So 7 hours of the 24 hours of the Le Mans race have passed by, we got to watch the start and probably the first 1.5 hour, then we listened to much of the race while driving around trying to find some lunch. Radio Le Mans is great! We were pretty much detoured out of any of the areas we would have liked to go though so instead we went back to downtown Lemans (the city, not the area of the race track) and found our selves in the same area we had been yesterday (where the drivers parade took place). It wasn't half as crazy as it had been the day before (more on that later). We had Mc Donalds (for the surety and comfort of knowing what we were ordering, and got salads instead of fries (people in France really seem to like fries, we got fries with our Omelets this morning with breakfast, we on the other hand had had enough of the fries).
Anyway... so we had lunch/dinner at Mc Donalds, which they are much cooler and hipper then our Mc Donalds, and then went back towards the track. We ended up by the Mulsanne straight. Parked on the side of the road, got out to attempt to watch from that area, lots and lots of cops were blocking the area by the track so we managed to stumble our way through convo with them to find out the details about where we could watch from....
after walking around a bunch of office/industrial type buildings we randomly come up on a HUGE campsite with probably 1000 people all lined up along fences and hillsides watching.... ahh the joy of stumbling upon JUST what one is looking for is so great.
We watched for about another hour, Aaron took some more great pics (will try to upload some in Paris, the internet here is really poop, comes and goes and is just not worth trying).
We then headed back home, happily fed, and sun burnt!
I have mixed feelings about the area, you factor in French Country side, where everything is very rural and people don't speak English so you feel stupid, but the area is beautiful and picturesque... and things like trying to find a pop machine or a store that is open past 5pm, but then you recall that for 76 years there has been this GREAT race that has been run here, and they really do a great job to "please the crowds" and appeal to the race fans... you see what I mean about being torn?
Today when the race started and I was on a hill side watching I was awe stuck to be sitting in France watching, it didn't feel like France then, it felt normal, with a billion (275 thousand they said on the radio) fans all in it for the same joy. I was really glad we made the trek then! Later in the day when I wanted a can of coke because I was hot and sweaty and everything was shut down, I wasn't quite as enchanted.
Anyway.... I haven't posted since London so this could become quite long but I would like to touch on the wonders of my view of the journey thus far.
We (an excited Simi, and a VERY sleep deprived grumpy Aaron) left London on Wednesday June 11th BRIGHT (yes at 4:45am in the morning it was bright, really weird, but nice) and early... we took the underground train from the 'burbs to downtown, where we hopped through French border patrol, and changed to Euro Star station the station St. Pancras is one of the nicest transport stations of ANY type I have seen, VERY state of the art, clean and just super nice... so trendy that when going to the bathroom I didn't realize where the stalls were due to the design of them ;).
Anyway hopped on the Euro Star, rode for about 2.5 hours seeing all kinds of country side... and got into Paris where we arrived at Paris Nord, a train station much more like what you would expect it to be, after stumbling around we located where our rental car was to be picked up from (you can read Aaron’s rendition of the picking up of the rental below). After an hour and a half, we had a map and an idea of where we were and where we wanted to be... and so we were off.
It was enjoyable to navigate via a map, though GPS would have been GREAT it wasn't offered with our car so we did what we could, we didn't get lost too much, but we still have to get back so we'll see how it all goes!
We arrived at our bed and breakfast after not much getting lost, realized that the hosts didn't speak as much English as we thought they did from our email exchanges with them... luckily we were able to make enough sense of each other to get by. We went in search of a meal for dinner, arrived at a cafe and the only thing on the menu that made sense was "Ham & Cheese Sandwiches” so we got those, chowed down and went back to the hotel. We found some English speaking blokes (Aaron has caught me saying things more “proper” trying to be British and made fun of me!) who were also going to the races, we chatted with them, got some inside info and that kind of thing. Called it a night kind of early cuz we knew we had a bunch of fun ahead of us.
So that was the end of Wednesday…. I still have Thursday, Friday & Saturday to get through but I don’t think that will happen tonight as it’s already 11pm and we MUST get to the track early tomorrow to secure good viewing locations for watching the end of the race (it will wrap up at 3pm but I think if we don’t have our seats by 11am or so we won’t be getting any). Next time we come, if we do I will for sure have to just give in and get grand stand seats so we aren’t fighting with other people for that extra inch of viewing space :D
More review of the French country side to come later… gotta turn off the laptop for now so we can use the single adapter plug we have to charge camera batteries.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
...and we're back.
