Bookcrosser Exchange: World Tour 2008

In Summary

2008-05-11T08:06:05Z

Futurecat's Final Stop

2008-05-07T09:06:17Z

futurecatnz has finally arrived home in New Zealand. The last stop in her whirlwind world tour was Sydney on Monday (for about 12 hours!). She was hosted overnight by Servalan who also hosted a pizza night in her honour.

She arrived at about 7.00pm to be met by a roomful of about 10 Sydney BCers plus wombles from Brisbane who made a special trip to be there. She looked a little stunned and in need of a rest. However, she managed to bravely hang in there, even during the more unusual twists in the conversation such as: Is it possible to garotte someone with a roll of sticky tape? (Apparently Australian Customs thinks it is).

The mob left at about 10pm to allow Futurecat to get some rest. Apparently she was due to get up at the unearthly hour of 4am (or something like that) in order to get back to the airport on time. Yikes!

Hopefully she's now catching up on much needed sleep. I look forward to hearing what Hawaii was like!

I'm home!

2008-05-06T06:21:18Z

I'm home!

The Kiwi's Visit (from TexasWren)

2008-05-04T23:10:37Z

We got to Panera about 15 minutes early and wondered if they were there. As we approached the building, I saw a wild book, so I knew we weren't the first to arrive. ;-)

It was so nice meeting them finally. We talked awhile, while Johnnie ate his sweet roll, then we headed out.

First stop was the stockyards. I wanted them to see the cattle drive, but it was later in the day than I remembered, so we missed that. They did get to see the Longhorn herd and had their picture taken with some "real" cowboys. I guess that didn't need quotes, because they were real--they actually drive the cattle on horseback.

Anyway, we walked around the stockyard station and peeked in some shops. It's amazing to me the things that they know about American culture, things that seem so obscure to me. And the things that seem obvious, that they didn't know. I wish we'd had hours longer to sit and talk.

Then, we drive through downtown and showed them our Bass Hall Angels. Lunch was Tex-Mex. Otakuu wanted to try chicken fried steak. I know that chicken fried stead in a Mexican restaurant isn't giving it a fair chance. It was probably horrible. Otakuu, don't judge the real stuff by what you had. Next time, I'll fix the real thing for you!

Then, we went to the Botanic Gardens. We walked through the rose garden, and then they saw what FC called "the highlight of the visit". Turtles sunning on an artificial lily pad in the pond. We hung out there for awhile, then walked through the rest of the garden. Otakuu spotted a rose that was developed in New Zealand. ;-) Oh, and we saw what must surely be the world's largest magnolia tree. It's huge!!! And they met a squirrel. Otakuu wondered how common they were. As I sit here at my desk, I can see 3 outside my window. One is in the oak tree, one is sitting on my fence, and one just ran across the street.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/texaswren/2465882056/sizes/m/

Then, it was back in the car to return them to Turbostitcher, who was taking them to the airport. Johnnie again says, "Bless you for that!".

I really, really hated to see them go. The visit was far too short for my taste.

But, how thankful I am for BookCrossing. For, without that, I never would have known them. And thank you to the people who made this trip possible for letting me have the chance to hug them in person!!

http://texaswren.livejournal.com/349411.html

a drive-by posting (from Antof9)

2008-05-04T04:30:25Z

I am really enjoying my time with teotakuu. Really. Need I say more? We get to see jugglingpfoole again this afternoon, and hopefully a few other local BookCrossers for coffee.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/antof9/2461694017/sizes/m/

This is us, at a tea-that-wasn't-really-a-tea (but was still nice) this morning. Fun to get dressed up, too -- usually BookCrossers are wearing BookCrossing t-shirts when you see them together!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/antof9/2461694017/sizes/m/

Reposting with permission from these two lovelies

2008-05-03T21:47:46Z

At a tea given by Ant's church ladies (originally posted by antof9)

Insert baseball-related song or movie title of your choice here

2008-05-01T22:34:40Z

Insert baseball-related song or movie title of your choice here

pictures from Bookczuk

2008-05-01T07:44:54Z

2 Kiwis and a Kiwi at heart...
Originally uploaded by bookczuk

In which I hug Bumma and ride in a carriage (from Otakuu)

2008-05-01T04:01:48Z

I have just spent a whirlwind 30 hours following a human dynamo called bookczuk. She is one of the most dynamic human beings I have ever met in my life and is worthy of all the many accolades that have been showered upon her, even if SHE doesn't believe it!

