Vegas

I'm going to go onto the day of the Meet and Greet now - or the Sit and Stare, or Sit on the Spit. Prior to this, as there were so many rules about what we could and couldn't do at this, we were convince d that each Osmond would be put on an individual podium and be rotating so we could all get a good look - wasn't quite like that (shame, would've been fun!).

Okayyyy - in the programme it said 'no line before 12.30pm, but being not-so-good Osmond fans, one or two people had been there since 4.30am apparently (I kid you not! LOL!). I must admit that I joined at about 10am (ish - time stood still in this place with no clocks and me no watch!). This was because, and I think it was a very good reason, it said 'first come, first served, and to a person in a wheelchair that is bad news! LOL! Sooooo, my philosophy was get there early, and wheel like hell!

However, we were threatened (too strong a word, but hey!) with security being called, and they did come, and looked, and looked, and did nothing - at first. Then this female sergeant came (men - wimps!) and yelled at us to all move - and most people did - to the slot machines about six feet away - toooooo funny! THEN - it was suggested that perhaps we could have numbers on our wristbands (the too tight yellow stiff plastic ones - where, or where were the ones like we had at Osmania in Feb?!), OK, so we all lined up (well, again, most of us) and had a number put on our wristband - I was 7o-something. And so we went away, came back a bit later to find that the number thing wouldn't be honoured - can't remember the reason but it's not important in the grand scheme of things.

Then, I was told that the people in wheelchairs would go in first, THEN I was told that, even though we would be taken in first, we'd have to sit in the wheelchair spaces at the back - sod that for a lark, I thought (and probably said, but not loud, that sergeant lady looked mean!). Anyway, we waited, and waited, and then I was asked to move forward, so I did (didn't need asking twice). I had a strategy that said that, if I was asked to stay at the back I would immediately wheel myself down the slope and woebetide anyone who tried to stop me! HA!

It got VERY hairy outside, and I am told that PBS encouraged people to stand closer together and cheer and do all sorts of idiotic things (for that crowd). If that is true, shame on them for nearly causing a riot (looks good on telly though, I suppose, she says drily). Anyway, one of the other ladies in chairs nearly had a panic attack, and asked to move forward, and the people behind her thought the doors were opening and crowded even more closely round her - not helpful, people!

Eventually, we were allowed in and led to the front - but we had to get out of our chairs (one woman actually didn't, but that's OK). I sped down to the front (couldn't help it in the end, it was so flipping steep and I didn't realise it until it was too late! LOL!) and sat in the left hand side of the aisle. This turned out to be a fairly bad mistake, and I now think that, sometimes, front row is not the best place to see things - never mind, I was there!

We waited quite a while, Jimmy came out a couple of times and chatted to us, made a joke about redheads (AGAIN!). Lots of people milling about, putting wires in sockets, trailing wires across wheelchairs (tough if we wanted to leave for ANY reason!), coming off and on stage. At least two Osmond assistants were there, but I only recognise Teresa as a rule, so, sorry about that, but......, errm, never mind! LOL! I noticed the stage set up and immediately thought that I was in the wrong place, as the seats all were facing towards the right hand side of the stage - this was a beef of mine about that stage set up all the time I was there, so be prepared!

Anyway, eventually, people started to come in - and I was amazed at how calm it all seemed, having been out there earlier, but maybe some of it had to do with the fact that Virl and Tom had gone to the door to greet everyone (it would've been VERY nice if they'd said hello to US, btw, but I managed to do that on my own later on - alone - which was lovely).

Anyway, we waited, and then this PBS woman came on - and what a, yes, well, I'll be polite - one of the first things she said was 'I must be the luckiest woman alive' - errm - why?! I hate simpering 40-something women who do this, puts US in a bad light - just be professional, woman! Anyway, she wittered on and on about PBS, wanted to know where we were from (well done the British contingent for being the loudest - Brits rule! HA J/K!).

