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

What a great time we had.

We flew out from Holland mid-afternoon. The sun was shining and people were melting. The flight (for once) was on time, with just a little turbulance and we landed 45 minutes later at London Luton to find a 10 degree temperature drop and steady drizzle. It was about this time I wondered if I had packed suitable clothes for the weekend!

The bus journey into London was fairly uneventful, although I'm not entirely convinced that we chose the best drop-off location as we seemed to back-track rather a lot to attain the comfort and safety of the Pre-Meet Pub.

The Pre-Meet was, as always, a great night. It was great to renew old aquaintances and make one or two new. Thankfully the staff had been persuaded to serve jugs of beer (under protest), so we didn't have to make too many trips to the bar. Time was called all too soon and we were shunted out into the night to make our way back to Peta's house for the night. We negotiated the tube without too much hastle and, following a (for me) longish walk - I'm used to biking everywhere now - we arrived at Peta's pad. After a few s, great music and excellent conversation, we retired to bed - to sleep, perchance to dream.

The next morning, or was it afternoon we awoke to bacon rolls, more and Peta's daughter having fun with a computer game. A brisk walk back to the station and we were once more en-route for the city centre.

I am running an 'English Pub Night' at the beginning of August so needed to stock up on naff tourist items such as flags, beer mats and union jack clothing. Some new sounds were also on the shopping list, so we high-tailed it to HMV to enjoy the benefits of their 'Biggest Ever Sale'. Purchases made and purses lightened, we then made tracks to Hyde Park. As everyone found, the route there was somewhat crowded with Bon Jovi fans and the bandstand surrounded by odd-looking people who were most certainly NOT h2g2ers. As the weather had turned kinder than in Luton and was positively hot, we treated ourselves to an ice cream and sat on a bench to consume this before ringing through to find the throng. Imagine my delight to see Titania - mobile phoneless and lost - wander up! At least, even if we were late, we'd managed to find another Meet Attendee.

Peta must have been busy as she didn't answer her phone, but I managed to raise Pastey who let us in on the current whereabouts of the mob. After a shortish walk we met up with him and joined in the laze in the sunshine.

Around an hour later the exodus to the pub began. Skillfully led by Mina we negotiated the afternoon crowds and the underground and were soon ensconced in the Penderel. What can we say about the pub? It is fairly comfortable, almost big enough to accomodate us all - but the staff... and the lack of beer!!! I had to try 4 times before they actually had a decent pump beer and this ran out after 2 hours and they weren't prepared to put a new barrel on, suggesting I went upstairs to purchase one instead. This was not on! Eventually they saw sense and relented by providing Titanic. Did they really think I'd flown all the way from Holland to drink tap beer - or LAGER!!!!

Chatter was extensive and far-encompassing. the quiz was tricky but fun and spimcoot's 'etchings' divine. Many apologies to those who I really wanted to speak to, but didn't quite get around to. I'll try to do better next time. Too soon the night ended and we once more headed out to Peta's, this time with Ceolacanth in tow.

Sunday dawned and we all decided to take a taxi to the station to rest our weary feet a little. As seems to be the norm in the UK these days, it took forever to arrive, the driver's grasp of English was limited and he charged us more than the quoted price. Coely went to the tube and we went to the BR station to purchase tickets to Gatwick - finally achieved after a lengthy wait because the woman in front seemed to be enquiring about every trip possible, bought tickets and then left the station!

It was only later we realised that we were waiting for a non-existant train. We needed to go to East Croyden to connect to the Victoria-Gatwick train, but the trains from Balham only go to West Croyden on a Sunday. No worries, it says that there is a handy tram link between the two. So, a short journey - including a 10 minute wait for the 'train behind to catch up' - and we arrive in West Croyden. Following the 'tram' signs leads us on a wild goose chase, finally tracking down the correct stop after about 1/2 hour of walking. Once safely aboard the tram we find that it retraces our steps and stops just around the corner from the station... either the signs are very misleading or some kind person had moved them all round.

Finally we arrive at Gatwick, book in and browse around. I actually found somewhere with limited food, so managed to get some cheese and sausages to bring home. 'Fast' food was more of a problem. After TM queued for at least 20 minutes, our gate number was called out and any thought of a snack before departing was gone. The flight left pretty much on time, arrived early and before long we were in the car and driving back home.

Nobody ever claimed that travel was straightforward... did they?

Anyway, all in all it was a brilliant weekend. Thanks to Mina and Abi for organising it and a special thanks to Peta for literally 'putting up with us'.

Hi Shazz, Glad you had a great time, it sounds like you all enjoyed it, wonder if there ever be one in Scotland
Smudger.

Another story of how great is has been. Good for those who were there.
But problems in the Penderel? I remember better times from the winter meet. Maybe it should be made clear to them there are more pubs in London!

But Shazz, why this nice story in your journal, and not in ?

You did have adventures after I was dropped off, didn't you!

I pootled around Covent Garden then contemplated Camden but the heat and my heavy bag put me off that idea. So I took a bus to Victoria and arrived in time to buy and before the 1 train an hour left. It was on time and no bus links anywhere. Unheard of!

Thanks go to Peta, our hostess with the mostess.

A pleasure! It was lovely to have you all over for the weekend!

Sorry you had such problems on the way back to the airport, I only moved in a couple of months back, so I don't really know the train systems or the cab companies very well yet... Give it a few more meets and I'll have it all down pat!

Great party though, and wonderful to see you all again!