Love London. Hate Keele.
That's how I feel right now.
So Monday gave birth to the London Gaia Meet 2005 (or as Kandi called it, the Geek Meet) and what a jolly good show it was too (I organised it, what could go wrong...?)!
I arrived very early in London (11.25am) after a very long and boring train journey down from Burnley which began at 7.57am. None the less I managed to find my way via the underground to Kings Cross / St. Pancras (it was one stop, even I could manage that) where I was due to meet some of the others in about half an hours time.
While I was waiting I received countless (1, 2, 3... many, Lots [/in-joke]) text messages and phone calls from various people checking details, being confused and giving me problems to sort out.
After a short wait at St. Pancras' I was met by Kit, Ed, Rachel, a very quiet Emma (so much for pouncing on me - I didn't get so much as a small leap) and a very average Matt.
After a little bit of "organisation" I sent Matt on his way to meet with the people gathering at Waterloo station and rest of us went across the road to Kings Cross where we were to meet Sarah (White Raven) and await for Matt's return.
Sarah eventually arrived and after saying goodbye to her boyfriend we all got chatting - I say all, I mean all bar Emma who'd gone off to talk to her other friend Paul who popped by to say "hi"... Or so I thought.
Quite some time later (and after still no introduction to the other Paul) Matt finally arrived at Kings Cross with everyone else in tow and after brief introductions we all set off under the leadership of our tour guide, Andy.
We walked for what seemed like a life time (I'm sure it was - I just look really good for my age now) Andy left us to get back to work (which he was already late for but like he said to us, he wasn't exactly going to fire himself) and we all went for food. Well, Kit, Ed & Iain went ahead to Namco Station (the wrong way to start with but eventually got there) and we said we'd meet up with them again later, two others went off to get some Chinese or something which left the rest of us (Me, Matt, Saz, Rachel, Indie, Lost Prince, Emma and the other [less attractive and not as quick witted) Paul [who had seemingly joined the group now]) went to Pizza hut per request order of a very loud and "happy" Emma after she'd drank most of my vodka & coke... Biotch.
While in Pizza Hut, a very drunk "happy" and loud Emma was being, well, loud and we all eventually got settled and seated.
Most of us had pizza bar Rabbit Paul who had a salad (...) and after constant protest and demands from Emma she also finally got some BBQ sauce much to her delight... This then gave birth (the situation, not Emma) to a BBQ sauce fight involving several of the group.
It was while I was sat in Pizza Hut that I received a phone call from Keele Uni. It was about time too - I sent my appeal in weeks ago and was waiting to hear something... However what I heard wasn't what I wanted to. Quite the opposite. They informed me I had exams to do - they quite aware I hadn't been informed but still insisted that I had these resits to take... Tomorrow. And the day after that. Oh, and 5 pieces of work to be done by the end of the week. I was less than amused, far less. They were aware that I hadn't been informed so called me the day before and told me - while I was on holiday! No notes, nothing to be able to prepare from. I tried to not let it get to me too much but it was rather difficult given what they'd just told me. It even put me off my pizza and those of you that know me know I never leave pizza! But it was Ok because Rachel was all too willing to finish it off for me.
The other, less dashing, Paul left the group after Pizza Hut and the rest of us made our way to Namco Station to meet up with Kit, Ed & Iain. Well, all bar Indie who had to go as well because her mum didn't buy the "I missed me tube that comes every two minutes so I can't get home for ages now" excuse - Shocking really.
Anyway, we headed for Namco but one problem arose - we had to use the Underground. Something I know Emma didn't want to do but she said she would which I was very impressed with. She held me hand all the while we were down there but I didn't mind. If it made her feel safer it was no trouble (not that it was anyway) but she didn't half have a tight grip. If that's her going on the underground I ain't holding her hand at childbirth! I'd like to still be able to give people the finger after it!
A short ride later we arrived at Waterloo where we got off the underground and made our way to Namco Station. Emma still had a hold of my hand but I didn't think anything of it at the time (I'm such a tard) and when we got to Namco we met up with the others and went inside.
Inside Namco station we played a bit of pool and had a few drinks before Emma said she had to go. I thought it was a tad early to be going at 4.45 when her train wasn't until 6 but I said I'd take her to the station now anyway so with Matt's tiny tube map in one hand and Emma's hand in the other (again, I'm a tard. I realise this now. So will all of you in time) we headed for the tube once more.
Emma seemed more at ease this time on the tube, although I think having me as her only guide scared her more than the tube itself.
But oh ye of little faith I got her where she was going with no problems and lots of time to spare. We just sat around on the station until it was boarding time for her train when she got up to get on her train (still attached to my right hand... Yes I know, I'm a tard!) and I seemed to be being dragged through the crowds of people with her. We found her coach and just as she was about to get on her train she hugged me and then gave me a kiss... And then jumped on her train. Now as far as goodbyes go, that was a good one. But what did our resident tard make of it? Ah, it was just a goodbye, it meant nothing... *punches self for being stupid*
I then walked back to the underground where I got lost on the way back. I say lost - I mean I thought I was at Euston when I was really at Kings Cross and wanted to get to Euston so got on the tube going the wrong way but it was easily corrected and about two hours later I arrived back at Namco station. I had no phone to tell people where I was, what was taking so long or how long I'd be and I still have no idea how it took so long but it did.
