Monday 18th January
It was Bristol time, and I travelled down in the afternoon. The taxi to Newcastle airport was quite entertaining, as the driver was unable to complete even the simplest sentence without swearing like a trooper; “Tell you fucking what mate, they only fucking give you ten minutes free parking here, the bastards!”
It being the deep midwinter, the airport and flight were almost deserted. I usually go to Bristol in summer, so have to run the gauntlet of holiday makers and domestic tourists. Being able to sit back and relax in a quiet airport was a genuine, if unexpected pleasure.
The hotel at the other end was similarly quiet. The food in the restaurant was exceptional, the room spacious and comfortable. Apart from one side of the room being on a slant, where the roof beams came back down to meet the house. How many times do you think I banged my head? Whatever you guessed, it wasn’t enough.
I actually fell asleep before switching the telly off, which is unheard of. I never sleep well in hotels, even when I’ve had a decent drink. I slept soundly as well. This could possibly be the best hotel – EVER!