Today is Thursday. Honestly, I had to take a minute to think about that.
So, Tuesday, we boarded "The Underground" aka "The Tube" aka the London Subway system. It's really underground, nor in a tube at least when we boarded. Our tour guides aka London cousins(in-law) were laughing at this oversight of which they've taken for granted for a dozen years. We made a 45 minute subway ride and ended up at Pickadilly Circus. Right in the heart of London and almost like Times Square. Giant TVs and shopping in every direction. Starbucks for the wife, and punched tickets for a double deck bus tour around the city. Typical tourists.
Around Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and all the other wonderful attractions. It was quite nice. Jumped off the bus and walked the Princess Diana memorial walk to Buckingham Palace and took some pictures of the motionless guards on duty. Back on the bus and looped around to fight some traffic and back to Pickadilly for the subway ride back home.
We went to dinner at a nice resturant that night, and talked about our day, and how differences are across the pond. It was a wonderful dinner, and had a great time. Home around 11pm, and in bed around midnight, with the new found knowledge that the alarm would go off at 3:45am so we could get up in time to make the trek on the "The Tube" again to King's Cross where our train departed in it's high speed voyage to London.
Up, and exhaust, we made it to the depot with time to spare, a very nice place if I must say so. On the buttery smooth train, likely travling at 150mph, but with only rolling hills of French country side you really didn't know it. It was a nice trip. We arrived, and followed the signs to the rental car park.
A Fiat Punto was reserved, and parked in spot 7066. We signed off and made our way to that spot. There was an Alfa there, and a nice one at that. No Fiat. Returned to the ticket counter with arms raised in the universal signal for "WTF?" The guy may have chuckled to his coworkers about the silly American, but as we ventured back down to have him show me where the car was, the "WTF?" signal was on his playing feild this time. Back up again, and resigned and handed the keys to a Hyundai. Lame.
Upon arrival of the Hyundai, something of a mini-transit van, beat to a pulp, and horrid looking, we spotted the Fiat tucked in a corner, resting quietly. I insisted that we get the car we were supposed to, and it was again a trip back to the clerk's desk for more autographs. Luckily they were now carrying around our heavy bags for us. Heh... We scored the fresh, 5100 km original Fiat, and headed out. A minor 90 minute delay.
The Fiat is a turbo diesel that has a sweet spot in the rev range at 3100 rpm. Too low, and it bogs, too high, and it wheezes. The shifter is snickity and quite nice. It understeers pretty bad in round-abouts, especially in the rain. A pretty good looking car though.
Filled up the car with Shell diesel then make the gauntlet of the Paris streets to get onto the A roads and off to Lemans. Not that bad driving via a map, and my co-driver shouting directions. A real Europe rally. On the A10 and bound for Lemans, stopped for a pit stop, and scored Pringles, Nutella, Bread and Powerade. Nothing says healthy lunch like chocolate bread, salty chips, downed by energy drink.
Some chaps from Oxford were at the stop and we talked to them. They were Lemans bound and were the first people to speak English since the announcer at the train station back in London. Refreshing. Speaking of refreshing, a caravan from Germany also stopped, but they found the pine tree next to their parked cars a more suitable place to relieve themselves, then crack open the trunk to spot 1,000 cans of beer, and a sleeping bag. Yep, Lemans bound.
Arrived in Lemans, after dumping 20 Euros on toll roads to take some b-rounds, and then slowly figure out way to our bed and breakfast. The roads were quite fun, and almost right out of Gran Turismo 4, with the narrow passages in the small little towns. Quite nice. Found our hotel, and unloaded bags. We have the Rose Room as all the walls and doors are painted pepto-pink. Brilliant.
We, quite exhausted passed out and a knock at the door. Our host asked us to move our car as we had parked it in the spot of a Ferrari "reservation". Um, OK. Moved the Fiat, and went back to sleep. Later that night, starving, we made our way to the small village square and after walking the corners of the square we settled for 3 euro ham sandwiches and drinks from a little cafe diner place. It'll do.
The next day, we awoke at 10, then 11, then noon, when hunger hit. Unfortunetly we didn't know it was noon, but our host still had the bed and breakfast food for us set out. Too kind. We spotted the Ferrari, a wonderful red 355 from GB, along with a rare (and seemingly always wrenched on) Marcos Mantis. Nice.
