I have not flown in 6 years and our trip to England is now here!!In my younger life I traveled a good bit- practically changed countries and sometimes continents every two years - but now I am quite stationary and travel does not appeal in the same way. I am generally very content in my little spot in Pendleton, except for the lack of close family no grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins to structure our world.
Yesterday was a full and magical day. We left Pendleton at 8am for Greenville airport. What a treat to be only an hour away and not having to drive through Atlanta traffic. We arrived at 9 and settled by the poinsetta christmas tree in the fountain and the flying geese decorated with little tiny red christmas hats and scarves. The kids were enchanted. Chloe got out her journal from Auntie Lisi and promptly started to discribe what she saw - big and awesome featured prominently. We were ridiculously early to the airport - our flight left at 12.30 - but both Neil and I are worrywarts so early was much better. The children handled it well - James less so, he is always eager to be going and not waiting. While we ate a late breakfast Auntie Lisi arrived and we had a little visit. Her plane left an hour before ours ...
The ride from Greenville to Detroit was short and straightforward. Detroit airport was wonderful - new and clean and enchanting. We rounded a corner to magical tunnel - wide and spacious with moving walkways on both sides and lined with the most beautiful mystical lights. Instead of racing along the walkways we wanted to linger and be bathed by the lights - drawn in by the colours and textures. Once in the terminal we discovered the gate and then were drawn to the bright red, gleaming monorail above our heads. We rode it back to the other end and walked the children the length of the terminal. CHloe was a trooper and carried a rather hefty backback all day. A highlight of the walk back was a fantastic dancing fountain - the water ran down the smooth edges into the floor. Both kids, and me, promptly played with the water flow - making dams and pools. James got the wettest.
We ate a little diner at Max and Ermas- what a great salad. The kids had their traditional travel food of grilled cheese sandwiches and Neil a burger, infinitely better than the Wendy's one he'd had the day before.
Three hours here flew by and then it was time to board. The plane was modern and had inseat entertainment. James was intrigued by the computer screen and generally worked it like a professional. Clearly computer contact at school is paying off. He was thrilled by the ability to type in his name in a Delta survey and spent a significant amount of time "typing" with all fingers.
We arrived in England to be told at immigration to circumvent the huge waiting crowd because we had children and wait in line behind a singal family. The immigration officer was a delighted and chatted to us about the weather (actual and potential snow!) and played with C & Js, trying to make Chloe talk.
We got our luggage and pushed through the gate to see Fiona and Robert (N's sister & nephew) waiting for us. Enthusiastic hugs were exchanged - the kids were a little restrained, but were clearly thrilled to meet their aunt and cousin. Fiona whisked us in her people mover to N's parents. We were planning to stay over night and then wrangle suitcases and children on 3 trains to Kent. The promise of a large snowfall meant we (thankfully) reassessed our plans. Fiona (THANKFULLY!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!) offered to drive us to my parents (thank you!!!) We left in a downpour of sleet/snowv- waving to grandma, grandpa, Uncle John and a very excited Robert. The three kids totally bonded - watching Tom and Jerry, playing in the garden and at the computer.
In the car the kids and I slept, Neil and Fiona chatted until we reached the hotel.
The hotel is clean and modern but quite strange. The room was littler than I expected and a family room means four beds crammed into the space - so not set up for the kids to sleep and us to watch TV or blog or talk. No phone, no heat, no clock or radio and no drawers!!
We wandered over to the hotel's restaurant/bar and Neil had his first ENglish beer in 6 years while we waited for my brother to pick us up. It was just fabulous to see him- I think of him as a kid but he is a grown man with his own kids and it is wonderful to see him as a daddy and get to know him as an adult, not just my brother. We had a wonderufl supper of fish and chips at M & D;s and nieces and nephews (C & J with Emilie and Alex) played and played. What a wonderful, wonderful day.
I am now sitting on James bed watching two children sleep and Neil sitting on the bed thinking about breakfast while I gab on here. I'll stop so he can have a turn.
Love you all.
Sue
