The first phase of our migration was a short trip to UK. (It should have been a week, but Ryanair - bless 'em!- moved the outward flight) Prices to fly direct were appalling so we went via Madrid, which gives us a residents' discount for the first leg and plenty of low-cost choice for getting into Gatwick. The down side is - of course - hanging around Barajas airport; but this is not unpleasant. We were inconvenienced by Easyjet refusing to take our bags early because there was an earlier flight and "our bags might get confused". Mmm! Anyway we survived this, and the hidden cafeteria to get onto a completely full but on-time flight, a rapid reclaim, and a fast train to arrive at the Travelodge earlier than expected!
(A warning aside about hand baggage:- Over the last few weeks we have seen the boarding gates at several airports for Easyjet and Ryanair. Both have issued promininent warnings, but we have seen every time frequent panic, arguments and unexpected payments by those that have missed them - or thought they would get away with it! The gate queues are inspected, and there must be only one bag per person - no separate shopping - no separate handbag, however small! Anything dodgy is tested in the gauge - and in the case of Ryanair weighed - then it's pay up or leave it behind! This is not without stress!)
This time we were very lucky indeed with the weather, and the grudgingly packed heavy clothes remained untouched! We visited Balham twice in relation to the rented house (and the chiropodist and Bonmarche). For three nights we were with Neil and Maggie, where the garden was glorious. To make some recompense for always - these days - being the guests we had arranged that we would do an OPK dinner party for them and Paul and Cheryl. (That's Other People's Kitchens - just in case!) Therefore on Maundy Thursday we took a train to London Bridge, took a short walk along the Thames, had a drink at a pub full of both tourists and champagne-swigging office workers, and then "did" Borough Market. Unfortunately (!) it was so hot that it wasn't safe to buy too much that was perishable. We made posh tapas, and had a wonderful time, with much jollity, noting the fact that all three men present have now experienced forced early retirement from public service, and emerged the other end to find what they want!
On Good Friday we went back to Croydon Travelodge and in the evening took a tram over to Morden for dinner with Mick and Jenny of Paleochora fame. Another delightful soiree, starting in a loved garden, and ending up with too-much wine!
On Easter Saturday we went uptown again - this time for a walk around some favourite spots! Leicester Square was a shock:- completely closed off for some Olympics-related nonsense, and on the South Bank there is an exhibition celebrating the Festival of Britain 60 years age. This is great fun, with a "beach", a huge "urban fox" on a roof, and a row of beach huts designed and filled by a range of artists. As we sat outside the NFT we heard thunder, and there followed a quick dash in the rain back to Waterloo and thence to Croydon!
But the sun was back by Easter Sunday morning, and we had arranged to meet Chloe in Brighton. Predictably we were not the only people choosing to go there on such a nice day, so trains were completely full, and we had to let several continue without us! When we left the station we first saw a phalanx of police and a cordonned-off forecourt. Mystery! Then we heard the chanting. On one side of the station area was a group of flag-waving English Defence League thugs in a pub, and on the other (well outnumbering them) were anti-fascist demonstrators. The police were funneling the public between them, so that they could get down to the seafront. There was serious police presence including many on horses. It seems this was all in honour of St George's Day. We sheltered in a pub by a window and saw the march proceed down the hill. All the stereotypes of racists were there! Ruth hurled some mild abuse, and a police officer made eye contact. We had a small interchange about them not being the target - this time at least! Mercifully the number in the march was rather pathetic!
Chloe joined us and we went for our planned lunch. This year the Easters of both Western and Orthodox calendars coincided so her Greek housemate Giorgos was looking for traditional Easter lamb. Chloe located this excellent taverna on the seafront, and we feasted on tender lamb bought by the kilo, lemon potatoes and tsatsiki. Yum! We were joined by Charlie and her older friend Heather. Needless to say the place was full of Greeks. Afterwards we walked along the promenade and the beach, both of which were as full as we have ever seen them. Then we took a taxi to Chloe's house to dump the warm clothes, and back to the station! On Monday (a UK Bank Holiday) we finished off the shopping and went slowly to Gatwick, where we killed time till check-in and then had a very pleasant meal at Cafe Rouge. We arrived at Girona airport just before midnight and walked to the handily-located Hotel Vilobi, passed the night and next day picked up Yvette from her hibernation.
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