We spoke to the owners of the cars, again a refreshing bit that we could understand them, and they told us all about Lemans. 26th year attending, and great every time. They sold us their unused parking pass, which was for a rental car they were planning on reserving, but couldn't. Likely for the reliability of the Marcos.
Drove to Lemans around 2, with a stop at Super U, perhaps like Walmart, but with a Cosworth, GT3, M3, NSX, and E55 AMG in the parking lot. Stocked up on stuff on what we knew was edible, and took a trip to the track. Following "Rouge" parking signs we parked, unloaded and soaked in the granduer that was Lemans. I felt like I couldn't stop smiling.
Wandering around the circuit, and down into the paddock. First attempts at pit access were foiled, but a venture to the other end of pit access was a French man who didn't care, and we strolled right in. Score! All the cars up close, and making pre-7pm qualifying adjustments. It was quite nice. Leaving we stopped at the Group C paddock, and drooled at the support race which was none other than that of the 1988-1993 GTP Lemans cars. A series called Group C.
Silk-Cut Jags, RE390 Nissans, all with 250+ Mulsanne speeds 20 years earlier. All on display, all ready to tackle the track again. Fantastic! We strolled to grand stand seats near the Dunlop Bridge with another ham sandwich, better than the previous, and hunkered down in our rain jackets as the skies opened up. We enjoyed another familar voice of the Radio Lemans broadcast, and watched the Group C cars struggle with light switch boost maps and slipper conditions. They weren't afraid to drive them either. Outstanding.
7pm rolls and the Lemans cars all come to life on a dry, partly sunny race circuit. The diesel cars eriely silent, while the Corvette cars rumbled the pavement their 7 liters crossed over upon. Some spins, some good passing, and all the cars insanely fast. After a heavy impact, the session was red flagged, and we found the Fiat, and headed back for dinner.
We stopped at a resturant that had $300K in cars parked out front, and blazing "OPEN" signs as well as other reassurance of their bi-lingual capabilites. Upon arrival their wait staff was not as English speaking as their signs published. We were lucky in that a French couple was sitting across saw us struggling and offered her services as a translator. She explained the menu, and luckily because the "meat stuffed intestines" were not a good choice.
We ate our salads and a couple guys with race team shirts sat at a table behind us. We overheard them speaking in English, and as the night went one began to spill into each others conversations. Soon, us, the French couple, and the race guys were all sharing in conversation. The French couple left, and the race guys were almost dry heaving at the attempts of the "meat stuffed intestines" were swallowed. They certainly made a failed choice at ordering a good meal, much to a good laugh.
More conversation revealed that the guy next to me was actually the CEO - organizer - head man in charge of the whole Group C racing program. A world traveler, well spoken with tons of stories to tell, and ...
ending this early do to a crappy (i'd put in other words here but i'll be nice) internet connection and exhaustion....
Today is Thursday. Honestly, I had to take a minute to think about that.
So, Tuesday, we boarded "The Underground" aka "The Tube" aka the London Subway system. It's really underground, nor in a tube at least when we boarded. Our tour guides aka London cousins(in-law) were laughing at this oversight of which they've taken for granted for a dozen years. We made a 45 minute subway ride and ended up at Pickadilly Circus. Right in the heart of London and almost like Times Square. Giant TVs and shopping in every direction. Starbucks for the wife, and punched tickets for a double deck bus tour around the city. Typical tourists.
Around Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and all the other wonderful attractions. It was quite nice. Jumped off the bus and walked the Princess Diana memorial walk to Buckingham Palace and took some pictures of the motionless guards on duty. Back on the bus and looped around to fight some traffic and back to Pickadilly for the subway ride back home.
We went to dinner at a nice resturant that night, and talked about our day, and how differences are across the pond. It was a wonderful dinner, and had a great time. Home around 11pm, and in bed around midnight, with the new found knowledge that the alarm would go off at 3:45am so we could get up in time to make the trek on the "The Tube" again to King's Cross where our train departed in it's high speed voyage to London.
Up, and exhaust, we made it to the depot with time to spare, a very nice place if I must say so. On the buttery smooth train, likely travling at 150mph, but with only rolling hills of French country side you really didn't know it. It was a nice trip. We arrived, and followed the signs to the rental car park.
