All Business: Flying Across The Pond

After months of hard work, planning, and endless threats from Bernard, our trip was finally here. It was almost surreal driving to Washington, Dulles airport Monday night, knowing that we were getting ready for the trip of a lifetime. After meeting the Sutton's in the airport parking lot, we checked into our flight and headed to the nearest airport bar (see: The Tap Room) for refreshments before take off. Once seated, we ordered our first beers of the trip and started mentally preparing for what lied ahead. The airport bar was both comical and frightening; comical because the entire table was carded (the parents were secretly flattered), and frightening because this was the last time we could have the grownups pay for our food and drinks. However, after making it through security, we would soon find out that this was not the case.

Upon arrival to the departure gate, we heard our names called over the loudspeaker and were asked to come to the front desk. We thought to ourselves, "How could we have already screwed this up after being alone for literally five minutes. Bernard is going to kill us." But to our surprise, the airport Gods, known as Christine Turner, had other plans for us. Instead of letting us "suffer" in the cramped seats in the back of the economy section, Christine upgraded our tickets to the first row of the Business section. Alcohol and food was now free. I know people say that nothing in life is free, but I'm pretty sure I didn't pay a dime for the complementary Champagne, free Wall Street Journal, Satellite Radio and plate of Braised Barbecue Short Ribs with a delicious French Red at its side.   

After a delectable meal and multiple glasses of wine, Chase and I found ourselves at London Heathrow before we could order another drink. Once we passed through immigration and customs, we met up with our other trip companion and friend, Adam, and began our journey. Unfortunately, the beginning of this journey consisted of a $30 train ticket to the middle of the city and a $25 burger at Ed's, short for Eddie Rocket's, cousin of Johnny Rocket?. After lunch we had several hours to kill until our next train to Holy Head to catch the Dublin ferry. So naturally, we decided to explore all of the free parks and museums London had to offer. Mostly because of our thirst for knowledge. It had nothing to do with the fact that we could enter these establishments for free. After a quick cat nap at Argyle Square, we ran into the most interesting man in London, possibly named Steve, but referred to as the Zen Master by all who witnessed his talents, we headed to the British Museum to get our facts straight about Egyptian and Greek history. 

                                    (Three amigos outside the British Museum) 

                                                   (Proof we went inside)

After what felt like a fort night in the museum and a new found disrespect for the British Pound, it was time to catch our train to holy head for the ferry to Dublin, our first stop. More to come.........