In time honoured tradition, I had to post about my recent excursion, especially given the months of hype during the run-up to the Fest.
I left my bonny wee Isle (70x30 miles, population 21,000, with 8,000 of those in a single population center that I live on the outskirts of) on the Thursday morning for a three hour boat journey, followed by a four hour drive to my sister's. I enjoyed a lovely evening with my sister and nephew (who has been in my avatar for so long now) before being joined by her husband when he returned from work.
Friday morning my sister gave me a ride to Edinburgh airport, to catch a flight to London (where I posted from an Internet booth), and then onward to Dallas via New York.
It was on the New York section of the trip that things went amis, with lightening storms above the city.
After circling a few times we were informed that we were running low on fuel and diverting to an Airforce base about 80 miles North NW .
We grounded and fully refueled (probably in readiness for the return journey back to Britain) and waited...
and waited...
Until finally we were given clearance to puddle-jump, probably setting a new record for the shortest journey a Boeing 777 has made, barring the trip from the factory.
I had to get through Customs (WTF has agriculture got to do with a Fest-goer???) before frantically finding which flight might yet take me onwards. So I ditch my bag on a belt, jump aboard the monorail for a couple of stops, grab a Starbucks coffee and slip aboard the last (delayed, fortunately) flight to Dallas of the night. Meanwhile I knew that the party was probably in full swing in BillyBobs, and I would be missing it
FINALLY I set down in good old Texas after 11pm, only to find that my ride (which I had phoned ahead about, has neglected me .
Yes, Megadude has been arguing quantum physics with Jst2Lws (Steve) again, so after a phone call he finally extracts himself and trundles over from DFW to the airport, with a late arrived Xena, in tow.
We head straight to his house, where we meet up with a slightly sozzled Jst2Laws and HICFlyGirl (Steve and Joy's delectable daughter), and the conversation continues.
I dont know what time I hit the sack, but I was so weary (having already travelled 23 hours by the time I landed) that I was out for the count. NOW I remember why I didn't schedule anything for the mornings!!!
Saturday morning started with eggs. Did anyone ever tell you how good Jerry's (Megadude) eggs are? Well let me tell you that he makes GOOD eggs. This is probably fortunate, because XW never made the Fest, and I had been relying on her for my supply of fried chicken's ovums.
We then headed over to the Bradford to meet a few fols, chill by the pool, and generally get ourselves into the correct mental (I did say mental, didn't I ) state for the main event of the weekend - the Chilli and meal!
Apparently the night before had centered around room 222, where Gumby and FMZ had their abode (and boy did I hear some whinging from FMZ about the way his underwear had been attached to the ceiling - LOL - I told him to bring fresh ones!!!).
Anyhow, we met everyone at the door, because they were all going for breakfast (at 2pm ), so after greeting the procession we finally made our way there, in time to order something before the 3pm deadline.
I had the pleasure of sitting with the fantastic Flower, and although I was jetlagged and kept getting interrupted by a rawdy bunch from the corner, who shall remain nameless (Shotgun, Winston, Bradley, et all...), it was great to meet the "angry lady". Did I say angry? Far from it. Another misconception gained from merely reading writtne words on a Board, rather than the real expression behind them. She's a delight, and I only wish I had had more time, over a demanding weekend, to spend in her company.
Back to the pool, where FMZ was thrown in by Valis and later, after a botched attempt by Valis to get myself in, WildTurkey threw all of us in, whilst busy sparring.
By now most of us had met each other, everything has a sense of a low hum of excitement, and we attempted to chill in the hot Texan sun, awaiting the main event.
Finally we all slunk off to get ready (myself to my kilt) and to put the finishing touches on whatever had to be cooked (myself with some haggis), before setting off as a convoy to the West End Bar.
People mingled, the drink flowed freely, and the chatter increased, as we sampled the beer and the chillied delights. Then it was time to head to Sonny Bryan's, a couple of blocks away.
Here, in a sweltering dungeon, the results of the contest were announced, near an incredible banner designed and made by DFWNonJW.
- Best tasting Chilli - FMZ
- Most Original Chilli - LittleToe
- Hottest Chilli - Valis
Now, I couldn't help but point out (which I did most voluably) that the best was by an Englishman expat'ed to Missouri, the most original was by a Scot, and... can you call Valis a Texan?
Ironic. Nonetheless, it was an opportunity to celebrate our respective "FREEDOM!!!"
Food, drink and conversation ensued, before we decided what to do with the remainded of the evening.
Did I say "decided"?
Have you ever tried rounding up hens?
Apostates are worse then the proverbial car-group for getting things done.
They look at each other, muse a bit, ask one another what each other wants to do, muse a bit, stare off into space for a few minutes, before finally going where the booze is - often someones room at the hotel. I'm proud to be an Apostate, but I sometimes wonder at the WTS description of us being a well-organised and destructive mob - ROFL - destructive to the local liquor store, maybe - Hehehe.
