The drive to my flat was fun. Altrincham is a lovely town with many beautiful old homes. An affluent suburb. Felt like a voyeur as I caught glimpses of people’s lives as we drove by. An old man standing in his apartment, holding a piece of paper to the window to catch the light so he could read it. I could almost write a short story about that picture that’s freeze-framed in my mind. The cab ride cost 15 pounds and was worth it.
Carole greeted me at the apartment and we made the long trek up to my flat. She’d told me it was on the 2nd floor. I’d forgotten that’s the equivalent of the third floor in the US. No lift…just stairs.
There was an allotment of 50 pounds worth of luggage and mine weighed 109. One was 61 and the other was 48. However, they didn’t make me pay extra. Ah, the joy of being a GOLD flyer. That 109 pounds didn’t include my two carry on bags. I’m lucky. I was really tired after lugging the bags up those stairs.
My flat is absolutely perfect. Carole did a great job of finding it. Two bedrooms, two baths, a lounge (living and dining areas), and kitchen. The appliances are so very different. I'm sure it will be an adventure learning how to use them. And there's a huge coat closet where I can store my luggage. Carole helped me make up my bed while we waited for a delivery.
After a man delivered the boxes I’d shipped to the office, Carole went back to work. I told her, “All I want to do is take a shower.” As soon as she left, I plopped on my bed. My last rational thought was, “Jude (company president) said to nap for two hours at most.” I woke up two hours later, to the minute. It was 12:30 so I showered and went to Tesco to buy some groceries and supplies. Tesco Extra is a huge store, Walmart Superstore in nature. It’s adjacent to my apartment complex, but hidden from view. Across the street is Sainsbury’s a wonderful grocery store. I’m writing this in a Starbucks located there—all the comforts of home.
(I’m still a victim of labored breathing after carrying groceries up three flights. And, by the way, I feel pretty damn good having toted those extremely heavy suitcases that distance. I believe I’ve lost 10 pounds already today. Okay, maybe not 10.)
I feel really good, just very tired. But I’ll make it until bedtime. I have tons to do at the flat. Right now I have no phone and no television. That’s a lonely feeling. Luckily my excitement makes up for it. But anyway, Carole and I will remedy that tomorrow, but tonight the lack of both forces me to work. If I’m awake enough, I’ll type these notes.
Nah!
Instead, I’ll find a place for dinner, or perhaps it will be tea and toast at home. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion: Will she choose dining out? Or tea and toast?
posted by Jerilyn Dufresne, author @ 19:26
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