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LHR transport dilemma - need help thinking outside the box . . .

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LHR transport dilemma - need help thinking outside the box . . .

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Old May 7th, 2014, 02:06 AM
  #101  
 
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So I was going to as soon as I was up and about. Unfortunately . . . One got up a 10:00 and the other at 10:15 . . . And we'll be lucky to get out of here by noon . . .>>

it's been said before, but herding cats would be easier.

Their loss, jj.
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Old May 7th, 2014, 04:24 AM
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Two words: solo travel.

Alternative two words: alarm clock.
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Old May 7th, 2014, 06:04 AM
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This thread would make a marvelous "de facto Trip Report!"
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Old May 7th, 2014, 06:13 AM
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Please do not stop with the gory details! I hope you have a very good reason for subjecting yourself to this torture.
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Old May 7th, 2014, 08:45 AM
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It was the cider, admit it. I did warn them.
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Old May 7th, 2014, 10:31 AM
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Think of this thread as a form of therapy!
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Old May 7th, 2014, 03:15 PM
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Yes . . . It was DEFINITELY Patrick's fault

and there is a bit more . . . When we finally did get to tower hill station, after a Starbucks break, B didn't have her Oyster card - AND her credit card wouldn't work in the machine - AND the ticket window was shut (Patrick, you have a lot to answer for )
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Old May 7th, 2014, 04:12 PM
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I'm very curious how B explained not having her Oyster...?
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Old May 7th, 2014, 05:55 PM
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OMG, Janisj, you are a saint!
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Old May 13th, 2014, 11:01 AM
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OK - I may be a committed solo traveler from here on out!

The girls are nice, friendly, considerate about most things . . . BUT help me here. How does one travel w/ folks who never want to eat? Not kidding. One is tiny and the other is a 'little' plump but not at all obese . . . And they are afraid to eat more than one meal a day - or they'll get fat. And they will not drink anything but tap water at meals. Neither usually eats breakfast. So like today - nice but not gigantic b'fast at our B&B so no lunch and we are staying in tonight since they don't want dinner.

I had wanted to eat in the treehouse restaurant at Alnwick and they seemed enthusiastic . . . Until we were actually at the gardens and I mentioned I'd run up to the treehouse to book, what time did they want to eat. They look at each other and 'oh no, we couldn't possibly eat lunch since we had breakfast.'. I say - 'oh that's OK, we can book late.' . . . 'No, we really can't eat lunch'. Sooooooo, I book a single and have a WONDERFUL meal. Ran into them later, 'any ideas where we'd like to eat dinner?' . . . Oh no, we had a scone so we won't be having dinner.' WTH!!!

This sort of thing has happened over and over. Plus I like to stop in a pub now and then or maybe a wine bar. Both drank a bit when we met up w/ Patrick, and each had a glass of champagne at Rule's. but its been only tap water otherwise. . . Solo - yep, that's the only option. . .
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Old May 13th, 2014, 11:26 AM
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I once had a friend (more of an acquaintance) beg onto a trip to London (at least it was only London, my insistence on traveling light and mostly by rail scared her off the European leg). I figured at least it would mean a companion for dinner.

Same problem. Almost complete lack of interest in food. Go solo!
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Old May 13th, 2014, 11:42 AM
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Did I also mention that I plan my trips around food?

I have a coworker who travels with energy bars and such. Same co-worker who before my 1st trip to Italy that you can always get a good cup of coffee at McDonalds. I thanked her for her "tip"
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Old May 13th, 2014, 12:35 PM
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And they are afraid to eat more than one meal a day - or they'll get fat. And they will not drink anything but tap water at meals. Neither usually eats breakfast. So like today - nice but not gigantic b'fast at our B&B so no lunch and we are staying in tonight since they don't want dinner.>>

it sounds like hell on wheels, jj. travelling with people who won't eat - a nightmare!
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Old May 13th, 2014, 12:55 PM
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Hi Janisj,

My sympathy. " And they will not drink anything but tap water at meals." That would be the end for me. So no spontaneous drop ins a pubs? I hope you are well provisioned with wine at your apartment - so easy to buy in London as opposed to the US.

Have these gals ever been abroad? Do they think they are enjoying themselves? I doubt they will fare better in the countryside.

My deepest sympathy ...
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Old May 13th, 2014, 01:21 PM
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Janisj, I am back again,

Just my conjecture, but I think that the gal who opted out of this safari at the last minute (as described above) probably had a premonition that she couldn't hack it.

Too much of the great unknown.
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Old May 13th, 2014, 01:42 PM
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Oh dear. Yes, I went on a trip to London and Spain (same trip) with someone who only drank tap water and who wanted to know every single ingredient in the dishes on the menu... and she didn't even have the Spanish to be able to ask. Never again.
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Old May 13th, 2014, 01:54 PM
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Well, at least you had a nice lunch by yourself which I'm thinking was far better than lunching with the ladies. I'm always put off when dinning at a nice restaurant and someone orders a salad no dressing and a glass of water with a slice of lemon. Really? Why bother.
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Old May 13th, 2014, 02:46 PM
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No fun when the folks you are with don't enjoy the same things especially the love of food and drink. Eating in new places is part of the whole travel experience.

Sometimes as people age though they don't enjoy food as much and just eat in order to exist. Plus they can't eat as much anymore. Maybe this is happening with your group?
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Old May 13th, 2014, 06:45 PM
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What a drag
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Old May 13th, 2014, 11:16 PM
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janisj you need to get them on a bicycle, after 4 hours they want to eat
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