So, on to England!
I flew in Saturday & Stepfie picked me up at the airport. I *almost* didn't make it through customs though, as I'd forgotten to print off her information. When the customs agent asked me why I was here, where I was staying, etc. all I could say was "I'm visiting [real name], whom I met online, and am staying with her family!" She asked where they lived, but I hadn't memorized it, and only had that info on a memory stick, and they had no way to access it. She asked whether I had documentation of my credit card limit or bank accounts, etc. (wondering how I was going to be able to pay for my stay, essentially). I kind of felt like an idiot... and then she asked how I knew "this person" - my reply? "Online journaling! I've known her for several years now!". She just smiled and finally let me through. I was so focused on looking for Stepfie, trying to pick her face out of the crowd as I walked through the airport, that I almost passed her over, because the last pic I had seen showed her with short hair. I paused, then noticed a sign (just like in the movies) reading "JarofPorter"! We both got a chuckle out of that, and I got a big, welcoming hug. It was immediately comfortable, like we'd known each other for ages (which, of course, we have, in a way!) And as an aside, (no surprise here) what's the first thing I do when I get to the car? Try to get in the driver's side (passenger side for us, damnit!)! I told myself I wasn't going to do that, but I did. *sigh* Oh well - stupid tourist... ;-)
That night we went to see a band down at a local **club. There was a "live" band playing - I say "live" because at first I thought the band was setting up and they had a radio/recording playing. Nope. Turns out, they had a lot of midi keyboard-ish stiff going on in the background (it was only a three piece). They weren't too bad, until a certain couple of songs made something readily apparent - the singer had an awful Elmer Fudd thing going on. We first noticed it when they sang "Purple Rain", or as it came out, "Puuple Wain". Now, I can't really fault the guy for it, it's who he is, but it did make hard to keep a straight face. I don't like to pick on people, or make fun of them, but it seems that if you want to be a serious front-man, you would address a speech impediment like that first-off. But who am I to judge, they were getting paid to rock out, which is more than I can say. We didn't stay too long, went back to Stepfie's, bought some beer, and she & L invited a couple of friends over (both of whom's names I've forgotten now!). Both L and the other guy are guitarist, (and of course Stepfie sings!) and so we spent the evening playing music/singing along to a bunch of songs, and generally laughing up a storm. Had such a great time, nobody realized how late it had gotten - we didn't head off to sleep til almost 3am!
Pretty sure we took it easy the next day. (Forgive me, as I'm trying to do all of this from an admittedly poor memory.) I know that there was a trivia night going on at the club, and L & I went to it. It was fun, although aside from two really drunk kids, I was the youngest one there, and felt a little out of place. I did, however, contribute to the success of my team by getting three answers correct! Was a pretty fun night, and I met some cool people.
...to be continued.
** This club was an interesting concept. A working-class pub for the common man, as I recall it being described. Members only, fee is 60 pence/week, but most anyone can join, and it's a fairly common thing in England, as I understand it. Somewhat strict rules about foul language and violence, or even jackass-ish behavior. Great idea, wish we had these in the States!
12:41 p.m. - 2013-10-31
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