All
Where was I? Oh yes, in Chicago. We boarded the plane to Albuquerque
and I was immediately struck by the difference in size and layout to
the transatlantic planes. The pilots were only separated from the
passengers by a curtain and (shock, horror) there was no in flight
entertainment!!! We were given the obligatory in flight meal but
no-one tried to sell us any duty free <g>. We arrived at Albuquerque
slightly ahead of time.
At this point I should add that we had never met our hosts, the
Mournings. Added to that Lorraine was in Scotland (somewhat ironic)
following the death of her father. We went through the gate and I
looked for a man and 13 year old boy but could not spot them - uh,
oh. At that point, of course, the doubts come in to play. "Did he say
that he would meet us outside the gate?" We decided to go and collect
our luggage and see if he was there. Nope, what do we do now?
I tried to make my way back to the gate but there was a barrier and
the guard would not let me though. He suggested I use the internal
phone and have a message put out. Could I find that phone - no! I had
to go back and ask again (feeling very silly). Anyway, this time I
found the phone (don't know how I missed it first time) and soon
heard, "Will Mr. Ron Mourning please ring the airport reception...."
Next minute we saw two figures come running down the stairs to the
baggage area. Phew! we had a bed for the night. Ron drove us back to
his house pointing out various things on the way but, as it was dark,
I didn't really take much in. I think there was a thunderstorm in the
distance.
That night I found out what jet lag was. At 2.30 a.m. I was wide
awake and wanting to be doing. This lasted for a long time (and I
don't think Chris ever fully adjusted). Having nothing better to do I
made friends with the cat <g>. The next day Ron was working and so we
just lazed around the house recovering though we did venture for a
short walk. I felt sorry for Randy as, through circumstance, he had
been left to look after these two strange people who had been dumped
on him. A daunting task for an adult let alone a 13 year old.
That evening we went out to eat and Ron, very bravely, let me drive
Lorraine's RV <g> (To be fair his jeep was out of commission with a
dead battery). It seems that eating out on a Friday night is a very
popular pastime. Ron added his name to the list of those waiting at
the restaurant and then we drove across the street to see if the
queue was any shorter <g>. As it wasn't we drove back. We had gone
to a steak restaurant (our request). I was surprised by the number of
people wandering about in cowboy/western gear and I soon removed my
tie as I felt somewhat overdressed! I can't remember exactly what we
had except that we both followed Ron's recommendation and weren't
disappointed. Eating customs are slightly different I was surprised
to be served a salad before the main course. In England, the salad
would come with the main course and is known as a side salad. We also
do not have the custom of refilling drinks. In England, when you buy
a drink that is what you get and if you want another you have to pay
for it though water is free but not usually iced.
After another disturbed night Ron drove us to the airport to pick up
the hire car so that we could strike out for the Grand Canyon. Would
we make it?................
Bow
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