Charleston is a charming city and is full of many treasures and pleasures but today's two highlights, for me anyway, were the carriage ride we took around old Charleston in a rig drawn by two mules called Assault and Battery and my long anticipated meeting with Bumma.

My emotions are a little raw right now, so all I am prepared to say is that it has been a privilege to see the love shared between a mother and a daughter and the humour and courage with which each faces the changing roles that come with failing health and advancing years. May God cherish and embrace them both.

http://teotakuu.livejournal.com/246018.html?view=1518850#t1518850

pictures from Bookczuk

2008-05-01T03:59:32Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bookczuk/2456040154/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bookczuk/2455969768/

http://bookczuk.livejournal.com/317842.html?view=3057042#t3057042

(this is from DL) by the way, if anyone can tell me how to post the actual pics in lj rather than the links, I would be eternally greatful! I know the img src code but it doesn't seem to work with flickr, which is why I prefer photobucket!!!

Charleston, Day 2 (April 30, 2008)

2008-05-01T02:08:50Z

It was a lovely day spent with extraordinary women, and I am too tired to write more. (I am putting up pictures-- but only some-- but don't expect explanations until I am more rested.) Live with it. I don't want to let any of them go.

Meeting Old Friends you've never met before (from Bookczuk)

2008-04-30T05:55:01Z

Once again, that odd sensation that so often happens with BookCrossing-- you get to meet old friends who you have actually met before.

But they are my friends, and very dear ones, and I'm thrilled to bits that they came to Charleston. (And stuffed to the gills on barbcue from Jim n' Nicks ... an obscene amount of food. Otakuu, FutureCat and I split a dinner for 2 and still had enough to take home for a full meal for someone (probably javaczuk) tomorrow.

More later when I have digested and rested.

pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bookczuk/with/2452892849/

http://bookczuk.livejournal.com/316818.html

Lovely!! (from Buffra)

2008-04-30T05:49:02Z

On Sunday evening, I picked BookCrosser FutureCat up from the Columbus (Ohio) airport. We began the first leg of the Kiwi's Great American Road Trip, stopping in West Virginia for a meal at the Cracker Barrel. I thought she really needed to experience such kitschy Americana....as well as proper US biscuits!

We continued barreling through states, passing through Pennsylvania, more West Virginia, and into Maryland. Mom had offered to let us stay there. So, FC was able to do some laundry and we gratefully headed to bed.

In the morning, we had a very nice breakfast (courtesy of my mom) and switched cars -- again, Mom came through and lent me her car, which is bigger, has AC, and is not full of dog hair, so is far better for a road trip! Then we drove towards Washington, DC. In Manassas, Virginia, we met up with crrcookie and her son lilgrover, as well as resqgeek and teotakuu. A quick visit to the museum and a peering out at the sodden battlefield and we were off to an enormous lunch. Then I loaded both Kiwis into my car and we began to drive south.

We made it to Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It was wonderful that the sun came up today, as yesterday was dreary weather from start to finish. We had a nice relaxed start and then drove through more small-town America. Teotakuu and FutureCat were both quite taken with some aspects of it, especially The World's Largest Frying Pan (in Rose Hill, NC). We stopped at that memorable photo op and released a book, of course!

They were a bit more overwhelmed when we drove through the Myrtle Beach, SC, touristy area. Huge, tacky, themed putt-putt (mini-golf) courses -- dinosaurs, volcanoes, a plane wreck and more --, giant stores selling souvenirs, a pirate aquarium (?!), alligator feedings....it was all *right there* and in very large quantities. We soon escaped that area for the haven of a national forest and I do think they were a bit relieved!