A Fiat Punto was reserved, and parked in spot 7066. We signed off and made our way to that spot. There was an Alfa there, and a nice one at that. No Fiat. Returned to the ticket counter with arms raised in the universal signal for "WTF?" The guy may have chuckled to his coworkers about the silly American, but as we ventured back down to have him show me where the car was, the "WTF?" signal was on his playing feild this time. Back up again, and resigned and handed the keys to a Hyundai. Lame.
Upon arrival of the Hyundai, something of a mini-transit van, beat to a pulp, and horrid looking, we spotted the Fiat tucked in a corner, resting quietly. I insisted that we get the car we were supposed to, and it was again a trip back to the clerk's desk for more autographs. Luckily they were now carrying around our heavy bags for us. Heh... We scored the fresh, 5100 km original Fiat, and headed out. A minor 90 minute delay.
The Fiat is a turbo diesel that has a sweet spot in the rev range at 3100 rpm. Too low, and it bogs, too high, and it wheezes. The shifter is snickity and quite nice. It understeers pretty bad in round-abouts, especially in the rain. A pretty good looking car though.
Filled up the car with Shell diesel then make the gauntlet of the Paris streets to get onto the A roads and off to Lemans. Not that bad driving via a map, and my co-driver shouting directions. A real Europe rally. On the A10 and bound for Lemans, stopped for a pit stop, and scored Pringles, Nutella, Bread and Powerade. Nothing says healthy lunch like chocolate bread, salty chips, downed by energy drink.
Some chaps from Oxford were at the stop and we talked to them. They were Lemans bound and were the first people to speak English since the announcer at the train station back in London. Refreshing. Speaking of refreshing, a caravan from Germany also stopped, but they found the pine tree next to their parked cars a more suitable place to relieve themselves, then crack open the trunk to spot 1,000 cans of beer, and a sleeping bag. Yep, Lemans bound.
Arrived in Lemans, after dumping 20 Euros on toll roads to take some b-rounds, and then slowly figure out way to our bed and breakfast. The roads were quite fun, and almost right out of Gran Turismo 4, with the narrow passages in the small little towns. Quite nice. Found our hotel, and unloaded bags. We have the Rose Room as all the walls and doors are painted pepto-pink. Brilliant.
We, quite exhausted passed out and a knock at the door. Our host asked us to move our car as we had parked it in the spot of a Ferrari "reservation". Um, OK. Moved the Fiat, and went back to sleep. Later that night, starving, we made our way to the small village square and after walking the corners of the square we settled for 3 euro ham sandwiches and drinks from a little cafe diner place. It'll do.
The next day, we awoke at 10, then 11, then noon, when hunger hit. Unfortunetly we didn't know it was noon, but our host still had the bed and breakfast food for us set out. Too kind. We spotted the Ferrari, a wonderful red 355 from GB, along with a rare (and seemingly always wrenched on) Marcos Mantis. Nice.
We spoke to the owners of the cars, again a refreshing bit that we could understand them, and they told us all about Lemans. 26th year attending, and great every time. They sold us their unused parking pass, which was for a rental car they were planning on reserving, but couldn't. Likely for the reliability of the Marcos.
Drove to Lemans around 2, with a stop at Super U, perhaps like Walmart, but with a Cosworth, GT3, M3, NSX, and E55 AMG in the parking lot. Stocked up on stuff on what we knew was edible, and took a trip to the track. Following "Rouge" parking signs we parked, unloaded and soaked in the granduer that was Lemans. I felt like I couldn't stop smiling.
Wandering around the circuit, and down into the paddock. First attempts at pit access were foiled, but a venture to the other end of pit access was a French man who didn't care, and we strolled right in. Score! All the cars up close, and making pre-7pm qualifying adjustments. It was quite nice. Leaving we stopped at the Group C paddock, and drooled at the support race which was none other than that of the 1988-1993 GTP Lemans cars. A series called Group C.
Silk-Cut Jags, RE390 Nissans, all with 250+ Mulsanne speeds 20 years earlier. All on display, all ready to tackle the track again. Fantastic! We strolled to grand stand seats near the Dunlop Bridge with another ham sandwich, better than the previous, and hunkered down in our rain jackets as the skies opened up. We enjoyed another familar voice of the Radio Lemans broadcast, and watched the Group C cars struggle with light switch boost maps and slipper conditions. They weren't afraid to drive them either. Outstanding.
