Captains Log - Day 7 - 01/24

Final entry in the Captains Log.

We woke up early enough to have a hurried Hilton English breakfast. (Kinoty has stories about his big late night promises about breakfast)

We took a cab to Victoria to barely make it onto the Gatwick Express. We had a very hurried goodby with Dee which was probably for the best since goodbyes can tend to be teary.

30 minutes later we were at Gatwick Airport, checking in and seated on our plane which was much roomier. We drifted in and out of sleep and conversation for the 10 hour flight.

On arrival at DFW we decided to kill some time at TGIF. After sharing an appetizer combo plate which the patron seated next to us inhaled on his own, we could not help but comment on the sudden presence of large people. As captain, I concluded aptly that Europeans are much smaller than Americans.

We then realized that we were running late and again scurried to catch the Skylink with no time to spare. I made it to my gate in good time and slept all the way to Los Angeles where my Smita was waiting at the Southwest arrivals (she just flew in from Houston). I took the wrong bus to meet her and instead of 2 minutes later, it was 20 minutes later we were on a cab home.

Its good to be home!

Captains Conclusion: I loved this trip. Feel free to comment.

Captains Log - Day 6 - 01/23

We woke up to an SMS from mum to call home that co-incided with the breaking news on SkyTV about the collapse of a building in River Road, Nairobi. After a few panicked phone calls, we ascertained that all was well and proceeded to check out of Hilton Docklands and back into Hilton Kennsington.

After a restful afternoon nap, we joined the old pals in Hendon at the Hendon Inn. Although this was supposed to be a slow night(the eve of our departure), the pals insisted on staying late. They were graciously malicious to offer to pay for our cab ride back to the hotel. We accepted and did not regret it.

On our way back to the hotel, we chatted up our cab driver and inquired about the greatest donna kebab he had had. He promised to take us there and I attest to 'the greatest kebab in the world'. The name eludes me again but Kinoty and Dee should comment on it. I displayed my gluttony by ordering and inhaling two kebabs and then it was lights out!

Captains Log - Day 5 - 01/22

After 3-4 hours of sleep we woke up got ready and caught a cab to the bus stop.
This happened to be the coldest day in Swindon and being a Sunday, there were no restraunts or shops open that early to offer any shelter from the cold.
As we froze our butts off, the effects of the previous night seemed like a dream. When the bus finaly arrived we rushed in, warmed up and knocked out for the 2-3 hour bus ride.

In London, we purchased tickets to use the Underground train. We made our way to Docklands and after checking in and freshening up at the Hilton Docklands, we felt good enough to grab a bite and find out where the NFL games were being televised!
After a few phone calls and a few undergound trains, we met up with Kinoty's old friends at their house and then proceeded to the Thatched House. This was a Kenyan pub replete with the aroma of roasted goat meat and the bar chatter of Kikuyu and Kiswahili in most corner. I was at home again!

We ordered some nyama choma, fry, ugali and it was better than i thought it would be. A few Tusker's, Stella's and Foster's later, we were ready to dance at the local Kenyan club. The name escapes me but Kinoty and Dee should comment on this one.
We cabbed it back to our hotel after a merry merry night.

Captains Log - Day 4 - 01/21

Day 4 was designated to be the day we topped our pub/bar count. Day 1 had the unfortunate reputation of 4 bars. Dee assured us that that was a simple feat in Swindon. I privately doubted it but she was to prove me wrong.

After a lazy start, we started at the Hilton Swindon where I had a light breakfast as Dee introduced her colleagues.
We proceeded to New Town Swindon where there was a string of pubs. We started at Yates's where we played some pool.
We then proceeded to The Groves Company Inn for some grub.
Next stop was Mbargo where we played more pool.
Next stop was the Australian themed Walkabout.
Next stop was the Bedroom. Famous for having beds in the club.
Next stop was the 80's Bar. We had the most fun here.
Last top was Big Fish.

After a long night, we had managed to top day 1. Swindon indeed was not as small as i thought. We cabbed it back to Dee's crib and prepared for our bus ride back to London.

Captains Log - Day 3 - 01/20

After an eventful evening and a search for the elusive donna kebab, we had a late check out of the hotel. We booked our National Express tickets to Swindon and with 1 hour to kill, we waited it out at the Travellers Inn. (this was by far the smokiest pub i had been to)

We boarded our bus and it was lights out all the way to Swindon. Two and a half hours later we were in cold Swindon. We cabbed it to Dee's crib and decided to stay in for the night. We orderd some Lamb Vindaloo amongst other Indian take-outs. The lamb vindaloo was most memorable for its deceptive aroma but killer hot taste. (this was by far the hottest indian food i have ever had) . Kinoty was dripping from perspiration as we all wished we could shower upside down.

We called it a night after lazing around, chatting and flipping tv channels till 4a.m.

Captains Log - Day 2 - 01/19

On arrival in a cold gray Gatwick airport, we contacted Dee after purchasing a Virgin sim card for 10 pounds. (I highly recommend this if you are attached to your cell phone. The convenience is worth it)

We proceeded to catch the Gatwick Express into Victoria Station(Central London). We met Dee waiting for us at the Weatherspoon. After long warm hugs and greetings we mapped out the rest of our few days while being introduced to the pint system of downing beer.

After catching numerous means of public transportation(something that i quickly became familiar with), we checked in to the Hilton Kennsington. We quickly freshened up and made our way to the Green Room for a good English 'lupper'(lunch and supper?) and a few pints of Fosters and Stella Artois. (side note on Stella. she is stronger than her name suggests!)

We then made our way(buses and underground trains) to Dee and Kinoty's old haunts in Hendon. We saw their old employer and proceeded to their old watering hole, the Cricklewood.

After a few pints, Dee and Kinoty's old pals started streaming in and the old stories started flowing at the same rate that 'Stella' and her good friend 'Fosters' were flowing. With little persuasion, we proceeded to another of their old haunts, Puchin where good music, dancing and more Stella were to flow. It was not obvious that this was our last stop but soon enough it was time to mini cab it back to the hotel.

Captains Log - Day 1 - 01/18

So while downing pints on our vacation to the UK, we decided to keep a captains log lest we forget our experiences.

Dee quickly commanded one of her cohorts at the Hilton Swindon to bring us a pen and paper. I will regale you with the contents of that paper on this and the following posts. So rewind to Day 1.

On my arrival at DFW, I met Kinoty who had already arrived a few minutes earlier. We checked in and opted to kill the 4-5 hour wait by taking a cab to a nearby mall to grab some lunch. We called Paul Oeri who happened to be very tied up.

We returned to DFW with 2 hours to kill so we proceeded to our gate, and decided to while time nursing a couple of cold drafts at the Thank God Its Friday (TGIF) chain.

With 5 minutes to board time, Kinoty went to check whether there were any changes and indeed there were! We hurriedly downed our drafts and proceeded to catch the train(Skylink) to the new gate.

We boarded on time and drifted in and out of sleep for the 10 hour flight.

UK Vacation.

So I just got back from a 7 day vacation in the UK. It was a blast!
I have a whole set of pictures on flickr for your viewing pleasure. Just click on this link