This post was written on 1 June 2009 chronicling the road trip to Germany. (I figure, if I write it in pieces, it might actually get published. I’ve had such a great track record so far this year.)
Several months ago, VoW said she might be able to get some time off to visit me in England; Yoss Mike also expressed an interest as well. It would be like when they visited me whilst in Osaka, only without the bankruptcy fiasco five months later. We’d originally shot for the Easter Holiday, but the timing didn’t quite work out. Thus, we scheduled the visit for the May half term. Although, with the date now set for later than originally hoped meant that Brad could join our trio; Toni also strongly considered coming to play but was unfortunately unable to do so.
The planning stages were mostly VoW working her VoWness. I had designs on visiting Germany, particularly Bavaria. As the planning continued, the trip turned out to be a road trip to Germany via a few other countries along the way.
As the time for the misadventure drew closer and closer, I became a bit more…”wary” is the only word I can think of. When people asked me about my plans for the half term, I frequently replied with: “My idiot friends think it’s a good idea to drive to Germany.” Seriously. What was I getting myself in to?! The last week of term, I even said to all of my classes that if I didn’t come back after the half term it will be because I’ll be dead, having been killed by my idiot friends and their brilliant plan to drive to Germany. (Clearly, I was way paranoid.)
The Thursday before our trip, I was to meet up with VoW at East Croydon Station. Yoss and Brad had fancy iPhones and hoped to be able to use them whilst on this side of the pond. It didn’t quite work out as hoped. I hadn’t heard from any of them all day so I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go into Croydon or not.
It was a good thing I did, though ‘cuz when I walked up to W.H. Smith’s, VoW was there with a bag of goodies for me. (I’d made a few requests from home.) I was so happy to see a familiar face. This isn’t to say that the faces hereabouts haven’t become familiar, more that VoW is a person who knows me for me and not for the teacher me. I was pretty tired of being teacher me. I missed being geek me. (I finally had someone to discuss Dollhouse with!)
I showed VoW around Croydon. It wasn’t overly exciting but we did go to the Croydon branch of Forbidden Planet. We stopped by a pub for a Coke and just hung out for the most part. I was rather reluctant to part company, but I did still have to teach the next day.
Friday couldn’t get over soon enough. I’d already come into work like a senior who is done with finals — not necessarily a poor start, but not an encouraging one in my head. (I have this bad habit of taking my job too seriously at times.) The morning was spent trying to get a birthday card signed rather than over-preparing my lessons, but it all turned out well in the end.
When the last bell finally rang, I couldn’t decide who was more excited, me or the students. I suppose that’s not wholly uncommon, though. And yet, even though I knew my mates were in town, I didn’t want to pass up a chance to go to the Fox with my colleagues. (Besides, I knew that the others were doing their tourist stuffs.)
Phil had kindly offered me a lift to Osterly Station on the Piccadilly Line rather than have to make a billion transfers with my borrowed luggage (I was worried about my yellow bag being too big for the Eurostar so Phil lent me one of his smaller suitcases). Whilst in the car, Brad managed to call me on his phone. I was relieved to hear from him. I’d been unsure of arrangements since I didn’t get an e-mail or any sort of communication all day. It was another reason why I stayed at the pub as late as I did since I didn’t know where folks were.
I arrived at King’s Cross a little later than I anticipated, but it was still all good. I managed to find folks and folks found me. The four of us walked back to the Wardonia Hotel to drop off my suitcase before going forth in search of food.
We ended up eating at McDonald’s since it was close and cheap. It was so nice to see friends again. I know it’s really only been about six months since I was home last, but the lack of geeks wears on me. (In this case, “geeks” is synonymous with “friends”). There was discussion of TV shows and of course, the goings on of home.
Even though it was late, we convened in the boys’ room for a spell after dinner. We spoke of Britishisms and plans for our misadventures as well as the sightseeing the three of them got up to that day. The hour grew later and we had an early start to greet us in the morn. We bid each other good night and VoW and I made our way to our room.
Despite my misgivings, as I lay in bed that night, I was starting to feel pretty excited about our misdventure. I just hoped I survived.