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

Scorpio’s view of the Birmingham meet.

Having made the train journey with a load of Sunderland supporters; already loaded with much of the amber nectar, I arrived in Birmingham just after 12pm. I went outside to pollute the atmosphere and spotted a young man tying up his push bike (ah! A local then) I asked for directions to Starbucks and was directed to the pallisades; where I had a cup of tea.

As it reached one o’clock and there was no sign of anyone else, I became worried that I might be in the wrong place. I asked one of the staff if there was another Starbucks near the station. “Yes, there is one out on New Street”. Off I went to the Starbucks in New Street, to find nobody there either!

Eventually, I returned to the original Starbucks, to find a whole table full of chattering people. I approached and asked if I was in the right place for ‘idiots anonymous’ and when the response seemed positive, I said “I’m Scorp”

From then on everything went smoothly! I was welcomed by Phil and met Websailor for the first (and hopefully not the last) time. I spotted ST Mk II and shouted to him to join us.

We all spent a pleasant time in Starbucks; getting to know one another. Although there was a great age gap between some of us, it didn’t present a problem and we all seemed to relate well. Vip did an absolutely wonderful job of ‘dancing’ ahead to find out information and to guide us on.

The original plan had been to visit the Sea Life Centre. However, upon arrival, we found the price was exorbitant and we decided to do a walkabout instead. This was really interesting.

At some point, we arrived at the canal - side; where it was possible to take a cruise, on a narrow boat. Yeeeessssss let’s go for it! OMG! The boat trip was wonderful. However! The commentary provided by the boatman left a lot to be desired. He tried (and failed miserably) to jostle between informative and humorous.

I was getting really concerned about Matt; who was suffering badly from the ‘I want to kill him’ syndrome. At any moment I fully expected him to start digging an escape tunnel (not the best plan on a narrow boat on a canal)

We finally ended up at a local hostelry on the canal side; and spent a pleasant hour or so, before wending our merry ways home.

I am so happy to have met so many new friends; some of which I cannot spell: Teuchter, MC, Phil, Bald Bloke, Vip & Acid Override; who was a real source of information. Websailor, ST MkII (who I already know), Hypatia (a joy to have met), Titania; and of course Matt who organised it all.

All in all, a wonderful day. Thanks all!

Hi Scorp!

Glad you all had a great time. Did you see yourselves on Nick Reynolds' blog yesterday?

excellent Scorpio

me want see Webbiemy day will come

Bless, I am sure that day will come. I am in Elentari's photos if you can stand the shock. You can catch her photos from my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/websailor/ I am told I look worse in real life Guess who

Websailor

I am told I look worse in real lifestop taking my lines

Icy, My right arm looks great in pink.

Yorkshire lines obviously as the person who said it was PHM

Websailor

In case you missed it, Icy was referring to the picture of you all one here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2009/04/happy_birthday_h2g2.html

You're just below the Cavendish Cavaliers

can't say any more Webbie

*waves*

Websailor