Well, some went dancing (and consequently wondered where the rest of us got to) and the rest of us headed for room 421, and later (after complaints of noise on a Saturday night in a downtown hotel) to 423 (hehehe - that confused the b*ggers!!!). Myself and WildTurkey got into a conversation about the "joys" of having been Elders, which dredged up some unhappy memories, and the conversation babbled on.
At one point Valis came in and was on the phone deriding the French, which was amusing, as I shared a glance with Aimee (Bryan's French wife). That'll teach the b*st*rd... then again, maybe not!!!
Finally I needed some quiet time, so I headed back to room 222, to crack open a bottle of GlenMorangie.
The drive back to Megadude's that night was eventful, as I was jetlagged, tired, lost, nearly got mugged by a vagrant at the filling station, and had a "high" companion yapping in my ear about how this would make an interesting story for the Board - LOL.
I had to concede that point, after I thought about it some, but at the time it was the last thing on my mind, driving up secluded DFW streets.
Sunday was supposed to begin with church - hah - I was wasted.
I woke late, to the sound of eggs...
Did anyone ever tell you how good Jerry's (Megadude) eggs are? Well let me tell you that he makes GOOD eggs...
De javu...
Finally we made it over to room 222, where FMZ about to get stuffed into a full English Breakfast (with beans?). I helped him make some tea in the filter coffee machine, as he'd bought loose tea, instead of bags, and the only filter we had...
Well, you get the picture...
Finally a whole bunch of us headed for the Grassy Knoll, stood near the spot where the man himself got shot from behind, from a bullet that entered the front of his head . I tell you, if you haven't been and have only seen the JFK movie by Kevin Costner (as I had) then you need to visit it to get perspective.
We also stood behind the picket fence, and defaced government propety with our names ( who, me,, officer???). Princess and Steve have some great pics of this.
Finally we foresook the IMAX 3d movie, in preferance for a meal at Liz's (CatholicSchoolGirl), which was fantastic, fun, full of frolics, and where I got to see first hand what a card shark Badger is - LOL.
Ok, I saw it through a haze, whilst my ass was literally stuck to the sofa. I had spent a little time in the "happy room", and was fed up of hanging onto the walls. This effect had been exacerbated by an extremely funny moment with Slippy, where I ducked my head (I was laughing so hard) and got an amazing head rush. After which I wasn't very good company for a couple of hours, while it wore off - sorry for the silence, guys.
Finally we decided to go to Deep Elyum to dance, but it was late. We heard one reasonable rock band (which I bought the CD of) and another not-so-good one, before getting some serious munchies and driving all over Dallas to find an elusive Whattaburger (it was Steve's idea - LOL).
This was where the compromising FMZ photo was taken, where he REALLY looked worse for wear!!!
Monday a few of us met up at Scarborough Rennaisence Festival (myself in my kilt again). Badger hired his El Cid costume, and promptly attacked me with a hidden dagger. I though about going for the knife in my sock, but that was a real one, and I didn't think he'd appreciate being stuck!!! LOL
The weather was hot, the shows were fun, and I also got my Henna tatto re-done, as it had faded badly (it's growing on me, so I may get it done permanently). What we didn't expect, though, was the downpour after the finishing cannon. After a great day, we ended up saying some sorrowful goodbyes before trapsing through the mud, to roar of distant lightening (simultaneously wondering why everyone was heading for the "shelter" of the trees!!!!
Such was the end of the Fest, but I stayed in Dallas for a few more days. Amongst other things I wanted to visit some TaiChi dojo's. I took in some live music in Austin, with the Xtremely Xtatic Xena, the San Antonio SeaWorld (with some incredible shows - I recommend "Diva!"), before heading home via Houston.
It was a direct flight from Houston to London, but I had most of the day to spend in London Gatwick airport, before my flight back to Edinburgh.
There was one interesting event, though. Since I had toime on my hands, I attended a non-denominational service in the chapel, which was lead by a Salvation Army Chaplain. There were just two of us in attendance, and we were invited to share something about ourselves, at the end (of course I mentioned where I was from, and where I had been).
The lady, who also attended, was from Guernsey, an island off the Southernmost coast of Engladn, and actually far nearer France. It turns out that she did her Nurse training many decades ago on my small island (furtherst NW, off the coast of Scotland, and almost as far as we could have got from each other, and still both be British).
She (on the offchance) asked if I knew of a certain Doctor who used to live there. He had subsequently moved and they had lost touch. Not only did I know him, but knew him well, had met him just two months ago, and had his phone number.
She then asked the Chaplain if he knew some obscure old woman from Aberdeen (again, far away on the East coast of Scotland), and not only did he know her, but he knew her well, and had her address in his address book, back in his office.
Small world, huh?
Things like that seem to happen all the time...
Well finally I wended my way home, and I am still exhausted from lack of sleep and jetlag.
Hopefully I'll recover by the weekend, and enjoy some more general posting, with you guys...