h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*Waves back. Thinks "Teenagers!"*

*enters, looking rather miserable*

*looks around at goodies, sniffs, and discovers he's lost his appetite*

Meeeeeep.....

*rummages around in what seems to be his own fur but is obviously something more than that, because he pulls out a small framed picture of Titania and waves it in front of Witty*

Meep?

Awwwwww. Hi there, Ripley. Where have you been all this time?

Oh, never mind. It doesn't matter. Come here, I'll take you to Lil's Atelier. Titania is there most of the time, whe might even be there now.

*Gently picks up Ripley, grateful that he curls his long claws out of harms way.*

Come on, let's go.

*holds on, tightly but gently, to Witty while closing his eyes*

*Witty heads down the aisle with the paperback books and magazines, the one with the rift at the end of it. She disappears in a slight shimmer.*

*saunters in, holding Ripleys' left clawed paw firmly in her hand, determined not to let him stray into fast carb areas*

Hey Witty, when exactly will you be in the UK, and where? Was thinking of the possible party.

I am arriving early Friday morning and leaving early Monday morning.

Oh, I'm flying into Manchester Airport and staying at the Charles St Ibis Hotel

Soo.. I was thinking that for the 'posh' afternoon tea Sunday might be a good time for it? Depends on how long the Zens are staying in Manchester of course.

That sounds like really good plan.

*Looks around.* I just realized where this conversation is taking place!

Less than a week left now, isn't it exciting?

Have you checked with the Zens how long they're staying in Manchester, or should I check?

Why don't you go ahead and check.

I've spent the day today spraying my trenchcoat with waterproofing spray, making sure my credit cards will be honored in the UK, adding international calling and data to my mobile plan, *thinks*.

And checking out Manchester Airport online, finding train information, walking map from Piccadilly Station to the hotel. Oh, I assume there are ATMs at the airport for getting some cash.

What else am I missing? You do this fairly often.

3Ps

Pass, Pengar & Piljetter

...och priten

Old advice from a Swedish film, the first of many, comedies about Swedes as charter tourists.

Pass = passport, Pengar = money in some form, Piljetter - or biljetter when not as drunk as the characters = tickets.

Priten or spriten actually is optional = alcohol.

If you have the 3Ps covered, you're safe.

After that, just use common sense and don't be afraid to ask complete strangers for directions.

See, it's that last part that makes me nervous. Do that in Manhattan and you may put yourself at risk.

When are you arriving? Do you still have my email address? I'd like to exchange mobiles.

Hang on - if you have the time? I'll check...

Oh, and I'll be staying at the Ibis on Charles Street too. As will most of us out-of-towners I think.

Hmm.. got an e-mail from Ibis, reminding me of my reservation and including a weather forecast that says rain, so bring an umbrella

*continues digging*

The advice I got is to forget the umbrella, too windy. Hats and hoods are the way to go.

Arriving Manchester airport 5.55 pm (oh my, what a nice number!) on Friday 17th.

And I've never felt threatened by any UKians I've talked to. But then, maybe I choose to talk to 'safe' looking folks.

Although it did amuse me the time I finally found the pub in London we were meeting up at, and there were two odd looking fellows standing outside smoking, and one of them sized up me and my hootoo shirt...

...and said 'you've come to the right place, but we're not the people you're looking for'.

Turned out we hootooers had our meet in the cellar, and British druids (I know of at least 2 on h2g2) had a meet on the ground floor - on the very same day! What are the chances of that?

That is pretty amazing.

Remember, nobody finds you threatening in any way. That would make people inclined to help you. Although, I don't imagine anyone would find me threatening, either.

My flight arrives at 7:30 AM on Friday morning, so I'll be there ahead of you.

You can reach me at my hootoo name (all one word) at A O L dot c o m.

Tried using Topica to locate you, but failed.

Try sending an e-mail to teatania at gmail dot com