Back in the UK

After two weeks in Texas and Louisiana, we have returned to London and I will return to updating the blog. I even will add some pictures of our good times back home...but I currently have jet lag and lack the patience it takes to upload pictures, so this will be a pictureless, but descriptive blog.

Yesterday we headed to the Houston airport very early, because that is our way. So, with three hours to kill before our flight, we each had a beer and eavesdropped on some people in the Houston airport bar and grill and then made some Happy New Year phone calls.

Unfortunately, our flight was REALLY full. There were about sixteen screaming babies and children, a number of sick, hacking people, some body odor, very little air conditioner, and my seat was broken, so I couldn't lean back for the entire 9 hours. We were VERY happy to get off the plane and then, after a car sickness inducing cab ride to our hotel, were even more happy to be out of moving vehicles completely and get some much needed sleep.

Refreshed after a four hour nap, we picked up the keys to our new flat and headed over to check it out. Our new neighborhood is quiet and quaint. Our flat, which we finally saw for the first time without an estate agent hanging around, is charming, with big windows and lots of natural light. Our new landlord left us a nice note and guide to where things are to who to contact when we need help. We haven't met our neighbors yet, but our landlord said (in his note) that they seem to be nice and have been helpful.

There is a romantic looking restaurant around the corner from our new flat, a coffee shop, a pub, a little market and, with about a fifteen minute walk, we can get to West Hampstead, which has more restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Regents park isn't too far away and Hampstead Heath is also close, so I will have no excuse for not running. Tomorrow I will start "Mission Get Some Furniture" and hopefully we can get into the flat by the weekend.

Stay tuned for pictures from our holiday visit at home. Happy New Year!