Then - they came on, to huge cheers of course. I've seen the seven of them on stage once before (my first concert, which was lucky) so it perhaps wasn't as moving for me as it may have been for some others (I didn't do much crying the whole time I was there, to be honest, I'm obviously a cold hearted female dog!), but it was lovely to see them onstage again. Merrill looked towards me, but looked right through me - no matter, I am a Jay fan now! I loved the banter, but I did NOT like the Q&A session, if people have gone to the trouble of asking a question, then I expect the Osmonds to answer them, and I could see whatsherface's piece of paper, and it looked to me like it had at least eight on it, and she only asked 2-3 (if that) - I would suggest that the remaining questions are sent to the family and answered - it may take several months (Osmond time is, as we know, something you have to get used to when you go to things like this!). I loved Jimmy's 'organising' (normally, he's got up my wick because he's so 'organised' but I'm glad someone was in charge!). Loved seeing some of my friends getting their photo taken, some were a bit hmmmm - and I loved Donny's comment about one of the names (your writing's not exactly clear sometimes, either, Mr Osmond!). Thought, how the heck am I going to get up there if my name is called - do I climb up the steps on my bum, or do I beg for Jay to help (you know, being a Jay fan now?!), or do I just stay where I am, looking all sweet and innocent, and let them come to mam - errrm, me?! Luckily, or not as the case may be, it didn't happen, but it would've been interesting to find out!

I like them singing in seven-part harmony, but it reminded me of my dad, who doesn't like it when they do that!

More later (I have to do some research ;-))

Vegas - continued

As I've said before the hotel was HUGE, rows and rows of slot machines, all playing different games which I hadn't a clue what to do with. At one time I watched Debbie and Becky play and I just was like 'huh?!' - hadn't a CLUE - so it was a very good job I didn't even try and win anything, I'd have been bankrupt!

The hotel had two entrances, one from the cabs, and one for the shuttles - so I was told. Very organised. Reception was to the right of the main entrance and then you went towards your room, past the Gift Shop (aka Stalkers Corner, affectionately - hey, it had a seat, use it, and if an Osmond happened to come by, good for you! LOL!), and then onto the swimming pool, gym etc. and then you turned either left or right depending on where your room was. There was a very nice security guard who said good morning or afternoon everytime you passed (he was also supposed to check your keycard, but I am, I suppose, once seen, never forgotten!).



Anyway, also downstairs were loads of places to eat, a liquor store, the gift shop, the hotel also had a cinema and a bowling alley, which I didn't investigate - darn! It also has an arena (where the concerts SHOULD'VE been, but that's just my little old opinion). There were also lots of tables for roulette, canasta and all that stuff, and a bar, where you could also play games of some sort (as well as a get a drink - I spent a LITTLE time here, as you will hear later on!).



I ate at the breakfast place, TGIs, the French Buffet (all you can eat place) - and only ate one full meal other than breakfast all the time I was there! I got addicted to Iced Tea and Canada Dry (both of which we can get in the UK, but it's just not the same....).



From 12.30pm on Sunday was Registration. Well, with over 800 people attending, what on earth were we doing in such a small room?! No air conditioning. Three round tables in the middle. I don't fault the people doing the registering, or the merchandise. But I ended up joining the merchandise line four times because it just wasn't going anywhere. And, bless his heart, but it wasn't exactly helped by Jared coming in part way through the afternoon and placing himself (or being put more like - he's such an amenable chap!), where he was, it slowed everything right down, as he likes to chat - well, he IS an Osmond! LOL! It was a very stuffy room and many people found it uncomfortable, so I left a couple of times to go and find a drink - in the liquor store - exciting stuff - LOL! I ended up buying some tomato juice, Canada Dry and Coke! Went back upstairs and shared my CD with Gina, who was feeling the heat. Whilst I was away, she'd been sharing my programme with people - didn't mind! Ended up joining a line and eventually buying the 50th programme, which I think was worth the $40, but I didn't buy anything else - I'm not the best person to try and tempt into buying things, but there were some great things - bags, t-shirts, all kinds of pictures, DVDs, all sorts of stuff. There were different auctions from the seven performing chi.... Osmonds (sorry!), and I thought that several people were going to win each of the items (but one person won all), and I put one ticket in the picture with the Osmonds thing as I thought that was fairest (which was I probably didn't win a flipping thing!).
The 50th bag had nice goodies in it, but not earth-shattering, and they are still in my suitcase. I will use the mousemat. The bag will be useful too. I wasn't too sure what one or two things were, to be honest!


On my fourth time in the line, jumping in because someone took pity on me (Noriko had tried earlier but the line just didn't move, so I left!), I managed to talk to Jared and had a picture taken with him (another reason it was slow - people like me doing that! LOL!). Paige was with him and she was really cute. Apparently, she had a little play area under the table (probably the coolest place to be - in both senses of the word!), and every now and again this little hand would come up to hand her daddy a CD for him to sign! Too funny. She sometimes popped up and sat on the chair, but, for her, underneath the table was best!