We arrived in Charleston around 5 p.m. and met Bookczuk, who led us into town and to a parking spot. Then we walked around a bit, stretching our legs, before eating dinner at a yummy BBQ place. There were about 10 of us around the table, chatting and laughing and carrying on. The conversation ranged far and wide and was spiked with laughter. BrownWhiteTan opened her home to me and the Kiwis and tomorrow we'll be out in Charleston, wandering, sightseeing, and enjoying one another's company.

Yay for road trips, I think.

:-)

http://buffra.livejournal.com/604734.html

They made it to Charleston!!!

2008-04-30T03:05:53Z

We're havin' fun. More over at my flickr page. And More Later.

teotakuu in DC

2008-04-29T14:40:50Z

After a long afternoon of promoting books at the Kensington Day of the Book Festival and a relaxing evening meal at Panera Bread, it was time for everyone to go their separate ways. I had to honor of hosting teotakuu for the night, and so after making sure all her luggage was successfully transfered to my van, we set of for what would be her fifth different state for the day. We crossed the Potomac River into Virginia and drove down the George Washington Parkway towards the heart of the nation's capital. We crossed the river again at the Memorial Bridge, admiring the views of the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument as we drove. I found a parking space on Constitution Avenue, right next to the Vietnam War Memorial, and we got out for a stroll.

The night was damp and chilly, with a bit of wind, but even so, there were still a number of tour groups moving among the monuments as we payed our respects to those who served in Vietnam and in Korea. As we walked, we talked at length about these conflicts, and the histories of our countries, and it was clear that she found these monuments quite moving. We also walked up to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but the climb was simply too daunting after such a long day, so we decided to take a pass on a closer look at old Abe. We did pause and admire the view down the National Mall at the Washington Monument and the Capitol dome, though, before heading back to the van.

The rest of the tour was conducted from the vehicle, as I drove past the White House and the Jefferson Memorial, before returning to the Virginia side of the river. We drove within an easy stone's throw of the Pentagon before heading down into Old Town Alexandria, where I think teotakuu was a bit surprised to find street names, such as King, Duke, and Royal, that are clear holdovers from our colonial days. Finally, we arrived at my house, where my wife was waiting up for us to return. We sat and talked for a spell, but eventually we all needed to get some sleep.

Monday morning started with the usual bustle of getting the girls up and ready for school. I don't know if teotakuu managed to sleep through all the ruckus, but she (perhaps wisely) stayed out of the way until the girls were on their way. She had some tea and toast and checked her e-mail and such, while we waited for crrcookie and her son to join us from Maryland for the trip to Manassas to meet buffra and futurecatnz. The steady, soaking rain made any detailed sightseeing at the battlefield an unpleasant prospect, so we limited ourselves to the views from the visitor's center and a quick glance through the small museum.

We then headed for lunch, after which we said our good-byes. It was lovely to meet both travelers from New Zealand, even if it was only for such a brief period. I hope they enjoyed their brief time here, and I look forward to reading about the remainder of their travels in the coming days.

[cross posted from my LJ]

27 April: Back in Chicago

2008-04-29T12:19:15Z

27 April: Back in Chicago

Wobbly Bonk sans Brad Pitt

2008-04-29T12:12:18Z

Wobbly Bonk sans Brad Pitt

A dizzying whiz around four states and a capital! (from Otakuu)

2008-04-29T04:15:03Z

I arrived in Philadelphia in good time, de-planed and collected my baggage before looking for zemarkable,my New Jersey host. She and her youngest son found me while her husband and eldest son were parked on the kerb. Unfortunately, one of Philly's finest waved them on before we could attract their attention so we waited for them to come back. Once loaded on board, we headed out of Philadelphia and across the bridge into Camden, NJ before heading for a diner for what Zemarkable called 'supper'.

The diner, called Pete's (I think) was enormous and quite crowded. After a short wait, we were seated and ordered our food which proved to both plentiful and tasty. On the road again and we were soon at May's Landing. After a look around the historic district including Ze's former home, it was on to their house and a room with a view. After some chit and chat it was time for bed.

