier of the suitcases if the helper seems strong, and the lighter one if it's a woman or a wimpy man. And like that, I make it to my destination without any stress, pain or frustration.

I spent two nights in London, which was great. Because one of the fellows from the Globe was denied entry into the UK, there was an extra room in the hotel. Raffi spoke to the people in charge and they switched the name for me! So I had my own room with free soap and coffee and a special card to have buffet breakies! What a treat.

Another treat I had were Marmite crisps. I saw them in the store and bought them, the first bag of chips I have bought in a long, long time. But the combo of Marmite and chips seemed too delicious to ignore. They were delicious. I smelled like Marmite for the rest of the day, but didn't care because the treat was so good.

The biggest treat, though, was probably seeing Sister Act in the West End. Raffi did his undergrad training with the woman who played the lead, and she got us great tickets. We sat in the Royal Circle, front and centre! The best seats in the house. His friend, Patina, is the first to play Whoopi's character in this new musical that just opened in June. So she is famous now, her poster on buses and buildings, and it was cool to meet her after and have seen her in the show. It was a fun time. Musicals aren't my fave genre, but I love this movie and it was quite the spectacle to see!

On Thursday, I took an incredibly comfy coach bus to Birminghamandcheese to see Uncle Doug and Aunt Sheila. It has been a great visit. I love coming here - it's relaxing and we can talk about Canada and there are always treats around. Yesterday, I met AS downtown for lunch and then we window shopped in a few stores and then checked out a really neat market. We bought some fruits and veg and then browsed a bookstore before meeting UD and coming home. We had delicious take-away fish and chips for dindins and then AS's sister and family (from Feckinham Palace) came for a visit. It was nice to see them, though it feels as though it was just last week I was at their place in the country! The time has flown, and it continues to surprise me... Today, UD and I are going to the main street to look for half boot and something he needs, and then AS and I are going to a Garden Show to see the biggest carrots in the land! I head back to London tonight.

My vacay has started off well. I miss Paris, but it's nice to be with people here who know me and to relax a little bit. It's rainy and cool here, but I don't mind being inside before I head to the farm, where the temperatures are soaring in the 30s these days! Hope this finds you well.

Signing off,
Hincks.