7pm rolls and the Lemans cars all come to life on a dry, partly sunny race circuit. The diesel cars eriely silent, while the Corvette cars rumbled the pavement their 7 liters crossed over upon. Some spins, some good passing, and all the cars insanely fast. After a heavy impact, the session was red flagged, and we found the Fiat, and headed back for dinner.
We stopped at a resturant that had $300K in cars parked out front, and blazing "OPEN" signs as well as other reassurance of their bi-lingual capabilites. Upon arrival their wait staff was not as English speaking as their signs published. We were lucky in that a French couple was sitting across saw us struggling and offered her services as a translator. She explained the menu, and luckily because the "meat stuffed intestines" were not a good choice.
We ate our salads and a couple guys with race team shirts sat at a table behind us. We overheard them speaking in English, and as the night went one began to spill into each others conversations. Soon, us, the French couple, and the race guys were all sharing in conversation. The French couple left, and the race guys were almost dry heaving at the attempts of the "meat stuffed intestines" were swallowed. They certainly made a failed choice at ordering a good meal, much to a good laugh.
More conversation revealed that the guy next to me was actually the CEO - organizer - head man in charge of the whole Group C racing program. A world traveler, well spoken with tons of stories to tell, and ...
ending this early do to a crappy (i'd put in other words here but i'll be nice) internet connection and exhaustion....
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom!
We have had a great day seeing London with Savi, Sohni, & Noorie!!! We also go to have dinner with Lavi and Raj and had loads of fun!
But it's 10:30PM now and we have to be up at 4:45PM to catch the train to Paris... so next time we write will be from Le Mans!!!
But it's 10:30PM now and we have to be up at 4:45PM to catch the train to Paris... so next time we write will be from Le Mans!!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Fun Times!
Lack of desire to post all day today and lack of Internet to post all day yesterday put a long time between our last posting. Since the last time I checked in ... Saturday evening we enjoyed a great meal at Hard Rock Montreal, corny as it sounds
Sunday we packed up, checked out of the hotel... and GREATLY enjoyed the F1 race.
It was soooo nice to see Kubica end up taking pole and see all the fans cheering on the man who survived such a drastic crash just a year ago... it was a GREAT race for BMW, lots of stupid mistakes by the likes of Hamilton and Alonso :( and just poor luck for the Force India team, as usual. Made for a very diverse group of cars and drivers getting points for this race!
After the race we headed to gather our luggage and off to the Montreal airport. The plane ride as always was quite miserable. I always always hate the long flights, the nasty food, and smelly-ness and the over all feeling of stuckness. Aaron fared amazingly on his first )of hopefully many) trans Atlantic flights, even better then he tends to do on small within the US flights. I was really glad he was comfortable and it made the experience tolerable.
After landing in London and trying to figure out how to call Mami Ji to let them know we landed we ended up just waiting for them to appear. Lucky for us Aaron spotted Savi after waiting about a 1/2 hour and all was good again! Since arriving in London aka Hounslow we have relaxed, slept some, enjoyed time with Mami Ji, Savi, Sohni & Noorie! We've been doing the usual accent comparing and been getting made fun of for all the silly things we do, like call "university" "school" and such.
We enjoyed dinner at a local joint, and a nice walk back from there during which we checked out local scenery. All in all a great first day in the UK. Looking forward to a full day of sight seeing tomorrow!
Wednesday morning we have a super early train to Paris, from there we rent a car and drive to Le Mans!!!
Sunday we packed up, checked out of the hotel... and GREATLY enjoyed the F1 race.
It was soooo nice to see Kubica end up taking pole and see all the fans cheering on the man who survived such a drastic crash just a year ago... it was a GREAT race for BMW, lots of stupid mistakes by the likes of Hamilton and Alonso :( and just poor luck for the Force India team, as usual. Made for a very diverse group of cars and drivers getting points for this race!
After the race we headed to gather our luggage and off to the Montreal airport. The plane ride as always was quite miserable. I always always hate the long flights, the nasty food, and smelly-ness and the over all feeling of stuckness. Aaron fared amazingly on his first )of hopefully many) trans Atlantic flights, even better then he tends to do on small within the US flights. I was really glad he was comfortable and it made the experience tolerable.