In the morning it was clear that youngest son was unwell so we pottered for awhile with internet high on the list of importance. Later in the day, we adults went for a drive to Ocean City where I stood on the windy boardwalk beside the Atlantic and waved to Miketrollstigen and my other 'Euro' friends now back at their homes on the other side of 'the pond'.

We had another nice meal during which I learned another important lesson about American food - if you don't want your meat smothered in gravy, ask for it on the side! After that, a quick trip to the mall for something from Radio Shack for MrZe and some minuted for my mobile from T-mobile before our return home.

I chatted to ArtisticAlias and then went to bed in order to be ready for the next day's early start. I slept poorly, despite the comfort of ZeDaughter's brand new bed, because I was worried about oversleeping. Despite my fears, we were up and away in good time and on our way to Columbia to meet MaryZee, my kind chauffeur to Old Kensington, Maryland and the Book Fair. We stopped at another diner for breakfast and then it was time for yet another goodbye. They don't get any easier!

We made good time on the road and arrived in Old Kensington in good time to help with odd jobs and the giving away of more than 1000 books over 5 hours. The DC crew are wonderful ambassadors for Bookcrossing with energy, enthusiasm and enchanting children. They even had a sign with a map of New Zealand on it that I adorned with stars to indicate my hometown and the Convention town. After a hectic five hours wheedling and coaxing unsuspecting passers-by into lessening the book stock, we packed books and baggage and headed to a Panera Breads led by Florafloraflora followed by ResQGeek, MaryZee, crrcookie and melidia (sp). SqueakyChu joined us as well and with LilGrover to supervise, once he awoke, we were a merry crew until the store closed and we reluctantly dispersed.

MaryZee left for her home leaving me to the care of ResQGeek my host for the night. We took a tour of a few of Washington's many monuments by night. I was very impressed by FDR's tribute to Lincoln, intrigued by the view of the Washington monument and the reflecting pool but deeply moved by the Vietnam Memorial, especially the statuary honouring the women who served (and died) in that action. That there names are not on the roll of honour angered and saddened me as their role was vital and their deaths no less important than their male counterparts. Then it was on to the Korean Memorial which was also stunning. I was brought to tears by the sight of New Zealand's name amongst those countries who fought. Soem of my friends and family were in Korea and I felt honoured that their contribution was acknowledged.

ResQGeek was an extremely knowledgeable tour guide and I would have enjoyed seeing more but the night was getting late and so we were Virginia bound and, after a tour of Alexandria by night, I chatted with MrsResQGeek before crawling into my bed.

I had traversed New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC all in one action packed, funfilled day.

This WILL be cross posted to ChitChat which seems to be malfunctioning at present.

http://teotakuu.livejournal.com/245882.html

Kiwi Update en route from DC to Charleston

2008-04-29T00:41:17Z

The gang stopped for the night in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, which FutureCat has dubbed Wobbly Bonk,

That's a 5 hour drive to Charleston, so I'm off to goggle the back roads and give 'em some fun stuff to see.

(Wobbly Bonk, my arse. We have much more interesting places here in South Carolina: Hell Hole Swamp, Due West, and Pee Dee.)

See you tomorrow, girls!

Just a quick update

2008-04-28T12:05:36Z

Just a quick update

Futurecat's visit (from mojosmom)

2008-04-26T22:30:14Z

Sometimes it's good you don't know about something. If I'd known about this, I'd probably have gone to NYC this week to relive my misspent youth, and missed futurecatnz's visit!

We had a wonderful time! I picked FutureCat up at O'Hare Wednesday evening. As usual, I got there well ahead of schedule, so I had a drink at the bar and then hung out in the arrivals area people watching. Of course, I recognized her immediately, if only because no one else was wearing a BookCrossing t-shirt! We headed home, with a brief stop at the produce market, and I introduced her to my cats. Lilith, as usual, was happy to have another cat person in the house to admire her. Marissa, also as usual, performed a disappearing act. I passed on to FC the books texaswren had sent on, and also this book, which was on hand at the Evanston Meet-Up earlier in the week, and which I immediately knew I had to grab for her. We sampled some Spanish pastries, she had brought me, and then it was (relatively) early to bed because FC was pretty tired after her long flight.

