On the road again

So Tom and I woke up early for our new adventures ahead of us. I had packed my small bag and left the majority of my stuff at John's so that I can be a bit more mobile while up north.

John drove both of us to the tube station and said our goodbyes. While waiting for the train, I saw this itty bitty car in the parking lot.

It's ridiculous how much smaller the UK cars are than the US. On the way to Kings Cross we passed by Wembly Stadium, which is apparently a really nice football (soccer) stadium. 

Anyway, Tom and I make it to King's Cross where we were to part ways. He's off to visit some other friends and then to Brussles & Amsterdam. Crazy Israeli! 

Bye Tom!

So I make my way to the train station to go up north and see Jimbo. I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda nervous to find out what he's got in store for me. The train on the way there was really nice! I found out that my "first class" seat on the train is actually the exact same as the standard class except you get complimentary tea/coffee. Eh, it was still nice. What was cooler yet though was that the train had free wi-fi! So cool! I know places like Boston and such are actually trying to do it on their public transportation systems too. I'd love to see that become more mainstream.

The train was actually 2 trains. I had to get off and transfer in Retford and wait for about 45 min for the next train. They had a real nice sandwich and coffee stand so I got me a lil snack. Large Hot Chocolate & this really nice Brie & Cranberry sandwich - toasted panini style. Ugh! Quality!

Before the train shows up, I had to use the men's room. I didn't see any signs for it so I politely asked one of the train staff where the "restroom is". He points me in a direction, I thank him kindly and head off in that direction. Lo and behold, he just sent me to the rest-room (aka, waiting room)....where I just ate my sandwich and spent the last 30ish minutes. Finally I realized we had a little misunderstanding. Asked another person where the toilet was and they just point in a different direction and off I go. Kinda funny how in the US, "toilet" is a bit more vulgar term for the bathroom and our polite term is something completely different to the brits. Anyway, I digress.

Got on the train to Lincoln which was significantly smaller than the other train I took. It was only about 2 cars long. What's worse though....NO WI-FI!! I got spoiled! humph. At least the scenery on the way up there (through the Highlands) was absolutely gorgeous!

As soon as I get in, I see the over-sized egghead, Jimbo, waiting for me. He hasn't changed at all since I last saw him 2 years ago. After a quick 'allo 'allo, him and I stopped off at a little pub for a bite to eat and a drink. He's a bartender and he actually works there (surprisingly, its not a gay bar -- sorry Jimbo, I'm not like that :P). I get my first Strongbow while in England. I haven't had it in ages. It's a nice cider that my dad introduced me to. Got a little pizza and met up with one of Jimbo's buddies, Fat John (it was merely how he was introduced, not my name for him!) who seemed like proper fun.

Jimbo briefly showed me around a bit and made me walk up this ungodly steep hill which had to be at least a quarter mile long and at a 60% or more incline. ridiculous! Jimbo's mom picked us up and we headed back to his house. 

Right before we turn into the driveway, there is a kid in the middle of the road with an upturned bike, him standing around all confused and juice boxes scattered along the ground. He is rambling something to me that was clearly supposed to be English but I only heard the number 5 and that he needed a new bag in there. Apparently his bag holding his precious juice boxes broke and everything just went...boom. I later find out that I officially met my first "special" English child. The kid tried following us back to the house until Jimbo gave him a stern "Jog on!" off he went.

Jimbo and I played a little catch-up, I talked to his mom for a bit and then she was going to start making dinner. I was absolutely knackered (tired) so I took a nap to prep for the long night ahead! When I woke up there was a shmorgisborg ready. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, string beans, carrots, Yorkshire pudding, brussel sprouts, and all toppled with gravy galore. Let it be noted that his mom is a legend!