Happy New Year everyone, I wish everyone a happy, wonderful and prosperous 2008. I would like to thank you all for your support, comments and just for stopping by the blog and website. It means a lot to me. Okay, now for my trip. I'm finally up to blogging about it. I had a great time, I'm going to do this by days, which will make it easier for me to remember. I will say I didn't get to see London, well except in passing on the train. I got to see The Eye and part of the Parliament Building, I believe, that is about it. I'm not sorry though, one day I'll go back and see what I missed, but for now, I'll say my first venture to England was wonderful. So here we go, my trip to England.

(Picture on the Way to Kent)

Saturday 22nd

The flight was supposed to leave at 9:25pm, but for some reason, which I can't recall at the moment, we left after 11. Now, I will say, I'm okay with take offs, they're fine, it's the landings that get me all nervous, but I'm getting ahead of myself. After finding my seat I settled in, I was so tired, I kept yawning, which to me was a good thing, since I had wanted to sleep on the plane, no jet lag to deal with, at least that is what I've been told. I slept in fits and starts, surprising myself with how easily I fell asleep. I skipped dinner and slept instead. We were due to arrive in London at 9 in the morning. The flight to London was uneventful, although what I do remember of it, the flight attendants were very nice.

Sunday 23rd

We arrived in London at around 1o in the morning. I wasn't going to be staying at a hotel, instead I was staying with relatives in Kent, which was nice. After going through all the check points and struggling with my suitcases I met my relatives at the arrival point and we went to the car park. I then noticed a lot of small cars, hardly any SUVs. on the road It would be an hour and half drive to Kent where I was staying. On the way I saw a lot of farms, cows, horses, sheep, farmhouses and land. It was lovely, although the cloudy state of the weather was making me sleepy. I think I fell asleep during the ride over, at least once.

After marveling at the seemingly narrow streets and experiencing my first round about, something we don't have in the states, I arrived at the place I would be staying at, for at least two days. Christmas Eve I would be heading up North to stay with one of my bestest friends and CP, Shara Cooper for Christmas and Boxing Day. After going through my bags and deciding what I was going to bring with my up North, I settled down and continued to read Locked Rooms by Laurie R. King, the book, I had planned on reading on the plane, but due to sleepiness, wasn't able to.

Reading for a few hours I went down to eat dinner, which was delicious, can't remember what we ate but it was yummy. I slept pretty well, even though I was excited about the next day.

Monday 24th Christmas Eve

Got up early. Originally I was supposed to take the train to Victoria Station, but due to work on the line, my cousin, suggested going to Charring Cross. On the way I passed by Rochester Castle, well the ruins, at least that is what I was told. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a pic. And even if I did there would be a huge glare there. *sigh* I did however on the way to the station figure out how to minimize my picture size, much to my amusement. *grin*. I saw a gorgeous sunrise on the way. We made it into London and I got to see The Eye, part of Big Ben and part of the Parliament Building (I think). Although it was interesting, I personally couldn't wait to see Shar. I was excited and nervous.

We arrived at Euston Station where I was going to be catching the train up North. After an hour or so at the train station, boarding for my train was called and I headed to my train. Shar managed to get me a First Class ticket, fancy! LOL. At first all was fine, I found a place to put my big ass, suitcase and settled down. I was excited and nervous. So, nervous in fact that on the way there, I panicked thinking I had somehow missed the stop and the driver hadn't called it out. I had to ask, if we were anywhere near my destination. I was assured that we had at least an hour or so to go before reaching my stop.

I was both relieved and nervous. Every time the damn, ding, sounded for a stop, I picked up my purse, ready to disembark, I was so afraid of missing it. I should say this is my first time riding on a train by myself, so I guess explains my nervousness. I tried to pass the time reading Locked Rooms, but my nerves got the better of me and the last part of my trip was spent looking out the window, watching the scenery pass me by. The good thing about this, is that in my mind I started to form Sebastian's world (Friday Flash's hero). I won't tell you more than that. LOL. Should I duck due to the rocks that will be thrown my way? lol

Anyway, finally after much nervousness and excitement we got to my stop. I got off the train and looked around. Squinting down the platform, I looked for the exit, so I could meet Shar in the parking lot. I won't even mention the problems I had with the door on the train due to nerves. Although I will say a nice man (and no I can't remember if he was hot or not) helped me open the door, since I was nervous. Anyway, back to the platform, squinting down the platform, trying to find the exit , I finally figured out the way I was supposed to go, big suitcase and all. I moved toward the exit to see this very tall person coming toward me. I knew immediately it was Shar!

The first words out of my mouth in greeting was, "Wow, you're tall." LOL. I'm 5'2. LOL. Shar laughed, took my suitcase from me and we headed for her car. We talked on the way there, it was raining. We headed for Marks and Spencer first or as I now call it, along with Ulta, that evil place. We wandered around the store, Shar showing all the lovely things Marks and Spencer had to offer, we kept passing by a Bailey's Trifle. LOL. All can say was, I was very hungry by the time we left. We won't talk about the shoe section, Shar knows why. lol. We left for Shar's house, on the way passing by the Fire Station, Army Barracks and I think it was the Police Station? Alls, I know is, I was thinking charity calender. LOL. What?

We ended up sitting at a red light behind an Aston Martin, I think Shar would have loved to done a Chinese fire drill right then and there, to get a closer 'look' at that car. LOL. After leaving the Aston Martin behind, she took me to McDonald's, wow! They food is, and I know I'll get yelled at, much better, it was less greasy and crispy, yum!

We got to Shar's house and unloaded the car. Her house is lovely. *smile* After eating, I gave her, her pressies, and allowed her to open some of them. LOL. Ulta is evil, right Shar? LOL. After watching some television, I got to meet Shar's mum, who was lovely. I got to try an Aberdeen Beef Pie (erm is that right? Can't remember the name exactly), all I know was it was yummy) and some chips, very yummy, great I have a craving for it. *sigh* Anyway, after that it was time for bed, I was tired and very happy to have finally made it.

-end of PT1-

Sorry guys, will have to do another blog posting tomorrow, getting tired right now. Hugs.

Selena