When I arrived back at Namco I was met with a shot of Southern comfort from someone (Can't remember who but I love you forever whoever you were) and I was absolutely exhausted! But I still had energy to go bowling, at which I sucked but I sucked on purpose whereas Matt was just crap and we came joint last. However to go bowling me & Kit had to change a £20 note into £1 coins... That was fun to carry around...
We also played Time Crisis 2 and I took on Kit at DDR (and did really shit) but it was a laugh and then Andy came back once more to guide us to our hotel.
The journey to the hotel was long but it was OK. we stopped off for alcohol and mixers as well as food for Ed before we finally arrived and checked in.
The Hotel (Regent Palace Hotel) was quite nice. It had karaoke going on but no one wanted to go in, least of all let me do it so after checking in with the extremely camp French man we went to our rooms and began drinking. Oh it was a funny night...
Andy, Sarah and Ed got really drunk, there was lots of breast groping, Rachel told Sarah to fuck off several times which had me in stitches (Blatant drunken honesty cracks me up), me and Rachel were "merry" and I don't know about Matt's, Kit's and Emily's conditions - Matt was sober I'm pretty sure of.
Me, Matt and Rachel went for a walk on the roof (me and Rachel in bare feet) as well as showing some other hotel guests to their rooms (we're so helpful...) before returning to our room to find a very drunk and unconscious Ed on one of the beds. We had our fun with Ed (pictures to come) before all going to bed - Matt, Kit and Sarah in one room; Me, Rachel, Emily and Ed in the other. We were breaking a tiny law and fire safety by having 4 people staying in the room but we didn't care. Me and Rachel ended up staying up all night talking and laughing at Ed (all the while making sure he was still alive and hadn't died on us) which left me in a, needless to say, very tired condition the next day for my exam. But I didn't mind all that much.
We went for breakfast at 6am before most other people were up and about and then we waiting for everyone else to get ready before we left the hotel and took me to the station to get my ass to Keele.
I said my goodbyes to everyone and jumped on my train to Keele with one pair of clothes, no revision materials or even a place to stay but needs must.
I had a really good time in London, I hope everyone else did.
I realise I have an aftermath of certain events to sort out but I did genuinely enjoy the day.
There ends the UK Gaia Meet 2005... So when's the next one guys?
So Monday gave birth to the London Gaia Meet 2005 (or as Kandi called it, the Geek Meet) and what a jolly good show it was too (I organised it, what could go wrong...?)!
I arrived very early in London (11.25am) after a very long and boring train journey down from Burnley which began at 7.57am. None the less I managed to find my way via the underground to Kings Cross / St. Pancras (it was one stop, even I could manage that) where I was due to meet some of the others in about half an hours time.
While I was waiting I received countless (1, 2, 3... many, Lots [/in-joke]) text messages and phone calls from various people checking details, being confused and giving me problems to sort out.
After a short wait at St. Pancras' I was met by Kit, Ed, Rachel, a very quiet Emma (so much for pouncing on me - I didn't get so much as a small leap) and a very average Matt.
After a little bit of "organisation" I sent Matt on his way to meet with the people gathering at Waterloo station and rest of us went across the road to Kings Cross where we were to meet Sarah (White Raven) and await for Matt's return.
Sarah eventually arrived and after saying goodbye to her boyfriend we all got chatting - I say all, I mean all bar Emma who'd gone off to talk to her other friend Paul who popped by to say "hi"... Or so I thought.
Quite some time later (and after still no introduction to the other Paul) Matt finally arrived at Kings Cross with everyone else in tow and after brief introductions we all set off under the leadership of our tour guide, Andy.
We walked for what seemed like a life time (I'm sure it was - I just look really good for my age now) Andy left us to get back to work (which he was already late for but like he said to us, he wasn't exactly going to fire himself) and we all went for food. Well, Kit, Ed & Iain went ahead to Namco Station (the wrong way to start with but eventually got there) and we said we'd meet up with them again later, two others went off to get some Chinese or something which left the rest of us (Me, Matt, Saz, Rachel, Indie, Lost Prince, Emma and the other [less attractive and not as quick witted) Paul [who had seemingly joined the group now]) went to Pizza hut per request order of a very loud and "happy" Emma after she'd drank most of my vodka & coke... Biotch.
While in Pizza Hut, a very drunk "happy" and loud Emma was being, well, loud and we all eventually got settled and seated.
Most of us had pizza bar Rabbit Paul who had a salad (...) and after constant protest and demands from Emma she also finally got some BBQ sauce much to her delight... This then gave birth (the situation, not Emma) to a BBQ sauce fight involving several of the group.