After breakfast the next day, we went out and our first mission was to purchase a prepaid phone, as the one FC bought in Singapore did not work here, contrary to what she had been told. I blushed for my fellow Americans as the sales woman at Radio Shack said, as she was registering the phone, "Where did you say you were from? New England?" Their computer system was completely unable to deal with non-U.S. postal codes or telephone country codes, so we ended up giving her my address instead. After settling that, I showed FutureCat the University of Chicago campus, including a brief visit to the Oriental Institute, an exterior tour of Robie House (docented by me), and a few other notable spots, the Seminary Co-op Bookstore among them. Sadly, when we went into Rockefeller Chapel, we found that the glorious rose window was hiding behind construction barriers. (This will be a theme.)

After a brief rest back at my place, we gathered books and selves together. Before heading downtown, we went to the Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop for lunch, and I think Cajun cooking has another fan from the Antipodes (Skyring is another after his visit last year!). Our first stop was the Cultural Center, as I think it is one of the most beautiful buildings we have here, particularly Preston Bradley Hall's stunning stained glass dome - which was in restauro and therefore not visible! Next stop, Macy's on State Street. Yes, mojosmom went into Macy's, but only because FC had a Levenger's gift card burning a hole in her pocket, and I know better than to stand between a book lover and Levenger's! We then headed to Millennium Park, and FC released a couple of books on the way (not in Millennium Park - security doesn't like that!):

After seeing the Gehry and the Bean and the Lurie Gardens and and and, we went to the Art Institute (which is right across the street). We visited the French Impressionists

and a number of other galleries, and after a bit our feet were a tired, so we had a respite and a cup of tea in the Member's Lounge. (This is another excellent reason for Chicagoans to become members of the AIOC!) FutureCat wondered if there was any Native American art at the AIOC, so we checked the floor plan, found that we needed to go to Gallery 50, and headed that way, only to discover that it was "closed for reinstallation"! (I told you this would be a theme!)

It was, in any case, about time to head to Cosí's, where we hoped to meet up with some other Chicago Bookcrossers. They also have free WiFi, but, for some reason, FutureCat's laptop didn't cooperate. In the event, only one other person came, Koolmotor, but we had a good deal of fun nonetheless.

We traded off a bunch of books (surprise!) and FutureCat showed us New Zealand's Convention presentation. I really, really want to go, and I'm hoping (without too much optimism) that the dollar will be stronger this time next year, and that I can manage sufficient time off to make it worth the (very long) trip.

This morning, we got up very early, as FutureCat had a 9:00 flight to Ottawa and, as that's an international flight, had to be at O'Hare two hours ahead of time (probably not really necessary, but better to be early at the airport than to be worrying about missing the plane). I left a bit of extra time as there is a variety of road construction going on, but traffic wasn't too bad at all. I was sorry that FutureCat's visit wasn't longer, it was such fun having her and learning much I didn't know about her country. I advise everyone that if the opportunity arises to host a fellow BookCrosser, do it!

(pictures from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mojosmom/sets/72157604732441153/)

http://mojosmom.livejournal.com/238653.html

from Deenbat

2008-04-26T22:15:50Z

Because E. got through Customs & Immigration so quickly, I decided to spare us both a visit with my father, and we headed up to NH (the speed of getting through had to do with trying to beat ugly commuter traffic, which we mostly did). By the time we got home to NH Roger had completed the last few cleaning things that had not gotten done before we headed south on Saturday - and I'll digress long enough to say that without his efforts I would never have gotten the place as clean as I did. That's not necessarily saying a whole lot, as it was from from being a candidate for a shoot with Home & Garden, but the rooms we really needed were clean enough.

We got E's things upstairs and then went out for supper at Billy's. E. is not the first foreign guest we have taken there, although she certainly is the farthest-traveled. We got back home early, visited a bit, and discussed plans for the week before sending E. off to a much-deserved rest.

