Monday, 04-23-18 (continued)
Boarded our brand-new-looking Ryanair 737 and soared east and south, taking particular notice of the English Channel, visible from the air off Sussex. Got to Gatwick in a jiffy and reclaimed our baggage. After some confusion, we made our way via driverless inter-terminal shuttle, reminiscent of the horizontal elevator transport at Getty Museum, to the north side of the facility. Called several recommended taxi companies until hiring United, which soon collected us in a black Ford Galaxy and, after more confusion from hard-to-see signs, dropped us for £7.50 at Oldland Farm, Tinsley Green, Crawley.
Davana, a beaming middle-aged Brit, welcomed us with house rules and showed us to our room. The building began as a horse barn, we surmise, and now contained perhaps three guest rooms. Because of our early departure, we paid for no breakfast.
Thin exposed dark beams poked through the ceiling. Furnishings showed much wear, and the bed felt spring-y, but the place was clean and adequate overall. An odd niche held a low upholstered chair, where I sat facing a side table, the drawer of which I inverted to form a surface for my writing station. After setting up and settling in, we crossed the busy lane to the closest eatery.
The Greyhound Tavern looked newish, but held all the trappings of typical English pub culture: bar, cozy dining rooms, fireplace, and for-hire hall. The twist here was its offering Indian cuisine.
I picked bangers and mash with a Carling ale, Lina fruit/yogurt and a cider. All was more than satisfying. I withheld one of the three little links for the morrow.
Intended to journal or blog into the night, but ended up “reclining,” shower/shampooing, and going to sleep.
Tuesday, 04-24-18
In Oldland Farm, Tinsley Green, Crawley, near Gatwick. 52 deg, 87%, SW 6, m-cldy, dp 48 deg, 29.97”, 10 mi viz. Funky place, fo sho. Active at 6:31—little time to write.
United once again transported us to the airport, this time for £10. Feasted on a big breakfast at Wondertree in Gatwick. On the plane at 10:31 a.m., I set up my contraption on the seat tray, mouse and all. Cramped, of course, but effective.
Next to me on the left, my dear Lina gazed out the window. To the right sat Bob from Sussex who, with his partner Sally, was making his first trip to ATX. We began to soar above the clouds: 36k feet, 512 mph, bearing NW, crossing the North Atlantic and over Happy Valley – Goose Bay in Newfoundland.
Stewards brought us lunch a 11:00, London time. Wasn’t hungry, but et it anyway. Lina took the rice, while I scarfed mashed potatoes, chicken, and a bit of beef. Couldn’t take the latter. We also got salad with a teeny bottle of vinaigrette plus cheesecake, red wine, and tea. Royal treatment!
Long day’s journey into day: Watched Interstellar, which dragged on way too long, but the plane’s rumbling around me matched the movie’s space ship vibrations. Arrived in our beloved home town at 1:50 p.m. local time after having left London at 10:35 a.m. their time. That was an extended four hours.
All was in order at Fig Cottage, thanks to the extra-special care that son George lavished in our absence. Doggies let us know they were glad to see us, and the feeling was mutual. Home the weary travelers!
As part of my recovery Wednesday, I was fortunate to showcase the magnificent Texas Capitol Building to our flight companions, Sally and Bob, who also purchased a copy of Party Weird.
Next: Wrapping up.