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

The time? 09:00, the date? 16/07/05, the place? Brentford, a.k.a. Kew-North-By-Thames.

This was the day that had had such a build-up , and was going to be one of my rare visits to the great metrollups .

Due to events that had happened earlier in the month , a fair amount of preplanning had taken place to ensure that the jaunt around London would go smoothly .

09:30 and time to head off. The first stage of the trip was a to Ealing Broadway. I know, the wrong direction for London, but due to the Piccadilly and Circle Line being closed , my normal route of District/Circle Lines was not possible.

Made it to Lancaster Gate at 10:50, 10 minutes earlier than due, and B'Elana was already there waiting. It was a glorious sunny day, so a stroll around Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park seemed a very good idea. After a casual walk down one side of the Serpentine B'Elana suggested heading towards the Flower Walk, except neither of us were quite sure where it was, which meant wefound ourselves walking the other side of the Serpentine. A certain amount of head-scratching on my part was needed. It was now 13:00, and it seemed a good time to stop for a and then back down the Serpentine again. When we reached Kensington Road, I took the wrong turn for the Albert Memorial and took us towards Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge. Luckily I realised before we'd got there, turned around, retraced oursteps and eventually arrived at the Flower Walk at 14:00. From there it was a short walk (and in the right direction ) to the Science Museum and the start of the meet.
We arrived at 14:30 and met Galaxy Babe, Dusk and two friends, Metal Chicken, Croz, EV, Phil and Fords outside. The Hitchhiker's Exhibition
was due to start at 15:00, and they were strict about entry, and also taking photos (and there was I having humped my camera around the Serpentine... Twice... )
The exhibition was pretty with a lot of the props and audio from the film. Some where a little repetitive, in that while reading all the literature accompanying the props, the loop would start again... 40 minutes later and we were all standing in Slartibartfast's cage having our photos taken. I think we were only meant to have one, but because Metal Chicken and Fords were caught out, we had three done . Then, like all museums, to escape we had to run the Gauntlet of the Gift Shop. Both B'Elana and I bought a copy of one of the photos (£4:95 ... they sure know how to screw the out of you) I also bought a H2G2 fiolm t-shirt (£12:50 ... where can I get a second mortgage?) along with a couple of badges (50p, Key Fob £1:00 and fridge magnet £1:50) I believe the rest stayed in the Museum, while B'Elana walked to the King's Road, for an inexpensive meal at the Chelsea Kitchen (£5:50 each... ) There was still plenty of time to kill, so I took B'Elana into Peter Jones (where I work) for a quick peek, and also to change my t-shirt. (the heat of the day had taken it's toll
From there, it was a quick schlep on the District Line to Blackfriars and a short walk to ye Olde London Pub. The sign on the door threw me completely as I was expecting an 'Upstairs' bar, only to find that we were 'In' the upstairs bar (At street level??? How H2G2 is that??? )
There were a number already there, it being about 18:30. Some faces I knew and a number I didn't, so a plerasant half hour was passed chatting. Around 20:00-ish the italics arrived (Natalie, Paully and Jimster) Jimster decided to split the nnouncements in two.The first was a toast to absent friends (after apologising for being late - they were due at 18:00) and then to say more announcements would follow,
EV and Fords then began the delayed quiz. The Jet-Sett (note the obscure Badger reference!!) consisted of Reddy Freddy, Croz, Roymondo, B'Elana and myself. We did well considering the scores were muddled... I think we came second . The winners won really blue Goo H2G2 t-shirts... really really , and we all recieved badges. I decided it was time to take some photographs only to find my battery was flat (thanks to those of you that have posted your photos... Much appreciated. )
The other announcements were 'Limited' edition enamel badges for Exceptional HooTooers... 2legs won the very first, for the most postings on site, when a count was made ( 2legs and well deserved) then an announcement about respective badges for 25, 50 and 100+ Guide Entry posters (so I had better get that entry written, that I started 2 yaers ago ) and possibly the grooviest news was the fact that there are new s coming. I believe that will be down to the community artists to decide.
Then, for a change, the drinking started in earnest.
Unfortunatley all good things must come to an end, and at 23:30 it was time to say our good-byes for another six months . B'Elana and I headed off into the moonlight and Trafalgar Square, so that I could get her safely back to her hotel. After 3 es we arrived at Bayswater and her hotel. A long day. From there it was a to Ealing Broadway, and another to Brentford Kew-North-By-Thames. Eventually home around 02:30 in the morning, tired and elated ...

Phew, I think that covers it, in a nut-shell Now for un updated version of War and Piece

Everyone...

Still for having you dragged all the wrong ways through Hyde Park in the heat I should have consulted my map earlier
(Never trust a foreigner to find the way ).
I was lucky to have you with me, I don't think I'd have found out which to take to go home.
for making the day so very speial

There is no need to apologise for the long walk. I had a really good time, and it is so rare for me to go into London, that it made a lovely change .


>>Never trust a foreigner to find the way <<



I seem to recall that although we got back to Bayswater, it was a roundabout route, involving 3 and I'm sure I could have reduced that by at least one. And I was meant to be YOUR guide

Left to me we'd have to Holborn, and never have got to the Flower Walk.

Just a shame it is 358 days before I meet you again at the next ssummer Meet

It looks as though there may be a mini-meet in October, and a winter meet in January, so fingers crossed on that.