Now, I'm not sure if it was this day or not (they all kind of run into each other!), but, some of you will know that I've been a bit 'concerned' (you can use other words if you like!) about a certain Mr MDO not making himself available to people as much as he normally does. Well, someone came up to me and said that he'd been seen sneaking out the back way from the showroom with three of his younger siblings, and I'd also had reports of him 'hurrying' through the doors of the casino, not stopping to talk to anyone, looking very, well, I don't know, as I wasn't there! And I decided 'right, that's it, no more Ms Nice Gal' and then stormed off down the corridor, and ended up in the bar. Jackie Gray took advantage of a poor, harassed Merrill fan and plied me with drink (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). I had a not too large glass of wine and ended up announcing to the world 'I AM A JAY FAN!' Why poor Jay I have NO idea, but he was IT!

Oh, prior to this, I also chose my Film Festival time, and chose the first one - this was on the Tuesday.

Can't remember what I did after the Registration but at one time, Janette, Sheridan and I went to the all you can eat French Buffet (which didn't actually feature ANY French food - hmmmm...), and Janette saw Jimmy ahead of us, and we debated whether we should still be there. Consensus of opinion was, yes, it was a big place, he could go his way, we could go ours and never the twain meet. You could choose from BBQ, Chinese, US, Salad, Indian (which looked Italian to me, but never mind), and a couple of other choices. Sheridan bumped into Jimmy at one choice, and they briefly chatted, but we wanted to eat (so did he, obviously, duh!). He ended up choosing US btw - not that we were spying!). Very patriotic.

Vegas - Part 7345555!

Well, after that 'wonderful' experience flying, we got to the hotel - and it IS big, bigger than even I expected. We got out of the cab and that heat hit us again - and remember, it was very late at night! Gathered our luggage and went through the door - to be met by a reception committee! I remember KJ and Wilma, and possibly Sharon, but I was so tired and fraught that if there was anyone else there (Georgie?!) I've forgotten who they were. Lots of hugs and kissy mwah mwahs! LOL! Joined the line for checking in - harmless. Someone very kindly went and got a bellboy for me - and I followed him to my room. Couldn't find my key (FIVE minutes after I got it!) so he opened the door for me, and put my case in the room and then left - without me tipping him. He was lovely - Steve from LA - I liked those name badges - he missed out, I got a bit generous towards the end of my stay! LOL!

Anyway, looked around my room a bit, and then decided to put the case on the extra bed - well, it was a bit like tussling with an elephant (the case or me?! Not sure!), but I eventually got there, and got essential stuff out.

Looked out of my window to see what the view was - mountains in the distance (which I saw in the morning), and lots of lights. Air con kept coming on - didn't actually manage to control it until the day of the first concert, but that's me for you. Also, didn't notice where telly was, ditto!

OK, came time to get into bed. Now, please do NOT laugh! Because the bed was a Queen size, I had a little bit of difficulty and thought I would end up sleeping on the floor! After about half a dozen attempts, I had to LAUNCH myself at the other side of the bed, doing a semi-backward flip, grabbing onto whatever I could! Oh heck, even I'm laughing, so go ahead!

I had a pretty good night's sleep, must have been REALLY tired! Woke up at 6.30am - could've done with maybe a little longer but hey ho! The bed was not as bad as I thought it was going to be and the pillows were nice, I only needed one and the other I laid at the side of me (the non-falling out side). Got up, and looked out of the window, could see the view, mountains were lovely, other bits not so, but I took a picture anyway!

Got dressed - I had brought with me, in my suitcase, an inflated balloon with '50th' on it (I was rather pleased to see an identical one in Corrie last night for Jack and Vera's), and so I attached that to my wheelchair handle and went downstairs and looked for something to eat. I knew about all the different food outlets from the website, and headed for the Courtyard - this was really nice, and I lived in it practically for food.

The balloon attracted attention - but the number of people who said Happy Birthday to me was amazing! After a while, I said the next person to wish me a happy birthday gets SHOT! (Luckily it wasn't an Osmond - I think they understood! HA!). Ended up having breakfast with Angela and had cereal and toast - very British! LOL! I liked they way they served the toast, four slices, two on top of the other two - but I did nearly ask for butter - whoops! It was pointed out that one of Alan's sons was in the restaurant too, but as I didn't know many Osmonds from my elbow, I didn't take much notice (it was Scott, who I DO recognise, but I thought he deserved to have his breakfast in peace from loony tunes like us - well, me!).

