A Rail Strike and a Long Drive in France
Thursday, October 24, 1991
David is off to London and I’m off to Bible Study - only one problem - giant rail strike. We leave early and David drives me to my study. A normal 10 minute drive took one hour and 10 minutes as everyone is driving today. The city is paralyzed, and as San Antonio is with an ice storm.
Some people just don’t even bother to go to work. David parks the car at the airport and boards the bus to the airport terminal. Suddenly the bus just stops along with all cars approaching the airport. The road is blocked by strikers and no one is getting thru. He has to walk about 2 miles carrying his heavy luggage but does make the flight in time.
Monday, September 30, 1991
David Flies to London
David flew back to London and Portsmouth for a 2 day trip missing his 8 AM flight from Paris because of a delay on the RER. A train driver had been held at gunpoint. He finally arrived London at 1:30PM.
I volunteered at the American Church to help prepare food for Tuesday’s annual program “Bloom Where You Are Planted” - a program sponsored by the Church for newcomers to Paris.
Sunday, September 22, 1991
Church in London
Attended the American Church in London carrying our luggage, golf clubs, computer, etc., as it was on the way to Gatwick Airport. Arrived at Victoria Station to catch the Gatwick Express to the airport and the platforms for our train were roped off with no entrance allowed due to a “suspicious” piece of luggage left unattended.
So we wait. We are leaving from a different platform and we’re off to the airport. We assume all turned out O.K. with the bag. Arrived Paris Sunday evening to very cool weather.
Friday, September 20, 1991
London England
David and I departed early AM for London, England. Business meeting on Friday and part of Saturday with the balance of the time - pleasure. Our flight arrived late and without David’s golf clubs. Although we were rushed to make his first meeting we had to complete lost baggage forms along with other Dan Air passengers with the same problem.
Apparently one of the cargo trailers never made it on board the plane. Off on the Gatwick Express train to London Victoria Station. David rushes to his meeting to his meeting and I remain there with the luggage and visit the many shops in the station.
As I’m waiting at our meeting place for David to return at 12:30PM, an American Airlines lady asks me to move from the area. It seems an older gentlemen had left an old pocket recorder of his on the desk kand they thought it could have been a bomb.
He returned for it and all was well. David returned from his meeting (late) and after a nice lunch I went to the hotel and he proceeded to his next meeting. Soon after I arrived - so did his golf clubs. Friday evening we ventured from the hotel to enjoy a meal at “The Three Magpies” pub - a very delicious and reasonable place for London.
Monday, June 24, 1991
Shopping in Portsmouth
Enjoyed shopping in Portsmouth. Took the train back to London. Hotel at the airport was extremely crowded. Sat next to a gentleman in the restaurant who had been in the Navy and in Viet Nam when David was.
We sat and chatted for a long time. They had a lot to talk about. I ordered Spaghetti Bolognaise and got noodles instead because they were out of spaghetti so I did get a dessert free.
Editor’s Notes
This image is of David on the train back to London. They are actually going back to London to catch their flight to Madrid Spain, not to go back home to France. Not sure if it was a business meeting or not.
Caption on the back of the image reads:
16. Tain back to London
Monday - 6/24/91
Sunday, June 23, 1991
Portsmouth, England
Took the RER to Charles De Gaulle airport. We have a Dan Air flight to London. From London we took a train to Portsmouth, England, on the coast. Weather is cool and rainy. Dinner with Paul Millard (Marconi sales person) and wife Sandy at a quaint little pub.
On the way there, Paul got lost so we saw a bit of the countryside. Upon leaving, the clouds were so low in areas we could barely see. Speaking English was a nice treat.
Editor’s Note
This image was taken from the balcony in their hotel room in Portsmouth England.
The caption on the back of the photo reads:
15. Trip to Portsmouth, England
Hilton Hotel
Sunday - June 23, 1991