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

I am SO behind with the journal writing. But you know how it is, only so much time, and in my personal case energy, to do things. I'll try and make amends.

Okay, so first it was the Doctor Extravaganza - I hope you all caught at least a bit of the buzz via television. Even I, who stopped watching after the show was brought back after the long gap got excited again. We're so lucky to have all the Entries written by jimster in our archive. And others too of course.

Secondly, it was agreed I could fly home for a week or so more. So this was a bit of jiggling around with stuff [insert domestic details here].

I live a fair distance from the airport, and although I'd really like the chance to use public transport/train to reach there, it's unfeasible. I'd have to change trains, even though the airport is not that far, it is not on any direct lines from Stoke. Getting to the station from my house is even more ridiculous. There are buses, but not straight through from this village. It would take me so long to get there by bus with all the changing, that carrying luggage with me would be beyond my physical capability. And that's even just getting to the train station from here. So, I get a taxi. The firm I use are my 'regulars' and it's part of my life now. I know if I arrive back on a delayed late night flight, the driver will be standing waiting to help me with my case in the arrival lounge. And I'll have a nice warm car drive me straight home.
I can depend on them getting me to the airport on time as well. This time the flight was an early departure, so I had to leave home at 5am. On the occasion that there is no visible light on in the house when the driver arrives pre-dawn, they give me a 'wake up' call on my mobile. They're lovely, and do the airport runs all day and night taking holidaymakers and business travellers to and fro.

The drivers are good companions too, by and large, and make the journey pass swiftly and we chat about all sorts of things. I think a good driver is someone who is interested in talking with his passengers. I like to hear about their views on life, their families, their world views. I could write a whole journal entry on the drivers, they have really interesting stories to tell me. The firm I uses has a contract to drive the Jeremy Kyle 'victims' up to the broadcast studios. 'nuff said. Others have really interesting personal lives, airport taxi drivers it seems are a pocket of humanity who've seen it all.

So, as you may have judged I've been living this dual existence for a year or so now. The airline I favour also views me as a FF. Frequent flyer. In the days when my late husband flew with me, we always used to pay for extra legroom. He was a very tall person, but I think the main reason was that he 'needed' to sit by the emergency exits, facing the cabin crew. He always said that if ever the aircraft had to ditch in water, he'd make sure I got pushed through the doors before anyone else. True love eh? Well, luckily we never had to try that bit out for size.

I got a bit distracted there [coffee break = broken coffee cup and half a pint of coffee spilt underneath the microwave, that's taken the word 'break' too literally for my liking. Plus it was one of my favourite mugs too. It didn't like the close encounter with the marble counter.] I did have some more in the jug though, and went and drank it watching the surf. It's very breezy here today, well windy even. Lots of noisy waves.

.... resume journal.....

So, I used to continue paying for extra legroom seats for a fair amount of time, but then for a reason which escapes me, I stopped doing so. And guess what? The airline upgrades me anyway, about 75% of the time. I approach the check in desk, smile at the staff who weighs my hand luggage. (Points ostentatiously at A87709387 'Travelling Light') I get asked the standard question 'Aisle or window, madam?' to which my reply is always 'I don't mind either, please put me wherever you think is best.' Then I get handed the booking card with a smile.

The last two trips I got put into a whole row of extra legroom seats for myself, which I really appreciated. I think the airline does well to put people (Frequent Flyerss) into these, if they are unsold, as goodwill. It certainly encourages me to be a faithful repeat customer.

Now, without trying to sound snobbish, you do find a different sort of passenger, usually, in the front bit of the aircraft cabin. I'm trying to be objective here, and it's a different group than the happy holidaymakers further back. I'm a great people-watcher, and as a single traveller it's something to do, if there's nobody near enough to talk to. So, my eye fell on a young couple with a toddler, aged about 15 months. Obviously well-off financially, the couple were dressed in that casual way that belied they were not destined for an inclusive package at a bog-standard resort. Their son too, was dressed in bespoke garments, his hand-knitted cardigan screamed heirloom quality. So, when he was buckled into his lap-seat-belt I was curious to notice that on approaching the runway for take-off his parents method of distraction was with books! Now, any under-three-year-old worth his salt will scream during take-off if their ears hurt. Reaching altitude can be incredibly noisy and sensible parents will usually have something to soothe their babe, especially as there is no way the child will hear their parents voice above the aircraft noise.

I'm going to mention Sho here, because what happened next channelled Sho into my mind. You see, this little chap was so annoyed at the restraint, the noise and the sensation of take-off that even the book in front of him was rejected. A board copy of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar was hurled forcefully in my direction, to show his displeasure at the whole scenario.

The books continued throughout the flight, the toddler settled down nicely, and is promised to have a future love of reading and a good strong bowling arm. Lucky boy had a whole library of books with him.

After that, I dozed a little, watched Inspector Montalbano which I'd downloaded from BBC Four, http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01cbq6b
I really love this detective series, and would highly recommend it. I think you can get it as a DVD too.

Then, a kind friend met me at the airport and drove me home. More journals to follow. I might go for a stroll to watch the surf for a bit. Catch you later!

You have to just love our smileys here, don't you? I especially love the island one, which arrived in the h2g2 Advent calendar one year. I was really very happy!

Yey! Glad you made it and the journey not too boring!! Enjoy the sun etc

Glad to hear you're back home, Lanza.

"I am SO behind with the journal writing ... I'll try and make amends."

Please don't feel bad about it. We are very patient and all that matters to us is your wellbeing

Glad to hear you arrived back safely to your

Thank you all You're a lovely lot you know.

The sound of breaking waves... magic!

Usually way better than the sound of breaking news

I bet your warmer there than it is here!

Deb

i's funny, but when I saw the subject line, I imagined Lanzababy sitting down to a meal of chips and putting catchup on them.

[Amy P]