After breakfast I went to see where everything was - the room for the registration, the showroom, where the loos were, important things! Met up with lots of people throughout that time, getting up to date on people, having a good old gossip, got given a Spottie name tag even though I didn't book one - thanks Linda! Seeing if I could find Mr Elusive (more of THAT later!).

Vegas - Part 3

OK - we arrived in New York (minus seeing the Statue of Liberty, but I have absolutely no idea where that is in relation to JFK, my geography is soooo rubbish! LOL!). I was last off, which I expected, and I had to go in one of the airport wheelchairs - which was very uncomfortable. We were wheeled through to Baggage reclaim - and waited, and waited and waited, and I started to panic as neither mine or Janette's luggage seemed to be there! Eventually, Janette's appeared and FINALLY - mine. Nightmare over - not!

We then were taken to Customs, the first fellow we saw looked bored out of his mind, he checked our passports, took our thumb prints, and I think he took an eye thing - well, he certainly pointed in the direction of my face, but I'm not sure!

Went on to go through security. Now, I know that it has to be done, but there are ways and ways of doing it. I was surrounded by three people, one of them with his arms folded, legs astride looking down at me with a stare. I decided not to do any eye contact whatsover (what, me, submissive?!). It was horrible. My shoes were taken off me, and then I was briefly helped, before she left me to my own devices. She swabbed my wheelchair and I slightly panicked as I saw a black dot on it and thought 'oh (sugar), something's come into contact with it!' but it came back OK. It didn't last ages, but it felt like it, and I have never felt so threatened in my life! I really don't think I needed three people watching over me.

The guy who was pushing me kept saying as he was pushing me that British people were very nice - nothing like being subtle about getting a tip!

Anyway, FLED from customs to go to the loo and get something to eat - our first attempt at passing on money - went well, I only had a bag of pretzels and a drink. We then decided to get to our departure lounge, only to find it had changed, so we had to get to another one, not so far away. Weren't quite sure which part of the lounge as it was big, so two of us went to find out whether we were in the right place. And then waited......................

Janette and I went near the front as we needed the 'helpers' to see us so we could get on first, I was expecting a slope like before, but it was a bit different!

Lots of people milled around, and then eventually some people came to board us - or so we thought. There seemed to be a lot of confusion, and so there was - the plane was overbooked.
We watched as confusion reigned, people would go away, come back, go away again, with the minimum of explanation. Eventually an announcement went up that the plane was overbooked and that $400 would be offered if people would change flights. We kept well out of it!

Eventually this vehicle arrived at the gate, a bus thing that could attach itself to the plane. We were allowed on and waited whilst it filled up. We saw some of the people we'd come with get on, but not others. We later found out that they had not got paperwork, apparently, so they couldn't be allowed on the plane. However, I've since heard that, miraculously, as soon as the gate closed, the paperwork was 'found'. They had to wait for another flight, to Atlanta (which I'm sure is very nice, LOL!), and then wait for a connection to Vegas - and missed about a day of their holiday.

Anyway, eventually this 'thing' moved to the aircraft, it was absolutely crammed full of people, but I was let on first. Got on, got to my seat, and was told I could sit in the window seat as it would be easier for the people next to me. I wish!

This woman eventually came along, told me I was in her seat, I tried to tell her that the flight crew had put me there, she told me I was a mean person for sitting in someone else's seat, and to MOVE! So, I did, or at least I tried. She then changed her mind, told me to go back, and sat down next to me. The next few hours were a nightmare - everytime I moved, or coughed (which I did quite a lot because of the air), she glared at me. She sat next to another woman and talked to her all the time in some Asian language, occasionally glaring at me. I spent most of the time looking out of the window, trying not to cry. I hated it. The only thing I liked about that flight was the lightning storm over Arizona, and the fact that the flight attendant came along, asked us what we'd like to drink and then handed me a coke, which I took, and then spilt hers all over her coat!

She kicked up such a fuss, wanted it dry cleaned there and then - hmm, at 35,000 feet, I don't think so! She then was pacified with a dry cleaning voucher, but it didn't need dry cleaning, it was just a cheap coat. She then spent the rest of the flight trying to wipe the seat down, and I actually didn't realise until I got out of the plane that some of it had gone down me as well, but - it dried. As soon as the plane came to a halt, she stood up and left. My parting shot - see you, wouldn't want to be you!

