Where was I? Take 2

Another year and a day later and we're back in Hampstead, but just Don and I this time. I have already begun taking pictures of sites without Leo, "here's the Fun Fair without Leo," "here's Pilgrim's Lane without Leo." Still, so many things are the same: the Burgh House is having its holiday Arts and Crafts sale again (without Disa), Polly's still delivers warm charm and a vegie English breakfast, and I even saw the same man I saw last year with the same two Staffordshire terriers, barking the same command at them, "Together!!"

Getting to London demanded a more adventurous spirit. Concerned that an Icelandic volcano would disrupt our departure (same as last year!), we arrived early to Bradley, only to find out that our flight was delayed by two hours (I had abandoned calling to check on the flight because United didn't buy space in the new Yellow Pages). But my laziness proved to be kismet: we spoke to a ticket agent about our concern to make our connection to Chicago and he suggested we hurry to an earlier Chicago flight, that was sold out, but there was a chance. We raced to the gate, just behind an Australian couple, and were told there was almost no chance of us getting on the flight. But then, but then...! We were on--and the Australian couple! Although they booked Don and me on the same seat, I followed the captain's advice and grabbed a seat anywhere. Good thing too: with tornados in the midwest, our original 11:20 flight did not take off until 4:40 (as we later learned from the Australian couple when we ran into them in Chicago). We would have missed our flight to Heathrow had we not gotten on the 8:30 flight (which was delayed until 11:15).

United flight, in Economy Plus, was okay. Getting seats in the middle ensures better viewing of the common screen, but less chance of stretching out, as the middle armrest does not raise (on the 747). We also learned that if you wait until you're on the flight, they sell the econo plus seats at half price ($99), space available. Don remained entertained by a series of boring films: The Company Men, Country Strong, and truly dreadful television (the new Hawaii 5-0, and Brothers and Sisters).

Since our flight left comparatively early in the day, it wasn't late enough to feel truly sleepy; Instead, it felt as though we were just staying up really let. Thus, we accidentally pulled an all nighter (Don didn't sleep a wink), and got early into London at 5:30--ye gads! Our minicab was there (34 pounds to Hampstead! cheaper than Heathrow Express), and we had a quick ride to 2 Perceval Ave. Our handsome landlord, Tony Berman, greeted us and showed us the spacious, immaculate, and elegant flat (which surprisingly you enter by going through their house). We flopped around a bit and then mustered the energy to walk to Polly's for breakfast. Then back to the flat to play with our electronic connections. Then more energy to walk around Hampstead. We were determined not to go to sleep before 7pm. But we were soon too droopy to walk more, so we shopped at Marks and Sparks, came home, made coffee, and chatted the afternoon away while watching the news (Mladovic captured after 16 years--amazing news). Don held out until 6pm and I got a second (third? fourth?) wind from an unscheduled and completely surprising nap, which led me to start my blog. Thank you, nap!