Packed and Ready

Rick Steves, please don't hate me. We finished packing within the 12-hour bubble. We should be sleeping soundly, with visions of Stonehenge and foamy beer in our heads, but no we're frantically downloading music and books (Kindle is comin' with, ya'll), cleaning and cutting up bird food, and making sure loose ends are wrapped up. It didn't help that I had two full weeks of travel during the past two weeks - but that seems to always happen right before a trip. The zen will come, just not tonight.

The kids are doing ok - no freak-out just yet, although I think Grete slipped a hiss when I pulled our luggage (the same hybrid carry-on/back-packs from last December's journey) out. Isaac eyed them warily, but let me pass. He already has been regurgitating for Karin, our great friend/housesitter/pet guardian, so he knows what's up. He also knows when I make him two big things of Birdie Salad that something *really* is up.

No pretty pictures from First Class this trip - we're coach all the way, since no business travel means no miles and no upgrades. I did pack our first class amenities from the last trip (earplugs, eyemasks, hydrating mist, salt and pepper) since we love to hoard travel items and will need something to keep us amused in coach. $7 drinks, here we come. (Better than the $600 per person per way we could have paid to upgrade...seriously? For 2.5" more width and 30" more pitch? I think I'll stick with a few Xanax and buy myself a severely awesome dinner once in England.)

OK, travel snobbery aside - we're doing a B&B in Bath, a modern hotel in Bristol, and a boutique hotel in London. I can't wait!

Tschüß!!