You know how in Britain they drive on the opposite side of the street than in the States? And how back home we always look to the left for oncoming traffic before crossing? Well, London has clearly had its fair share of befuddled Americans walking into traffic, seeing as it painted helpful suggestions on the pavement as to which way to look at almost every intersection. Earlier today, while crossing the Strand to get to the Courtald Gallery, David unfortunately missed this warning to “look right.” And with David, you can only imagine what happened. So his blog posts will still be published while we’re in London–but on a slightly delayed schedule.
P.S. David made me write this blog entry because he’s embarrassed that he’s already fallen behind on his writing. He’s absolutely, perfectly fine. He just wanted to drum up some sympathy for himself as a way of diverting you from the fact that he’s been a bad blogger. So just play along. Please? For my sake. You have no idea what it’s like being in the same room with him when he’s like this.
The One
Drum up some sympathy? Really? We are all crying that poor David (and you) are trouncing around Europe like hungry vagabonds. Yeah. I do sympathize, my dears. But glad to hear that David is all right… and I just have to tell this story. A very long time ago, my husband had to go to Scotland on business and stayed in a little bed & breakfast in the country. He rented a car (both car and road the wrong side). He pulled out of the b & b parking lot and took a roundabout in the wrong direction and crashed into a local’s car. The guy got out, asked if JP was all right, surveyed the damage (minimal) and basically wished my husband a good day. My husband, a bit astonished, asked him why he was so calm, understanding and friendly instead of being upset. And the guy looked at him and said “Because we get lots of tourists here and frankly this happens every single day. We are just used to it.” So see?
And I cannot wait to read about your exciting travels!
Jamie, this is just the tonic I needed today, as I’m sick beyond belief. Thanks to you, I laughed so hard my lungs aren’t nearly so congested, if you know what I mean.
We rented a car years ago in Wales, and I drove. Every time we were coming to a roundabout, we all had to say out loud which way to go. Silly, but it worked. BTW, we missed you in Mont-St-Michel.
I think that’s brilliant having everyone say the direction out loud! And I am kicking myself having missed the invite to meet you guys there. What a fun time we would’ve had and even JP would’ve loved the mini vacation. Now I’m trying to figure out how to get to Connecticut! Hope you are well, David!
We will welcome you with open arms, my dear, whenever you decide to visit. We’re thinking of popping by Nantes soon, but since Oct. 4th next year is our 20th anniversary, we’re considering Buenos Aires. So it might be after that. (Alas, I’m still sick. So sick, I’m stuck in CT and The One in NY on this, our 19th anniversary!)
David (and The One), I look upon stepping out in front of a bus on my first day in London as something of a travel tradition. 😉 I’m bad with spatial things, hard for me to change the habits of a lifetime, but when I do…it took almost a month back here, following two weeks driving around England, before I could come to an intersection and make my turn into the correct lane without waiting for another car to come along and clue me in as to just *which* lane was the correct one. Man, crossed wires!
Glad to hear this was only a ploy. Keep having fun. That’s the best reason I can think of for procrastination.
Ruthie, luckily we weren’t driving in England. A million years ago I drove David and our dear friends Matty and Janet around Wales and the English countryside. When I got home, I had the same issue!
And about David’s ploy, as the song says, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen….”
Loved The One’s post. I think a new star has been born.
Yes, ’tis true. But you know very well what this means, Christine: Suddenly my take on things won’t be gospel anymore. I’m sure he’ll want to put in his two cents–even about your marvelous food (and these popovers, which are the finest I’ve seen made by a home cook.)