OK in the UK As I was in the terminal at JFK last night I stated to get really nervous and already homesick. Placing a final call to the 'rents did nothing to suppress those feelings either. As I was sitting on the computer waiting for the boarding calls, the African Virgin Airlines employee came on the loudspeaker to tell us that the flight would be delayed, even though I had to piece together what he was saying because it seemed he spoke less English than Helen Keller. I had notice another gentlemen fairly close to my age sitting a few seats from me making fun of the announcement as I was. We got to talking and I found out that he was on his way back to England after coaching football in New Jersey for 5 months, and that he attended Bath University. As I began to frantically pick his mind (as I so often do) I found out a lot about my new residence and it really seemed to calm my fears about the trip. He said that Bath University has the best athletic complex of all the universities in country, even including the best basketball courts in the country. He assured me that if I make the trip I could sneak my way into playing sports there. As for the flight itself, it was great. Virgin makes Jetblue look like flying with the Wright brother's. They have a much larger television screen than JB does, and get this, you get to pick what you want to watch. They have great English and American comedy shows, movies that were out in the theaters in the beginning of the summer, games, music, and all aspects of the flights information. You can see down to the minute and mile how far you are from the destination. The meal blew but I jinxed myself to the surprise of most of you. I let the hairy Portuguese man next to me pick his dinner first. He picked the beef stew and wouldn't you know it, it was the last one. I was forced to choose the Salmon with rice. So gross, but of course I ate every piece. I watched “The Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy” and an episode English version of “The Office.” The best line coming when the dopie assistant comes in late to a seminar and is asked by the spokesman what his fantasy is...”Two lesbians, sister's, and I'll watch!” I tried unsuccessfully many times to sleep but with my frame it's literally impossible. The times I did fall asleep I'd wake myself up by drooling or snorting. The flight touched down around 6:30 am your time, where I boarded a bus that took me to the baggage claim. I then collected my luggage and made my way through the maze to the Heathrow Express, which is much like the Airtrain which took me to Paddington Station. It's a little like Penn Station but it doesn't have the world's most famous arena above it. From Paddington I took a train to Bath where I was picked up by my new friend Colin Carey. He's an older chap but parties with the best of us. Colin drove me to his humble abode where I dropped off my luggage and took a well deserved shower. We then walked to the closest pub for a bite and a pint. Unfortunately I decided to have what he was having and when I saw the raggedy bar maid literally pull the tap handle down to pump out the beer I knew I was in trouble. When the urine temperature bitter beer hit my lips, images of me being caressed by my mother instantly popped into my head. This shit was so warm I wouldn't have drank it when I was 15 years old. We sat down and had a nice meal though. Their “sides” are much different than ours. With my chicken can a dressingless salad with peas on it, onion rings, and chips (fries of course). I couldn't keep my eyes open so Colin agreed it was time to get back. He said it was officially the first time he had had only one beer in a pub. I don't doubt his alcoholism but that's a little hard to believe. There's chapter one...chapter two will come next with highlights of the Bath 8's lacrosse tournament, my work details, England winning the Ashes back, England losing to Northern Ireland in football, and of course my driving adventures! Thanks for your support, Brand Knew