Tuesday morning I went to school and E. had a nice lie-in. When I got home E. did some laundry & ironing (eeek!) while we sent hasty notes & PMs to gorydetails and Guinneth, arranging an impromptu meet-up at the local Barnes & Noble. I'm not a very social person, so I know literally no other BookCrossers in my area. The two Manchester residents I had met who were BookCrossers both moved to Texas literally within days of meeting me - which should tell you something!! So I had not previously arranged much in the way of meet-ups/mettings for E. while she was here. Perhaps selfishly, my thinking had been that she would already have been on the go for over a week, with nearly two more to go after leaving here, so perhaps a break/rest would be in order. I knew that meeting emperor_fool was a priority, and if you've seen the picture you know that happened; other than that, however, I really didn't try to plan too much ahead, preferring to wait and see how E. felt and what she wanted to do.

Our little meet-up was quite nice, and small enough that we could all actually talk to each other. After Guinneth and gorydetails left, E. and I wandered the shop, talking about books and reading. Eventually we went off home - amazingly without spending any momey (except some support of the cafe. Passover? Really? You're kidding. Who knew?) We cleverly managed to get my wireless network to accept E's laptop - yay us! We laughed and talked and watched Sister Act while we waited for Roger to get home from work (he woreked late due to NPR coverage of the Pennsylvania primary), and finally toddled off to our beds at 1:00 AM.

http://deenbat.livejournal.com/253132.html

On line in New Jersey (from Otakuu)

2008-04-26T22:13:32Z

zemarkable's very kind husband has logged me on to their internet so I can catch up with you all.

It was SO hard leaving deenbat at Manchester Airport yesterday. Even through all the ridiculousness of the security, right down to the removal of my SHOES, she lingered where she could see me and I her. Finally, waving and blowing kisses back and forth, I moved through to the embarkation area.

The flight was good and I found my way through the terminus to the baggage claim and waited for it to come through. Once I claimed my case, I headed for a waiting area to hang out until I found zemarkable. Fortunately, I was 'found' immediately and it was off to the car to put bags in. Unfortunately, the nearby police officer waved the car away just as we came up behind it so there was a wait for it to come back round. I met husband and children and then it it was Goodby Philadelphia, Hello New Jersey.

After a good and filling meal at 'Pete's Diner' we drove past such NJ icons as 'Wa-Wa's' before having a quick look around the historic quarter of town and especially at Ze's former home.

Some chatting (alright, a lot of chatting) and it was off to bed and a re-charge of the batteries.

http://teotakuu.livejournal.com/245376.html

Futurecat's visit, day 2

2008-04-23T18:52:20Z

Her second day began with the three of us losing the bus (nothing to be amazed at, given the amount of exhaustion we were suffering). I drove us downtown and left the car at another underground parking. I don't have internet access at home (yet) so she came with me to my workplace to update her internet stuff. The idea was that she would then go on her own for a walk in the area (my office is right by the medieval quarter) but she was feeling too tired so she just remained with us and with her computer.

We went home for lunch and heated the fabada (traditional bean stew) and she seemed to like it. Yay! :) She was so tired and sick she stayed in bed the rest of the afternoon, only waking up shortly before we arrived from work, in time for packing and having a lighter dinner comprised of salad, white asparagus (a first for her) and odds and ends.

We then drove her to the bus stop for Bilbao. During the morning I found a hostel (spanish-style, meaning with single rooms and private bathrooms) right by the bus station to which she would arrive from Vitoria and from which she would depart for the airport, and being within a price range I found affordable I immediatly booked her a room after checking she was alright with this. It felt somewhat wrong from a hospitality point of view ("nice to see you - now get out of my home") but I am convinced it was the best option for all involved - she could get more sleep time (which she seemed to need), I wouldn't have to drive to Bilbao at such an ungodly hour, and worse, drive back to Vitoria alone and sleepy, only to face a work day.

And that was that. It was over very very fast and Futurecat was tired and sick, although she put a brave face, so I am left wiching it could have been a "proper" and really enjoyable visit. Maybe someday :)

Futurecat in Spain, day one

2008-04-23T16:42:08Z

There is so much I need to write about that I've decided to just get on with it and begin to pour the memories of these past days, starting with most recent events and working my way backwards. The most recent events were Futurecat's visit, so that's where I'll begin.

