The travels of Brammers, part 3

[blamebrampton]

One hour in Germany has me wishing I had been sane and organised a few days, though that would have meant Christmas alone, which I always hate. Still! Next year! Arrived in Heathrow in good time, still laughing at the BA pilot's comment that 'It will be a bit bouncy on the way out as Frankfurt runway is one of the roughest in Europe, second only to Leningrad.' Clearing Border Control was a matter of minutes, Customs was literally a minute, but in between we played 'Have you seen my suitcase?' all of us waiting by carousel 7 for our baggage, which is what the indicator board was still showing after we had each been reunited with our belongings at carousel 6.

My friends were a little late, as there was a bad accident between Oxford and Heathrow, which gave me time to appreciate a few changes, good and bad, and that some things still the same. Terminal 5 was actually very good, baggage issues notwithstanding. The concept of a 'small' coffee has been utterly Starbuckised into something ridiculous, and coffee from most chain and outlet cafes is dire dire dire. Australia, your motorists are appalling, but your baristas know their stuff.

I did want to write this when I arrived, so those who had read the earlier installments would take a look at the time stamps and say 'it takes THAT long? No wonder you lot in the Antipodes aren't regular visitors.' Let me just say 27.5 hours, with only two not spent in planes. Also, oh my aching everything.

But all worth it already! I have seen my lovely friend from university and her delightful hubby, and two gorgeous wee bairns (including the one who thinks I am a fashion icon: she acted as my personal stylist when we tried a spot of shoe shopping: alas, nothing for wide toes and high insteps, but much hilarity).We have bought sugar rats (labelled as mice, but just look at them!), books and almonds, all good things!

The renovated Ashmolean is wonderful. Although the signage leaves a little to be desired and the volunteers who had never heard of Hilliard made me giggle. The structure itself is very well realised and it allows a lot more of the collection to be seen (not the Hilliards, that I could spot, but I've seen them before.) I recommend it highly. The Frankish and Anglo-Saxon jewellery alone is worth the trip!

Finally, thank you so very much to christinefic , dragonfly_lily , sesheta_66 , lotus_lizzy , salixbabylon , aldehyde and micolerose for the beautiful snowflakes! You brightened my poor befuddled brain enormously!

Oh, not finally! I have just realised that I forgot the giveaway nail varnish! DAMN! Right, I will either grab some here and send it on to the recipients (most people who asked were slated to receive at least a bottle), or send it when I get home with an additional spot of silly Australiana to make up for the delay. Levels of brain function will determine which happens ;-)

Comments

[vaysh11.livejournal.com]

'It will be a bit bouncy on the way out as Frankfurt runway is one of the roughest in Europe, second only to Leningrad.' Hmpf. You realise that the fight against the infamous "Startbahn West" (runway West) has been one of the fiercest and most violent political battles in Germany. Our ex-foreign minister Joschka Fischer started his political career there. ;)

Here's another one for you, my friend: :)

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

At least it was perfectly safe! Thank you darling! I am sorry I missed snowflake day: damn lack of net access and sleep!

[snegurochka_lee]

Congrats on making it! :) I've always wanted to see Australia, but cannot fathom actually making the trip. I am weak. :/

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

My advice is to do it in stages: you can come via Hawaii or Egypt, then Fiji or Madagascar ;-)

[norton-gale.livejournal.com]

You made it! And it seems you have an amazing amount of energy for surviving a 27.5 hour flight. Clearly a champion traveler.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Resilience is my middle name! Well, it's not, but only because it's not hippy enough ;-)

[deensey.livejournal.com]

27.5 hours. Sheesh. It's as long as a trip home! <3333

Glad you're there!

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Not quite as cold! Though not at all warm, either: I have my possum-fur waistcoat on under my light coat ;-)

[deensey.livejournal.com]

Our vermin keeping you cozy! Goid job!

[phoenixacid.livejournal.com]

27.5 hours?! *lends you a scantily clad masseur for the evening* Glad you're having a blast so far!

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Alas, I had small children who were very excited to wake me up for breakfast ;-) Hotel tonight: sleep in!