People

Driving to Wales today.

If stones are standing like this... are they standing stones?

Such fun visiting Andertons in Guilford this morning.

3 weeks since I have played a guitar and he had one just like mine. So I had to play it... didn't I.

The first person we had to deal with in UK was the car rental person in Glasgow. She was not easy to get on with but not many like her. 
After that, almost every one has been wonderful. The young women at the Holiday Inn Express in Stirling were outstanding. Keen to help in any way they could. They smiled, laughed, joked with us. Nothing was too much trouble.
The Holiday Inn Express at Inverness was the next hotel and they were the same. I think the chain has some way to make the staff want to be perfect. This chain has been excellent.
Our second less good experience was the coffee shop person who ordered us where to sit. I am sure she had her reasons. Her attitude left us feeling uncomfortable. 
So we left. 
Because we can.
Our experience in eating places has been excellent. The staff at the Antibo Restaurant in Derby was amazing. It was a great eating place. The way the staff worked to make everything just right made Antibo a highlight. 
We have had only one not so good eating experience. The food was not what we expected. 
So we did not go back. 
Because we can.
Shopping has been great too. Everyone we have bought from has been keen to know our story. Our accents heighten their interest. They ask more questions. I guess cos we are not in the most common international tourist spots.
Today I met with a favourite shopkeeper. He runs a youtube channel for his music shop in Guilford, outside London. I watch all his Andertons' TV clips and was keen to wander through his shop. 
Also, tell the truth, it is 3 weeks since I touched a guitar and needed to crunch the arthritis in my fingers.
I bumped into Captain Lee Anderton on the shop floor of his massive music emporium. We chatted for 15 minutes about music industry, business, equipment. Just general music chit chat. What a delight.
So we have done well with people. There have been very few fails.
Yesterday was a massive fail and I am still realing. Yesterday I wrote how much I enjoyed the time at Runnymede. From there we drove the 15 minutes to our accomodation. 
The thing stuff something Guest House. 
It was a fine choice 4 months ago.
It was uncomfortable right away.
The rooms he had were not what we booked. 
He could fix it for only £100 extra.
Credit card has a 20% fee.
British credit card only.
£100 extra in cash - up front.
Much more rubbish but you get the picture.
Every word shouted scam!
So we left.
Because we can.
Having had such a good time with Holiday Inn Express we sought out the nearest. They were perfect - again. They were full but called other places nearby until they found us something.
Now we are in Newport Wales at a Holiday Inn Express with lovely people looking after us again.
One fat old man undermining so much good will in the rest of the country. 
We shall rise above it. 
Already have.
Just needed to make the brain dump.
All gone… 
2 wonderful London successes, Runnymede and Andertons. 
Now here we are in Wales.