It's the euros, let's go to Canada

After many requests (well two requests) I have decided to attempt another blog, this time from the wilds of the Canadian Rockies. 

We have all seen these iconic pictures of Lake Louise, the intense blue of the lake nestled amongst the dramatic peaks. Wow. Who wouldn't want to visit. Well Ian and I definitely would, so we decided to make it our next trip. In June 2016. For the first two weeks of the European Football Championships. The Euros when I like to watch every game, listen to all the analysis by the likes of Thiery Henry and Ian Dowie. The Euros for which not only England, but Eire, Northern Ireland and even Wales have qualified. (Scotland? I hear you ask, HaHaHaHaHa). The Euros where England's young bucks are expected to conquer all before them, culminating in a big party round Jamie Vardys in early July. And for the first two weeks we will be in the wilds of Canada fighting off grizzly bears and wolves. Agghhhhhhh!

Despite all that it was with a light heart that I waited for Ian to return from work so that, cases, rucksacks, neck pillows and pepper spray in hand (not really expecting too much trouble from the England fans at Gatwick but you never know) we could leave for the Holiday Inn Express where we would spend the night. I passed the time by booking in online, perusing where to sit. Isle or window? Obviously not those middle seats. I Decided on window as we are flying during the day. Then weighing my case, 16.6kg, plenty of room for maple syrup. Then I watched a bit of footage of England fans fighting in a bar in Marseille. The Euros really have started. Eventually he arrived and, after we checked that we had everything, we were off. 

The sun was shining as we left but as we neared Nottingham the heavens opened and produced one of the heaviest downpours I have driven in. The fast lane was quickly swallowed by a giant puddle and became unusable. Amazing. 

Then, just as suddenly we were out the other side and the only hold ups were the usual Friday afternoon traffic. We called in at Heathers for a coffee to break the journey

then ran the gauntlet of the M25. Wall to wall traffic saw us crawling towards Gatwick. We arrived at the Holiday Inn Express Gatwick Airport and booked in, via a very nice receptionist with a very quiet voice who neither of us could hear properly. 'Do you have brrrrggggggrrrrr' she whispered. 'What' I asked of Ian. 'DO WE HAVE LOYALTY CARD', he yelled at me. Youth of today can't enunciate properly. After we had signed up to receive a free hotel after staying only two nights we found the room, approx one mile down a long corridor on the fourth floor, dumped our cases and rushed down to the bar. No we are not closet alcoholics, the opening ceremony was about to start. 'Will they be poncing about' asked Ian. 'Of course not' I stated emphatically. 

We ordered some food (see below) while watching some giant lips dancing beside some fluffy pigs in an artistic, non poncy way and settled in for the opening game of the Euros we were about to fly away from, France vs Romania. A late Payet piledriver won it for the French, and we set off for the long walk back to our room. The alarm was set for 'early' and the choice of pillow (soft) made. 

Canada here we come. 

Those of you who remember that great blog, A Championship Year, will remember the exciting toilet watch. Well I have decided to go upmarket (maybe) and do a food watch this time. Ian and I will be rating our evening meals out of 10, so here is the verdict on the Holiday Inn Gatwick Airport. 

Ian - sizzling beef platter. Essentially beef fajitas. Included a bowl of chips. Quite pleasant. 7/10

Jackie - sizzling chicken platter. See above. Spoiled by the fact I dropped one of my two tortillas on the floor. And I don't want to score too high too soon. 6/10