We were helped through the airport, I was tickled to see the slot machines in arrivals - nothing like starting as soon as you get there, LOL! We had to wait for our luggage again - the carousel seemed to be a bit jittery. Met Sheridan - really lovely to see her again, we were two hours late, so she'd been waiting a long time! The shuttle wasn't working so we had to get a cab, we got a Handi-cab - brilliant, I wheeled up the back up a ramp (with Sheridan's help, not the cab driver!), and slotted myself in, and the luggage went in the front and back. We asked to get to the hotel the quickest way and he got us there quickly. We really noticed the heat as we came out of the airport - phew! Well, had to get used to it........

Journey to Vegas - Part 2

We got off the train, with assistance, were guided to somewhere in the station, and then given instructions about where to go (now, now!). Then, we were abandoned. Now, normally, as women, we are the ones who don't have to ask for instructions, because our brains are capable of taking in a lot more than mens, aren't they?! (Yes, is the answer to that question, in case you're a bloke thinking about it!).

Sooooo, we follow the instructions....................... and then get lost! LOL! We're not really sure how to get out of the place, so ask a cleaner - who speaks German only and is new anyway! I then remember a vital piece of information, like the stop number, and we go towards it - on the other side of the road. WRONG one! Sooo, we go back across the road (are you keeping up?!), find the right stop, and discover a 50-seater bus, he says we should be further up the road. We go up the road, Janette being very capable with the trolley - but I then have an uncontrollable attack of the giggles watching her ahead of me - no idea why, she was doing very well!

We get to the stop, and the bus comes, his ramp doesn't work. So, I walk on the bus (again, shush!). We eventually get to our hotel, but as he's stopped on the pavement, I have to launch myself off the pavement, as he's over the dropped kerb - DOH!

Large line at check-in - Janette guards luggage outside. Eventually check in and get key - meet Trissa (nearly ignored her, but never mind - and where was my cider, missy! LOL!). Have a bit of a chat, but really want to get to room to settle in. Room is just perfect - apart from bathroom which is small, but it's only for one night. We put the telly on - to find that we were probably the last train to get through the East Coast Mainline as there was an engine fire, and people had to be taken off the train and led along the line - that would've been fun - not!

We decide to have something to eat and join the others, I order pizza and it is HUGE! I couldn't eat it all - this became a recurring theme throughout the holiday. Eventually we decide to go to bed, and we sleep OK, fitfully, through the night - I never sleep a full night on the first night.

In the morning, I wake up about 6.30am and wait a bit, we decided to set the alarm for 7ish (I think) but I opened the curtains with a bit of a flourish before then - and Janette wasn't happy! Well, we were both awake, why waste a minute?!

Got up, packed everything away, and went for breakfast. The waiter was a little 'attentive' - telling the others where their breakfast was and said 'I'll get yours' pointing to me - no you will not, sonny boy! I managed to get it with the minimum of spillage - slope included (if he'd said that existed, I might have said OK, you can help me, but as he was so insistant, I got defensive!

Anyway, we chatted so much that I was the one who broke up the party and said we'd better go and get this plane. The shuttle arrived really quickly, got on OK, ramp included, was told I was free (after paying £2 the day before - tightwad that I am, I was happy!), and we went to the terminal - the poor driver having to deal with someone on the way who'd been told he was on the wrong bus, but didn't take any notice. Some people!

Anyway, we got to checkin - meeting lots of other people on the way who were going somewhere similar (VERY similar - LOL!), and joined the line - after going the wrong way. We were asked the security questions twice (probably because we (OK, I) was behaving a bit weirdly! We got to the desk and it took forever! First he ran out of paper for his machine, then he rang up for me to get assistance - and they wouldn't answer (no wonder, given what we experienced later!). Eventually he got through, and gave us instructions on how to find the place for getting help (dearie me - here we go again!), by the time we'd finished, there was NO-ONE at any of the check-in desks - very spooky! Where did you all go?! We went through customs with the minumum of fuss (I decided to behave), got my crutches and hand luggage scanned, didn't have to take my shoes off (well, one of them, the other sort of fell off!), was patted down and went through and found, with the minimum of getting lost, the info point. And discovered LOADS of people there, and a bunch of 'helpers' who were looking as though their passengers had all the time in the world. We were told we were early, and were told to come back at a certain time, so we went window shopping. I accidently spilt Fahrenheit on myself (it smells a bit strong when you put it, errrm, spill it the first time, but gradually it smelt quite decent). Can't think what drew my attention to it at all - HA!

