The day was so beautiful I can hardly describe it. Sky so blue and bright—no clouds. So warm I just wore a sweater. The best day by far, weather-wise, in Altrincham. So I was leaving. Makes no sense.
Taxi picked me up and the driver was so friendly and warm. And—get this—it cost less than 10 pounds. When I came from the airport it was twice that, with tip. I can’t help but think it was legitimate, because Carole was there when I arrived and told me to give the guy a 20 pound note. I was pleasantly surprised today.
Was really hungry when I got to the airport so I had a Danish and a fruit bowl that was wonderful, plus lots of coffee.
The BA flight to the Isle of Man featured a small prop plane, reminding me of the ones used to fly home to Quincy. I’m also happy because both BA and Aer Lingus are partners with American Airlines, so I’m earning miles on an airline that flies to Quincy.
Kev’s plane arrived about five minutes after mine. We gathered our luggage and took a taxi to the Hilton.
Where to start! First it was raining and the wind was blowing really hard, I guess typical weather for the island this time of year. The island is about 12 miles by 25 miles, and it is jaw-dropping beautiful. Wow! Lush, so green with lovely homes and fascinating stone walls (one of my favorite things, remember?). The cab driver was a woman who spoke with pride about the island, but spoke in the third person. “They do this…” and “They do that…” So it seemed she wasn’t a native dweller.
We drove over a fairy bridge, which I mistakenly thought was a ferry bridge. Funny. Kevin and the taxi driver said there are notes and lights strung all over the bridge. Driver said the notes were “wishes.” How cool. Kev said there was a fairy glen in Wales that was the same way.
We drove on a coast road that had hotels on one side and an angry sea on the other. Powerful and mesmerizing. But of course my room doesn’t overlook the water. Drat!
Tonight the Super Bowl is on. But if it starts at 5 back home (Central Time) it would start at 11 here. Needless to say I wouldn’t want to stay awake all night to watch it, but will if I have to.
Kev is keen on watching it too, but he has to teach tomorrow, so I doubt if he’ll make it.
I got a free bottle of wine, because they couldn’t upgrade me and I’m an Honors member. I only drank one glass. It was good, then I also had a beer with dinner. That’s more than I drink in a week normally. The beer was a wonderful lager from Belgium—a Stella something or other. Will have to ask Kev tomorrow.
POSTED 9:06 PM UK time
posted by Jerilyn Dufresne, author @ 15:05
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