After landing in London and trying to figure out how to call Mami Ji to let them know we landed we ended up just waiting for them to appear. Lucky for us Aaron spotted Savi after waiting about a 1/2 hour and all was good again! Since arriving in London aka Hounslow we have relaxed, slept some, enjoyed time with Mami Ji, Savi, Sohni & Noorie! We've been doing the usual accent comparing and been getting made fun of for all the silly things we do, like call "university" "school" and such.
We enjoyed dinner at a local joint, and a nice walk back from there during which we checked out local scenery. All in all a great first day in the UK. Looking forward to a full day of sight seeing tomorrow!
Wednesday morning we have a super early train to Paris, from there we rent a car and drive to Le Mans!!!
Long time no update...
Saturday night was a walk several blocks down to Saint Catherine to a PACKED party. Probably 5,000 people down there, with a Metallica cover band, car show, and everyone with open containers and all having a great time. The city embraces the race as all the stores, restaurants all open it late, and are all packed. Was a good time, and good food and great service at Hard Rock.
Sunday morning, up, checked out of hotel, and luggage in safe keeping in the luggage room at the hotel. Packed the last couple things, and ventured to the race track. There and arrived to find the weather VERY hot and the crowds very thick. We watched the F430 challenge, and the BMW Formula bumper cars. A delay before the F1 as the track was starting to get chewed up. We found some shade and relaxed until the driver's parade.
The driver's went around in Austin Healey's waiving to the crowd. Thanks for the zoom lens Scott! Scored some roast beef sandwiches, fresh lemonade and sat down for the race. Started off well, then Hamilton ignored the red light, and the crowd cheered and jeered. Overall great to see Kubica on top, and I think every true fan waived and cheered for ol' Bob, even those wearing red, or bright orange.
Exited the track to make the airport. Lanes were closed to walking, but open to cars, except there were no cars. Eventually the crowds overpowered and the whole place became a max exit. Pre-purchased subway tickets and going to the front or end of the subway train proved very effective. People are lemmings, as they all tried to pile into the first available door. Duh.
Metro to the St Launent station, back to the hotel, scored the luggage, then waited a bit for a cab. It arrived, and we took the death ride to the airport. The driver had to hold the steering wheel at a 45 degree angle in order for it to keep the car straight. The rear shocks were blown too. It was FUN!
Airport, customs, check-in, baggage and all that nonsense. Scored some decent food with horrible service at the restaurant within the air port, and fought the urge to buy all the duty free gifts. Boarded the flight for London at 8:45pm, and took off, delayed by some mechanical updates or something like that.
In flight, and had some chicken, potatoes, and stuff. Airplane food. Perhaps drained by the long sitting in the sun during a pretty enjoyable Gran Prix the food didn't taste that bad. The plane started the movie "Jumper" which is pretty bad. I downed some Nyquil in attempt to fall asleep. Another movie "The Time Machine" aired, and it was rancid as well. So, by then it was about 2am Eastern Standard Time. I was wide awake as the turbulence, and constant "bong" of the stewardess call to duty struck repeatedly through out the night. Simi laid across three seats, and I stretched my legs out on the ample space of the exit row seating. She slept well, all things considered, I didn't sleep a wink. I tried and tried, and nothing. Ugh.
About 4am EST, they switched on the lights and came around with breakfast as it was actually about 10am Monday morning in London. Snacked on yogurt, donuts, etc. and barely was alive. My body was drained, but I couldn't sleep to save my life. Plane landed to a nice mild dry London day. Checked the way through baggage (happily everything arrived) and awaited our ride. She showed up soon after, and we happily round-about-ed and wrong side of the road-ed our way in the 4 door Civic to Simi's cousin's house.
Arrived, and up still, it was pushing 11:30am London time, and I was done. Dropped my bags at the door of my temporary stay and passed out. Three hours later awoke feeling better to hang out and talk about how the UK is different than US. Schools are Universities. Chips are Fries. Crisps are Chips. Mayo goes with fries, and hilarious to hear their English accent change over to US Valley girl lingo. It's not "water" it's "wa-er". Good times.
We went to a chicken place called Lando's, with great wings, and one off sauces. Tasty. We walked from Lando's back to the house, going along some shopping plazas checking out the "Tastes of America - New York cheeseburger" from the local McDonalds. We walked some neighborhoods checking our Fiats, Citreons, and the like. The Fiat Panda 100hp is a sweet little car. Planes headed for Heathrow/London airport flew over every 40 seconds the whole time. Amazing the amount of people headed there.
