Home Town Holiday

Sort of. Cheltenham isn’t really my home town. And I wasn’t really on Holiday any more. But I liked the ring of the title, so sue me. From Glasgow, a quick plane ride into London, and a nice walk to the bus station, found us on a bus headed for Cheltenham. Back in Cheltenham later Monday evening it was time to walk back to the flat. I pointed out the sights on the way and it was off for bed, but first, more presents! It was time for my third Christmas. The first was with Derek and Kelly, actually on Christmas Day; the second was with Kristen the following Tuesday morning. And that evening the third was unwrapping more from Kristen (the ones she shipped that had been haunting my dreams for well over a week). And we still had yet to pick up my family’s presents. How lucky am I to get four Christmases? No, wait, I actually get five if you count the ones I still have on my way from Kristen. Awesome!

So, on to the presents. Remember I told you about the wonderful photos she framed for my family? Well, she framed a few for me, too! Now I have the bench by Devil’s Chimney in a beautiful wicker frame, Abbey Road looking gorgeous, and a great quote by Bill Rodgers that she made up herself. Absolutely stunning.

Not much went on that week, other than showing her around my town, until I finally got to pick up my family’s presents, which I already told you about. There was a bit of a delay in getting them. I showed up late on Wednesday and the post office was closed. Seems the smaller branches, like this one (which is located in the back of a corner shop), have half days on Wednesdays. And speaking of this little corner shop, the lady wouldn’t take my Scottish bills, which is illegal. But what are you going to do? Scotland also uses the British currency, but it is printed out of the Bank of Scotland so it looks different, but spends the same. Or, at least, it is supposed to.

Thursday night, our last night in Cheltenham together, I gathered some of my coworkers and had them meet us down the street at the Conservatory, for some beers and a chance to meet her. We had a great time there, after which they showed us the glory that is the late night Kebab. And, after the late night Kebab, comes the early morning stomach-ache.