A year seems to be quite a long time when still ahead , but looking back I really wonder where the last year has gone
Maybe next time I'll be prepared even better than I was this year, mainly take some more cash and not rely on the credit card so much, as it's of no use in a pub
I've still not managed to spend all the travellor's cheques I bought nearly two years ago - hardly anybody wants them
Never mind the amount of es, we could have gone in circles all of the time and I wouldn't have noticed ( I didn't notice in plain daylight, so fat chance I would have done in the dark, eh?)

I noticed that you were having a problem, that is why I offered you a . Couldn't have you going thirsty That would never do.

You could have asked for some money. Wouldn't have been a problem. I do like to look after my guests.

You are sweet saying you didn't notice the es.
At least it gave you a tour of London.

I will ensure that something is sorted out, properly, for next year.
You'll have to give me some ideas of what you would like to do.
Maybe stay for the weekend?



Neal x x

, everybody was so sweet, and I could have gone to the cash machine I guess
I think visiting Kew gardens is a very good idea, staying for the weekend, too, but there's the tiny problem called 'husband'
No idea why he objected, but for once, I don't discuss but accept that he's not comfortable with that, I'm already glad he doesn't object on my going to London alone anymore.
Oh, and I really didn't notice about the es, I'd have followed you anywhere

OOoooohhhh Missus. (punchline from a Chat-show)

or the other good one is:-

'Oooohhhh, you are awful, but I like you'.

see http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/emery.htm

As for the weekend, I do understand. (btw I guess you meant argue rather than discuss although your choice of word is very diplonmatic I was just a little concerned that Kew Gardens is very large, and could be an all-day trip, so possibly tiring (and not for me . The good thing is it is easy to get to. It is an hour from your possible hotel location, and also to the Pub/venue etc.
Hopefully Jen will be well enough to go, although I'm not too optimistic . There is a ride-on bus around Kew which gives a good over-view of the gardens.

Just looked at the link you posted, the photo on the left looks exactly like Dame Edna
Hmmm, you're right about my choice of word, it would probably have become an argument quite soon, nearly everything tends to do, but that's a different story.
I never said we had to see the whole of Kew gardens, and anyway, next time you choose what to do

B'Elana, it was great to meet you, even if just for the look on your face when an English bloke said Munchen (sorry, I don't know how to do umlauts in posts!)

For future reference, if you're a bit short, ASK! I know it's easier said than done, but you'd just come from the mainland to little old England to meet us. I don't think anybody would've taken umbrage if asked for a drink!

I hope to see you soon (I'd love to get over to Germany but as I don't speak German & don't have a passport it may be tricky!)

Unless, of course, there are any other researchers who fancy a trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world for a meet? ('bout time I got myself a passport!)

I hop e I bought you a drink... I seemed to buy some for most other peopel I too don't speak any German I have a passport though Glad you both had a good time

Roymondo, that's very nice of you
I'm sure my accent must be funny for you
I was very pleased to meet you, and I just the English accent, no matter which language they're talking in.
The lack of cash was due to my not being organised,( i went to the bank only the day before I left, and they had just a small amount of cash, I should have ordered it a week before ) and although I know how expensive England is, it just baffles me every time I go there how quickly I run out of cash. But don't worry, I was fine, really, three huge was nearly more than enough - I couldn't risk to wake with a the next day anyway.
There'll probably be a minimeet in Heidelberg in September, I'll search for the link if you are interested. Just see to it that you get your ID card

Sorry 2legs, it took me so long to type that I missed your post.
As I said, I had plenty of , so that was alright.

Glad you all had a good time

I don't have a passport either

Then go and get one - I'm sure a meet here would be fun
Btw I've only seen your comment in az's gallery yesterday
I always go there and look at the new pcs, but hadn't looked for any comments to mine for months by the date shown

I've got a passport and it is in date and I've got some Euros

But I am also gigging every Saturday in September

From the 3rd September, I appear to be out almost every Saturday, except the 1st Oct. 15th Oct. 29th Oct. and the 5th Nov. and they could be filled between now and September. 11 gigs!!!

Keeps me out of the Pubs I guess...

Looks like I'm going to be a no-show .... And I've never been to Germany

Next year maybe?

BTW B'Elana, photos forwarded as suggested.

Thanks
Well, it's still just an idea, it's probably a bit too short at notice for this year September anyway, you'd probably not even get a cheap flight anymore. But I think we should try to have a meet here in germany once, that would be great

Go for it, even though you know the limit of my German... Newborns speak better than I do.

If I can make it I will do my very best. Would love to.

Make a change from the pollution of London.,..

>>Make a change from the pollution of London.,..<< depends on where the meet will be, Frankfurt's not the healthiest place to be

Hi Claudia,
How is your today. Better, I hope. Mine is, although having had a very uncomfortable night last night, so I'm just which doesn't help. It was very hot and humid.
As for London over Frankfurt, I guess there is not much difference, but do you have a purple sky first thing in the morning as we do?

W*rk is manic today, so I may see if I can get Wednesday off.

How has your day been? Weell I hope.

Must dash, back later

&

Neal x x

No purple skies in the mornings, but I've heard on the radio today that there'll be new laws concerning the pollution in Frankfurt - there seems to be a European law regarding the allowed level of Particulate Matter (PM) - seems we've been over the limit 28 times from 35.
Good we're at the utmost edge of the city, lots of open countryside around us, so it shouldn't be so bad here.