Now back, making this reply, and 90% asleep right now as it's getting dark here, but the computer tells me that I'd just be getting off work at 43082.
Off to hit up London tomorrow with our guides, and see the sights and sites.
Lemans beckons on Wednesday.
Saturday night was a walk several blocks down to Saint Catherine to a PACKED party. Probably 5,000 people down there, with a Metallica cover band, car show, and everyone with open containers and all having a great time. The city embraces the race as all the stores, restaurants all open it late, and are all packed. Was a good time, and good food and great service at Hard Rock.
Sunday morning, up, checked out of hotel, and luggage in safe keeping in the luggage room at the hotel. Packed the last couple things, and ventured to the race track. There and arrived to find the weather VERY hot and the crowds very thick. We watched the F430 challenge, and the BMW Formula bumper cars. A delay before the F1 as the track was starting to get chewed up. We found some shade and relaxed until the driver's parade.
The driver's went around in Austin Healey's waiving to the crowd. Thanks for the zoom lens Scott! Scored some roast beef sandwiches, fresh lemonade and sat down for the race. Started off well, then Hamilton ignored the red light, and the crowd cheered and jeered. Overall great to see Kubica on top, and I think every true fan waived and cheered for ol' Bob, even those wearing red, or bright orange.
Exited the track to make the airport. Lanes were closed to walking, but open to cars, except there were no cars. Eventually the crowds overpowered and the whole place became a max exit. Pre-purchased subway tickets and going to the front or end of the subway train proved very effective. People are lemmings, as they all tried to pile into the first available door. Duh.
Metro to the St Launent station, back to the hotel, scored the luggage, then waited a bit for a cab. It arrived, and we took the death ride to the airport. The driver had to hold the steering wheel at a 45 degree angle in order for it to keep the car straight. The rear shocks were blown too. It was FUN!
Airport, customs, check-in, baggage and all that nonsense. Scored some decent food with horrible service at the restaurant within the air port, and fought the urge to buy all the duty free gifts. Boarded the flight for London at 8:45pm, and took off, delayed by some mechanical updates or something like that.
In flight, and had some chicken, potatoes, and stuff. Airplane food. Perhaps drained by the long sitting in the sun during a pretty enjoyable Gran Prix the food didn't taste that bad. The plane started the movie "Jumper" which is pretty bad. I downed some Nyquil in attempt to fall asleep. Another movie "The Time Machine" aired, and it was rancid as well. So, by then it was about 2am Eastern Standard Time. I was wide awake as the turbulence, and constant "bong" of the stewardess call to duty struck repeatedly through out the night. Simi laid across three seats, and I stretched my legs out on the ample space of the exit row seating. She slept well, all things considered, I didn't sleep a wink. I tried and tried, and nothing. Ugh.
About 4am EST, they switched on the lights and came around with breakfast as it was actually about 10am Monday morning in London. Snacked on yogurt, donuts, etc. and barely was alive. My body was drained, but I couldn't sleep to save my life. Plane landed to a nice mild dry London day. Checked the way through baggage (happily everything arrived) and awaited our ride. She showed up soon after, and we happily round-about-ed and wrong side of the road-ed our way in the 4 door Civic to Simi's cousin's house.
Arrived, and up still, it was pushing 11:30am London time, and I was done. Dropped my bags at the door of my temporary stay and passed out. Three hours later awoke feeling better to hang out and talk about how the UK is different than US. Schools are Universities. Chips are Fries. Crisps are Chips. Mayo goes with fries, and hilarious to hear their English accent change over to US Valley girl lingo. It's not "water" it's "wa-er". Good times.
We went to a chicken place called Lando's, with great wings, and one off sauces. Tasty. We walked from Lando's back to the house, going along some shopping plazas checking out the "Tastes of America - New York cheeseburger" from the local McDonalds. We walked some neighborhoods checking our Fiats, Citreons, and the like. The Fiat Panda 100hp is a sweet little car. Planes headed for Heathrow/London airport flew over every 40 seconds the whole time. Amazing the amount of people headed there.
Now back, making this reply, and 90% asleep right now as it's getting dark here, but the computer tells me that I'd just be getting off work at 43082.
Off to hit up London tomorrow with our guides, and see the sights and sites.
Lemans beckons on Wednesday.
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