It was while I was sat in Pizza Hut that I received a phone call from Keele Uni. It was about time too - I sent my appeal in weeks ago and was waiting to hear something... However what I heard wasn't what I wanted to. Quite the opposite. They informed me I had exams to do - they quite aware I hadn't been informed but still insisted that I had these resits to take... Tomorrow. And the day after that. Oh, and 5 pieces of work to be done by the end of the week. I was less than amused, far less. They were aware that I hadn't been informed so called me the day before and told me - while I was on holiday! No notes, nothing to be able to prepare from. I tried to not let it get to me too much but it was rather difficult given what they'd just told me. It even put me off my pizza and those of you that know me know I never leave pizza! But it was Ok because Rachel was all too willing to finish it off for me.
The other, less dashing, Paul left the group after Pizza Hut and the rest of us made our way to Namco Station to meet up with Kit, Ed & Iain. Well, all bar Indie who had to go as well because her mum didn't buy the "I missed me tube that comes every two minutes so I can't get home for ages now" excuse - Shocking really.
Anyway, we headed for Namco but one problem arose - we had to use the Underground. Something I know Emma didn't want to do but she said she would which I was very impressed with. She held me hand all the while we were down there but I didn't mind. If it made her feel safer it was no trouble (not that it was anyway) but she didn't half have a tight grip. If that's her going on the underground I ain't holding her hand at childbirth! I'd like to still be able to give people the finger after it!
A short ride later we arrived at Waterloo where we got off the underground and made our way to Namco Station. Emma still had a hold of my hand but I didn't think anything of it at the time (I'm such a tard) and when we got to Namco we met up with the others and went inside.
Inside Namco station we played a bit of pool and had a few drinks before Emma said she had to go. I thought it was a tad early to be going at 4.45 when her train wasn't until 6 but I said I'd take her to the station now anyway so with Matt's tiny tube map in one hand and Emma's hand in the other (again, I'm a tard. I realise this now. So will all of you in time) we headed for the tube once more.
Emma seemed more at ease this time on the tube, although I think having me as her only guide scared her more than the tube itself.
But oh ye of little faith I got her where she was going with no problems and lots of time to spare. We just sat around on the station until it was boarding time for her train when she got up to get on her train (still attached to my right hand... Yes I know, I'm a tard!) and I seemed to be being dragged through the crowds of people with her. We found her coach and just as she was about to get on her train she hugged me and then gave me a kiss... And then jumped on her train. Now as far as goodbyes go, that was a good one. But what did our resident tard make of it? Ah, it was just a goodbye, it meant nothing... *punches self for being stupid*
I then walked back to the underground where I got lost on the way back. I say lost - I mean I thought I was at Euston when I was really at Kings Cross and wanted to get to Euston so got on the tube going the wrong way but it was easily corrected and about two hours later I arrived back at Namco station. I had no phone to tell people where I was, what was taking so long or how long I'd be and I still have no idea how it took so long but it did.
When I arrived back at Namco I was met with a shot of Southern comfort from someone (Can't remember who but I love you forever whoever you were) and I was absolutely exhausted! But I still had energy to go bowling, at which I sucked but I sucked on purpose whereas Matt was just crap and we came joint last. However to go bowling me & Kit had to change a £20 note into £1 coins... That was fun to carry around...
We also played Time Crisis 2 and I took on Kit at DDR (and did really shit) but it was a laugh and then Andy came back once more to guide us to our hotel.
The journey to the hotel was long but it was OK. we stopped off for alcohol and mixers as well as food for Ed before we finally arrived and checked in.
The Hotel (Regent Palace Hotel) was quite nice. It had karaoke going on but no one wanted to go in, least of all let me do it so after checking in with the extremely camp French man we went to our rooms and began drinking. Oh it was a funny night...
Andy, Sarah and Ed got really drunk, there was lots of breast groping, Rachel told Sarah to fuck off several times which had me in stitches (Blatant drunken honesty cracks me up), me and Rachel were "merry" and I don't know about Matt's, Kit's and Emily's conditions - Matt was sober I'm pretty sure of.
Me, Matt and Rachel went for a walk on the roof (me and Rachel in bare feet) as well as showing some other hotel guests to their rooms (we're so helpful...) before returning to our room to find a very drunk and unconscious Ed on one of the beds. We had our fun with Ed (pictures to come) before all going to bed - Matt, Kit and Sarah in one room; Me, Rachel, Emily and Ed in the other. We were breaking a tiny law and fire safety by having 4 people staying in the room but we didn't care. Me and Rachel ended up staying up all night talking and laughing at Ed (all the while making sure he was still alive and hadn't died on us) which left me in a, needless to say, very tired condition the next day for my exam. But I didn't mind all that much.
We went for breakfast at 6am before most other people were up and about and then we waiting for everyone else to get ready before we left the hotel and took me to the station to get my ass to Keele.
I said my goodbyes to everyone and jumped on my train to Keele with one pair of clothes, no revision materials or even a place to stay but needs must.
I had a really good time in London, I hope everyone else did.
I realise I have an aftermath of certain events to sort out but I did genuinely enjoy the day.
There ends the UK Gaia Meet 2005... So when's the next one guys?