Taking my own space here for my trip to the UK this month. Following a week in scorching-hot Ft. Worth at the Texas Motor Speedway for a squircle (square steering wheel) clinic, I flew out to the UK for a full work week with my team, a retirement lunch, and to meet the folks we just acquired from C_ and H&P.
Mark Carpenter was an outstanding host for six days, from my travel arrangements and putting me up in The Birch at Selsdon (it's the big sprawling building that looks like a school or a prison in the photos), to my chauffeur on every trip, and wingman on most meetings. Sunday when I arrived we stopped at the White Lion pub for a warm-up, then had dinner at The Botley Hill Farmhouse, alongside the Sheep Room, out in the 'country' (we were still only a few miles south of London, just outside the M25.) It was my first time on the other side of the road, and after about a week, I did adjust (but never had the courage to drive.)
Monday was Mick's retirement lunch, which he arrived late and left early. The book that Claudette made for him from photos and quotes was impressive, including having ChatGPT write the farewell address. Working with the team from the office most of the day was a great experience, felt like I'd always been there, bantering with my dry Brits, and cranking away from Mick's desk. If I moved in permanently, I'd be welcome.
Tuesday was filled with a trip under the Thames and into town for Ford of Europe meetings, my first time meeting these clients in person. As we travel around, Mark took time to show me many of the suburbs be knew well, including his Catholic grade school which was named Regina Coeli. I kid you not. So much was about the age of the buildings and the architecture, the oldest church I encountered was erected in AD800. My hotel room was open to the prairie-like landscape, which was a gold course that was returned to natural growth. One night only there was a party and music outside my window, which they shut down by 10 PM, otherwise it was a peaceful stay.
Wednesday was back in the office, and in the evening I finally got my fish and chips. My hotel was a short walk from a little downtown area of South Croydon, so I wandered down a couple times, for a pizza, or to peer into the pub, watch the locals, just take things in. Even a sandwich from the grocery was interesting, once I got comfortable making purchases in GPB and doing the math in my head.
Thursday we ventured into East London to the C_ offices, where it took an hour to get in by train, so I got a pretty good idea of how the trains run (still got there by train faster we got into the offices once inside the building!) Productive sessions in general, but mostly 'bullshit bingo' from the top, as Mark referred to it. We walked back to the train along the river, and past Shakespeare's globe, which I didn't appreciate, but Brandi knew what it was.
Friday was my one day for sightseeing, and despite Mark not walking well, we walked for miles, he was insistent. We went up in the London Eye to look down on the city from above, and then took the path along the west side, past the House of Commons, along the typical parade routes, to a nice Italian lunch, and finally to Fortnum and Mason where I had a hamper assembled for Brandi and shipped back to the states (tasting all the sparkling tea options while the concierge took care of us; she was stoic and British as she could be, but Mark and I had her snickering a little, we were having too much fun.) So I experienced the trains, the cars, Heathrow, and the Ferris wheel, pretty close to a full experience. Even on the drive back to the airport on Saturday Mark drove me past a castle that belonged to Henry VIII, every run was something to see. Personally and professionally, it was a great trip.
