We arrived in Heathrow and immediately went to pick up our cars. While at training we had determined that we probably needed two cars because of the amount of luggage that we would have. A car that would seat us all and our luggage was not something that Super Handsome was comfortable driving because of the size of the roads.
When we went to pick up our car we once again found out that our reservation was messed up (if this seems to be a reoccurring theme, you would be correct!) So, Super Handsome arranged for us to get two cars. The first car has been smoked in, so Super Handsome had to take a bigger car than he wanted. He let me take the little BMW 1 seris and he took the Puegot estate (station wagon). I have been very grateful to have the smaller car on many, many occasions.
Driving on the wrong side of the car and on the wrong side of the road has been very interesting, to say the least! There are times that I do not want a car at all and then there are times that I see that I can't do with out one... in the future I will do some posts devoted just to the driving. I have already had some very interesting incidents, to say the least!
Our first stop was at McDonalds to grab a drink and a bit of lunch. McDonald serves different food here, a lot more chicken and hardly any burgers. It seems to be a bit more healthy. They also have potato wedges!
We arrived at the hotel to find yet again that out reservations were messed up. They only had Super Handsome booked for one room. Later, the staff figured out that I had been booked a room as well. The rooms though were not connecting or a family room.
The staff was very sympathetic and worked very hard to put us in rooms that were across the hall from each other with roll a way beds. They promised us a room change on Saturday. They got us into a room as fast as they could and we went in and rested for a bit. Super Handsome headed into work. Before he went he showed me the map of where we were and suggested where I should go. We had to use a map because Super Handsome had not had time to get the GPS updated with the UK maps! So, I headed up to Bishop's Stortford with the boys to have a look around.
We headed up to Bishop's Sotrtford and thankfully found a place to park at the train station. It was late enough that I was able to find a free parking spot. It seems that most parking spots you have to pay for, not many are free. Parking is a pain, thankfully I have a small car to squeeze in small spaces, and as Kellie Wallace-Kalnajs and my other drivers ed partner (was it Kathy Hauge-Struecker?) might remember I have a gift for parallel parking in small places!
Then we got out and wandered around looking for the information station. They would have maps and other useful information for us. Unfortunately, they were closed. We were suppose to meet Super Handsome around 5:30 at the information station, since I did not have a cell phone the plan was to keep checking back every half hour if he was not there. After dark I decided to take the kids back to the hotel. They were exhausted. As we walked into the room, Super Handsome called. He met us back at the hotel. Everyone but Kid 2 went to grab a bite to eat at McDonalds, for the second time today. As many of you may know McDonalds is one of my least favorite places to eat, in the world. At least they seem to have some healthier choices here though.
One things that the kids and I discovered that they hate riding with me. They have some understandable reasons! I have not driven a manual in a few years. It has not been a complete relearning process, but it has been definitely painful. It is a bit unnerving to driving on the wrong side of the road and on the wrong side of the car. There are a lot of things to adjust to and then I have to remember to shift. I have killed the engine too many times to count, mostly because, I end up sticking the gear shift in the wrong gear because I am panicking. The hills were a bit stressful at first, as well. I also tend to jerk the car a bit when I shift because I take the clutch out to fast! :) I like to drive my car like a race car! Sadly, it makes the kids feel a bit woozy, especially when they have not had much to eat! My older two remind me often as we are getting in the car that I go to the OTHER SIDE now. I have had at least one person tell me to drive on the "right" side of the road. Once when I was following Super Handsome when we were late for a viewing appointment, I pulled out in front of a man in a delivery van and he SCREAMED idiot at me. Sadly, I just laughed.... and honestly, it still makes me laugh. Maybe because he sounded a bit like Yosemite Sam when he is screaming at Bugs Bunny? :P
I look forward to hearing more! Brian said he felt driving on the right was more natural, for him. (I did not attempt it - was too scared to try so kudos to you!) Also, I don't know how to drive a stick, so I'd like to learn, but we no longer have a manual.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned, we are attempting to move to Ireland. Brian is doing a job search, but between tough immigration standards and the economy, it may take awhile. However, I don't know that I could handle such a major move in as short a time as you did, so I am trying to focus on doing things that simultaneously help us get ready for eventual relocation and also just help us live better on a daily basis (e.g. decluttering).
We were originally considering a trip to England for our 10-yr anniversary (next year!), but we may reroute to Ireland to work on job hunts in town, while enjoying some more of Ireland that we missed out on the last time around.
I hope we will join you on the other side of the pond by school year's end/summer. We could visit each other. I think that would be great :)
Yes, my lady, I do recall your parking abilities lol! I commend you though, cuz I think I would be too scared to drive over there on the wrong side of the road lol. I do envy you the experience being over there though!
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