Friday, September 5, 2008

The Adventure Begins

John and I left the Atlanta airport around 6:30pm last evening (September 4th). We arrived in London this morning around 7:30am (local time). We waited in a not-too-long line at the "border," were told we needed quick physical exams since we are staying for longer than a year, talked to the health clinic, and were told we didn't really need exams since we come from the US.
After picking up our luggage from baggage claim, we struggled to the bus stop and got on a bus to Norwich. It made several stops in various cities and two other airports. Although Norwich isn't all that far from London (2 hours by train), the bus trip took 6 hours. The upshot was that our luggage was stowed in a compartment below the bus, and we didn't have to make any connections.
Around 3:00pm we finally arrived in Norwich. Our hotel is very nice and the staff have been helpful. I hate feeling like a dumb American, but I suppose it is inevitable sometimes. (We have already locked ourselves out of the room.)
Our first meal in Norwich was at The Waffle House. This Waffle House is not in any way related to the Waffle Houses we have in the US. For example, I had spinach, potato, and chick pea curry served over a Belgian Waffle.
At 7:00pm we are both very tired, but I am trying to stay up until a more reasonable bed time.

4 comments:

MSF said...

Glad to hear that you guys made if safely! The girls and I located you on our big wall-sized world map so we can keep track of you wile you are gone! How's the house/apartment-hunting coming? We're praying for you guys with that and everything else!

Mary Scott (Matt, Katy, Darsie & Liam)

Danny said...

Yay adventure!

Denise Des Soye Mount said...

hey Goobs - congrats on the start of your blog and the humbling comments like getting locked out of your room - remember physical comedy is hard work!

Unknown said...

Ah yes. Gatwick, customs, the long, long bus ride and the realization that "we're really here!"

It was 27 years ago when I made my first trip to England, but reading you're description makes it all seem like yesterday.

Looks like you've got nicer digs than we had :-)

We're all living the adventure vicariously thru you guys, Sarah and John, so have a ball.

Luv ya,

Clark and Rhonda