My first taste of England

I am finally safe in England and already getting a feeling of why people enjoy sunny California --It is terribly gray here! However there is 10x more greenery and people don't need sprinkler systems. Anyway, it's 3 o'clock in England right now and I am at the local library using their computer because the b&b I'm staying at doesn't have wi-fi.

I got picked up about an hour ago at the airport and I feel almost normal actually. My body has no clue what time its supposed to think it is so I don't feel too tired yet despite the fact that I think I got about 4 hours of sleep between my 2 flights. I think this was the 1st time I've really had trouble going to sleep on a plane (that I can remember). But don't worry, I've already taken today's vitamins and will make sure I get plenty of rest tonight Mom!

I flew on Lufthansa airlines from Philly to Frankfurt and then after a 4 hour layover (!!! ug) on to Manchester. I was able to watch Maid of Honor on the 1st flight and sat next to a llllarge man who was quite nice but smelled heavily of smoking. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to bear the smell for 8+ hours but then I found out the flight was full. So I lived. Plus, I didn't want to give up my window seat! =) I wanted to spray some of my body mist in the area while he went to the loo (see, I'm already picking up British!) but since I can't carry liquid on board I didn't have it. =( Anyway, as I said, I lived. (and am now appreciating my smoke-free air)

On Lufthansa they make announcements in 2 languages: German and English. Most of their magazines, pamphlets, signs, and everything were in German. By the end of my flights, I felt almost like I was happy to be back "home" in an only English speaking country! =) Even that short experience made me appreciate that our language is such an international language and I don't have to deal with trying to understand German all the time!

I can't upload more pictures right now since I'm not on my computer, but let me just say the b&b is all one could want! It is SO picturesque and I've already enjoyed exploring a bit. The couple who runs the place decided to give me the large master bedroom on the 1st floor so we didn't have to carry all my 90+ (100+?) lbs of luggage up the flimsy old stairs. The place could easily sleep 3 people and has a pretty view of the garden through its many windows. And there's a tray of tea, brownies, and hot chocolate so you can tell it's a wonderful establishment! =)

Everything is green, except the sky which is very gray.
There is so much moisture in the air that moss and random spurts of green growth grow around and through bricks, walkways, walls, etc.
Quite different from our dry and brown (but sunny!) CA!

Now I'm going to go spend a fortune on something small to eat for my poor, disoriented body. Plus my time's about to run out on this library computer.
Cheers! (another British term ---I pick up quickly) =)
Love to all,
Sarah