Early on monday morning we woke up and jumped into the car to drive from our friends' village to Vitoria, first, to unload Artxis and our luggage, and then to Bilbao, to picke Futurecat up from the airport. I wasn't sure of the exact time of her arrival and I didn't have Internet access (the village was really out in the sticks - to give you an idea, it has 40 inhabitants) and calling to the airport information didn't help, as there are many Madrid-Bilbao flights and many more London-Madrid ones and I didn't know which one would she be flying in. Knowing her exact arrival time was crucial, because it meant whether I could stop at Vitoria and unpack or I had to drive straight to Bilbao. So while I drived Artxis called a friend, I gave him my email address and password and he found the relevant email for me and read me her trip details (she had a 12:55 arrival time). Luckily, I had time to stop in Vitoria - 20 minutes only, but more than enough.

I left Artxis at home, unpacked my clothes suitcase (the books one is still waiting :)) ), ate a bologna sandwich and sat back in the car for another drive. The weather conditions had grown increasingly worse, raining heavily and diminishing visibility, so I was very proud when I arrived at the airport with 10 minutes to spare. I parked in the short term parking, strode purposefully into the waiting area... only to read her flight was delayed until 13:30. *sigh* At least I carried a book with me, so I found a bench in a warm corner and waited.

At 13:47 her plane finally arrived and I went downstairs to meet her. She texted me saying she was waiting for her suitcase, and the waiting took so long I ended up fearing it had been lost or something! By the time I was seriously considering breaking and entering into the luggage pickup area and
demanding form the authorities that her bag be released, she appeared at the doors. *pheeew*

She was coughing badly and looked pretty wiped out, but she was bursting with excitement. I suggested that since we were already in the airport, before we left we could try changing her reservations so her departure would take place from Vitoria, instead of Bilbao. She agreed happily and off we went, full of hope. Hope that was dashed a few minutes later when they told us what the penalty for the ticket change would be - more than I, she, or I and she combined could afford. Too bad.

We drove into Bilbao through the right road to give her the first sight of the stunning Guggenheim Museum. After parking, the first thing we did was finding her some cough syrup (she was sounding pretty bad) and the second one was feeding her some tapas. I had to phone a friend for directions to a nice bar (the first one we tried was quite horrible). My friend pointed us towards a really good one, whereshe had her first taste of tapas. I must say she's a very brave girl - she tried grilled foie with mango sauce (yummy), she even tried octopus! She liked the first, disliked the second. There's graphic evidence - I meant to snap a photo but ended up taking a video by mistake :)) It's up in my flickr account, un the "Futurecat's pics" set. Here's a guest pass:

http://www.flickr.com/gp/75168765@N00/2Tt34h

After eating a little we went to see the museum. I gave her my photo camera, and for some reasons all the pics she took look weirdly blurry. I think it has to do with a huge fingerprint on the lense I just wiped off today :))) Then we rode the tram to the old quarter, walked around some more, bought dangerously good truffles, and walked to the meeting venue.

Some other bookcrossers were already there, and although at first conversation wasn't precisely flowing (I haven't been to a meeting with them for months), after some time, a lot of tea, and some more arrivals things loosened up. I actually ended up having fun and talking about interesting things! :) One of the bookcrossers had been kind enough to prepare a little welcome package for Futurecat, with a couple of DVD's about Bilbao and its whereabouts for her to enjoy when she's back home. Futurecat, in turn, gave us pretty bookmarks and to me she gave a NZ convention t-shirt that I shall wear proudly whether I go or not and a lovely keyring that is currently keeping my office's keys company.

I was so tired that when we went to pick up the car from the undergroung parking space I forgot to pay before heading towards the exit. We made it home safely, though, to find Artxis had gone and bought wine, serrano ham, and all sorts of good things. Futurecat sleep-walked her way through dinner, eating everything we threw at her most dutifully (did I mention how brave this girl is?).

---Day two (tuesday) to follow---