Ok, it didn't exactly "rampage". Also, I am posting this very, very late because that's just the way I am. For a more timely review, go here.
As I noted before, after a lot of faffling around with different modes of transportation, I actually managed to find myself in an airport conveniently located about on the East Coast of this country, a mere 1,925 miles (that's about, oh, 3,100 km) driving from where I live, if MapQuest is to be believed. But only a badger-hop or two from where my partner in Blogmeet crime hangs out.
Let me tell you this... after the incredibly polite security people at Heathrow ("excuse me sir, I'm going to search you, is that alright? It's a random search, every twentieth person", and "I'm going to swab your laptop, is that alright?" - I hate to think what would have happened if I'd said "no" though), I didn't think it possible that people could be even nicer when they're looking for ways to deny you entry to a country.
Except that this is Canada, folks. And the East Coast, where people are notoriously friendly (so it's said). Smiley, happy, friendly Customs people, even at 1:00 AM or so. Amazing.
Of course, I *still* had to line up for long enough that the other blogger was beginning to wonder if I was going to show up or not. But I did, and there she was, all bundled up against the weather, grinning like a grinny thing on National Grinning Day in Grinland, and carrying a tote bag that turned out to contain:
And the visit was wonderful, a long and I dare say sometimes rambling chat over the course of about three hours or so, after which she pointed me at the appropriate stairway up to the gates, said "bye" and sent me on my way.
I've really nothing terribly profound to say, other than it was lots of fun. But I'll leave you with a few other observations:
1. I'm not convinced Dawn is quite as short as she may have indicated previously. Judge for yourselves. I'm about 5-foot-10-and-a-bit, plus a bit of Powerpoint head:
2. Dawn may, quite possibly, be the.nicest.person.ever.
3. She gave me a lovely T-shirt with pictures of trilobites on it, which I shall have to keep safe from Junior Ricardipus #1, who will appropriate it immediately if he sees it.
4. That was the first time I've ever been in that particular Province of this particular country. I shall have to return sometime and see it a) during daylight, and b) outside of the airport, pleasant and stylish place though it is.
So there you go. The East Coast Blogmeet, an unqualified success. And it was the First Annual one, allegedly. So stay tuned for next year!
