Glasgow to Seattle 2 (September 15)

Day 1

Glasgow – Seattle

Rudely awoken by 'mobile phone woman' with her “It's time to get up,” ranting at 7.30. Last minute stuff, including printing out the latest version of the itinerary – imagine if I'd forgotten that. Received my first unfriendly email from an American. A man who had agreed to accommodate me, in principle at least, now says I am not welcome in his home. I had written asking for his address, in the event of the arrangement being firmed up, but somehow he had taken umbridge. He says I am not welcome in his house. Raining outside. Hurrah! However, in the free Telegraph on the plane (it was actually a surprisingly good read) meteorologists have predicted an Indian Summer. Boo! Bid farewell to my lodger, Chris. Tony accompanied me to the airport, to offer physical, moral support and financial support – he paid for the taxi. He wasn't happy with the two bin-liners I had used to wrap my three panniers though and a lengthy search of shops and facilities at Glasgow Airport ensued. They don't have a cellophane-dispensing machine? A very nice British Airways lady produced three further bin-liners and Tony was OK with this. It wasn't anything to do with me... On parting he told me to enjoy it. 'Sky Nibbles Gold' on the plane to London had the words 'Fly, Nibble, Enjoy' printed on the packet. Alright, alright! Mature, mumsy air hostesses? I expected so much more from a top dollar airline like BA, compared to my usual Ryan Air and Sleazy Jet experiences. You pay so much more and it should be reflected in the 'trolley totty'. Something in the paper about a new adventure sport called 'Mountain Unicycling'. Yeah, alright, steal my thunder why don't you? Ultra smooth landing at Heath row, compared to the white-knuckle rides I'm used to with those other flyers. On to Seattle, an eight hour flight and time difference, which should be fun. Sat next to a young lady, who not only lived near the address I was going to, but offered me a ride (well, in her boyfriend's) SUV. I'll never criticize these gas guzzlers again. Neta, for it was she, worked for a biotech company and had been on holiday in Greece. I love airline food, and today's consisted of oatcakes & salmon paste, chicken with tarragon sauce and trifle. One of the things I did to pass the time was try to learn Scrabble words. Knowing the two-letters is crucial and there are 22 I know that aren't in the US list. So I devised a little poem : TENY CHUG POUR KOFY OU OO EE EA DADI JAKY OBIO YUZO. It's great isn't it? I can sing it as I ride through the mountains.