Touch Down in England
I am here in merry ole England, a big jet lagged and relieved. I almost
didn’t make it to my friends house. The cost of the train ticket online
had jumped to 140 pounds (300 dollars). That was a little bit more than
I could afford but with some last minute Skyping and luck, I got a
return ticket for 60 pounds. More than the twenty pounds it originally
was but still manageable. Now, I’m chilling in Chester for the weekend
before I go proclaim my love for all things orange in Holland.
I
didn’t really enjoy my Air Canada flight over here and I’ll wait
until I fly back to make final judgement over them. (I mean no private
screen!!!) I’ll give a full report about them when I return but, it’s
not looking good. I did get some good sleep in though- Ambien is a
wonderful thing!
Immigration was a hassle. The woman in
Montreal gave me a hard time even though I was just connecting through.
In fact, I found all my interactions with the Quebecians to be a little
bad. They all gave me attitude when I didn’t speak French!!!
Immigration in England asked me a million questions about my trip.
Lately, it seems wherever I go, I get harassed by the authorities. Is
my name on some list that I don’t know about? or do I just look like a
roughian?
Though I spent most of my train ride writing,
I did happen to notice the lovely English countryside. Utterly
stunning. I noticed it too while flying in. England is very green and
has a lot of country for such a populated little island. It doesn’t
seem as dense as I thought it would be. I also happened to notice the
really fit waitress serving us drinks. I wasn’t the only one either.
The other waitress caught me glancing and gave me a little wink and a
laugh. Quite amusing. Next time, I’ll be more discreet.
I’m off to go
explore Chester now and start taking those copious amounts of pictures.
I am having problems with my camera batteries. They don’t seem to hold
a charge that long anymore. I think after two years, they’re useless
and when I go back home, I’m going to have to invest in new ones. Maybe
I’ll just buy a new camera so I can take better pictures for you all. I’m going to be posting more about my travels here and posting the pictures on my website- www.nomadicmatt.com

Matthew Kepnes said on April 25, 2008
I understand that guys position. I personally think that when in rome, at least attempt to do what the romans do. I’m not expecting to go everywhere and have everyone speak english simply b/c its my language but I was in the international airport! I wasn’t in downtown montreal or in the middle of quebec!!
Eva Holland said on April 25, 2008
“They all gave me attitude when I didn’t speak French!!!”
I’d be curious to know your position on that Philly cheesesteak “This is America, Please Order in English” fiasco…
Tim Patterson said on April 25, 2008
posting pictures huh – any of the really fit waitress by chance?