Anyway, we eventually looked at the time and decided we'd better head back to Customer Service - and were told we were still early (even though our plane left in 45 minutes!), so we waited, and waited, and I eventually decided that, if they didn't come in five minutes - we'd walk it. They came - with a better buggy than before, and it was fun scattering people out of the way!

Got to the plane and got on. We had bulkhead seats so didn't have a window. As I've said before I am not the best taker-offer in the world, so sat back and breathed deeply (thanks for the hand-hold, Janette!). Once we got up though, we had fun because we were all more or less near each other (some our side, some the other). We started off with 15 - that did NOT continue for the whole of the journey.

I'm not sure I will fly with Delta again - the only member of staff who was remotely human was one of the captains, who stood in the galley near us eating a chocolate mousse and delighted in the fact that we hadn't got one! His name was Mike and he was rather nice - if you know what I mean! LOL! But the rest of the staff were, not exactly rude, but they didn't smile, didn't look like they were enjoying their jobs at all! We watched the movie without a soundtrack because we didn't want to pay (or I didn't!) for the headphones - even though you could take them with you. The food was OK - chicken, veggies, cheese and crackers. The flight was long - and I should've done some updating of my journal then, but didn't!

Anyway, we eventually arrived in New York - and the 'fun' began!

Vegas - The Journey to........

My friend Janette and I decided a few days beforehand that we would go down to London the night before because of some weird rumour about checking in four hours beforehand instead of the three we expected. With the trains being a bit, errm, late sometimes, we got the times and the assistance booked changed. Train was at 4ish, but I arrived about 3.15, due to the taxi and traffic being very late - which was not the usual thing for York!

I managed to drag my case to the Customer Service place, and eventually managed to talk the guy who'd been gabbing with his colleague, ignoring me. He looked at his list and said, 'Oh yes, you're the lady who's going to Berwick.' Errrrm, no, I'm going in the entirely opposite direction to London, you dingbat! (I didn't actually call him that, but certainly felt like it! He quickly corrected himself, showed me the slip of paper (he'd actually read the one below it), and he then took my case to the customer lounge, with me following behind. Waited in lounge for Janette. Our train was a little late (this would be a recurring theme throughout the time I was away! LOL!), so it gave Janette more chance to get up and get to the station (sorry, J!). By her own admission, she is NOT a morning person! LOL!

Eventually she arrived, with family in tow, she's got two lovely boys and a really nice hubby, so we chatted for a while, and then the customer services guy came back again and led us to where we were getting on the train, then was told it was a longer train and we needed to go elsewhere, so off we all trooped, and waited. Then - a train came in, everyone said goodbye to each other - wrong train (wrong train company as well - LOL!).

Then, whilst we were waiting for the right one, there was a bit of a kerfuffle and the police arrived. Apparently, someone had caused a bit of a stir either on the platform or a previous train - not sure - and they'd been called. They had a word with this lad, and took him away, he started resisting, so the handcuffs went on! It was all very discreet, but quite exciting as well!

Eventually the right train arrived and we got on. Janette's sons started to run alongside the train, we hoped and prayed they wouldn't meet a lamp-post! Unfortunately, they misunderstood one of the porters who they thought was saying stop, but by the time they realised, we were getting faster and out of the station.

The train journey was pretty average, but we made friends with a cute little baby, which passed the time. We passed the bridge near the Rainbow on our way in, but couldn't remember which way it was, so missed it!

Got into Kings Cross, and then made our way to the taxi rank. The easier way would've been to use the Thameslink, but when I booked my assistance, he said that Kings Cross staff weren't insured to take me across the road! TRUE story! Sooooo, we got in a cab and drove all the way to Victoria. Interesting experience, but quite expensive! We weren't quite sure of the time we'd booked assistance from, so asked a very nice Railtrack worker, who radioed for help, which was already on its way - we were early (makes a change I hear you say!)! I then had to CLIMB into this contraption thing, which had very narrow ledges to sit on (and I don't have the pertest of bottoms, thank you VERY much!), and a very narrow place to put your legs (ditto to previous comment!). I ended up with one leg sort of hanging out, hoping my boot wouldn't fall off, and I'd have someone either running after me trying to give it me back, or running off with it! LOL!

We eventually got to the platform and I decided to be Miss Independent and walk onto the train (shush!) - there was no step and the seat was next to the door, so it was fine. Met up with cute baby no 2 and then had cyclists come on board who were told, along with this other bloke that they were probably in the wrong end of the train - but did they move?! Nope! They were actually quite helpful, eventually, when we stopped, but it took time.