reporting from the Intercontinental hotel
Sat in the Galleries Lounge South at LHR T5. Got a fair old wait as it is now 12.05 and the flight isn’t until 14.10. Figured we would chill out a bit. Arrived at T5 at around 10.50 so not too bad check in and security time.
Great evening last night with the older two of 4 kids. Sank a couple of cocktails at Cahoots – very atmospheric forties cellar bar. Then had a curry at the Delhi Brasserie. Food was only ok. A fairly restricted menu and it felt a little bit pile it high churn it out. I had one of their GOLD cards so was eligible for a 20% discount if paid in cash. The bill came to £100.10 and upon presentation of the card the waiter went away to get his calculator to knock 20% off. We had already counted out £80.08 but the new bill came as £80.10. I had to scrabble around for two pence:)
Anne and I hit the Phoenix Artist Club for a night cap. It was only around 8.45. Sorted a few details for the LONAP Christmas Party. Then Uber home to bed.
This morning we didn’t bother with the hotel breakfast. If you aren’t a regular traveller these all you can eat buffets can be seen as a real treat. They are very hit and miss in my view. Mostly miss, unless you are in a really top class (expensive) joint.
We strolled around the flea market looking for breakfast. It was too early but we had a cup of tea on the balcony at Yamchaa. Very relaxing. Ended up in the Ice Wharf (Witherspoons) for a not particularly appetising breakfast. Get what you pay for I suppose.
Ubered it to Heathrow. Driver made a wrong turning and we ended up in the underground car park of the Westfield Shopping centre. Not the kind of place I would normally frequent.
So now we are chilin. Not bored yet. I have you to talk to.
BA460 non stop to Madreeed
Seat 8F with Anne in 8D next to me. I’m in the window which is not my normal preference but obviously one gives priority to the preference of one’s beloved doesn’t one. Anne has clocked the fact that it is easier to nip to the loo from an aisle seat, which is also my rationale. Still I will get to see some scenery. So far, clouds.
Woman sat in 8A across the aisle wants to go to the toilet but the fasten seat belts sign is still switched on so she was made to sit down (via tannoy message). Soon as she got back in her seat the sign was switched off. She is a big woman. Not particularly maneuverable.
life in bold
I for the moment live, life a cocktail of experience, a tightrope walked leant into wind, eyes wide open to a careless rain. Champagne route. A life lived in bold font.
The trolly approaches. Champagne service. With dry roasted and salted mixed nuts, out of Africa according to the packet. I pour the champagne and open the nuts. Anne tries to take my opened packet of nuts to throw in the plastic bin bag proffered by the cabin attendant. I remonstrate and rescue.
The food service is now approaching. I am going to reserve my position in respect of the food. It is five past three in the afternoon. A scone would be acceptable. Nothing too substantial.
When we get to the hotel in Madrid we will have time to rest in the room and recover from the champagne. Time shifts in Spain. Tomorrow night we are invited to friends Natalia and Jaime’s home for dinner. They expect us at 9pm. We eat around 6 normally. The body will have to adjust. The mind too.
…
Idea for you. Pretend you are an explorer and when you go somewhere map the place out and write up a narrative of the area as if it is being done for the first time. Ignore the presence of any houses.
Arrived at the Intercontinental in Madreed. Approx 7pm. Weather wet. Traffic terrible. Nothing compared to Friday night says the guy checking us in. We have an inward facing room. Their outward facing rooms were all twins. Wossthatallabout?
Barajas airport is huge and there is a fairly long train journey from the gate to the baggage claim area. Bags took a while – same as last time. Also it took me a while to work out how to put the coin in the trolley. It is a token and has grooves which you need to orientate correctly. Fixed 30Euro fare into town and now we are ensconced in our room. Anne is having a cup of tea and I am tapping away. There was only one English Breakfast Tea bag and one bath towel. We now have 5 bath towels and ten tea bags. Sorted. Service is quick here.
Probably going to chill in the hotel tonight, especially as it is raining. We have plenty of time to do bars and restaurants on other days.
