Welcome back.
Getting on the ferry was pretty straight forward. Since we were so early, we were some of the first to board.
The main issue was that Fiesta, the dog, had to go into the kennel. The dogs were not allowed in the cabins. So the kennel was our first stop. Poor little Fiesta was the first one there and it was hard to leave her, all alone, in that area. But she had her carrier and another blanket provided by the ferry line. So, she was OK.
Then up to the cabin. A basic, inside cabin, although they offered several times to upgrade us to an outside cabin, even with a balcony, for a “slight” fee. So, the basic inside cabin. It really had everything we needed for an overnight: bathroom, with a very nice shower, enough (almost) space for the bags, and 2 beds: one up and one down. Anne won the coin flip and got the upper bunk.
We went upstairs to see the rest of the boat and get some late dinner. After all, it was about 7:30 pm. It is a good thing to get on early and get to the buffet early, as the ferry tends to run out of the most popular things. Dinner was not too expensive and pretty good. I had baked macaroni and cheese and soda. The next morning, it was also good to get there early for the same reason. I had fruit, yogurt, toast and tea.
After breakfast, we headed off the ferry. Again, get the dog and get the luggage and walk miles and miles to immigration for UK. This is where we were worried about the dog and her papers. They are so careful as they do not want rabies. mad cow, hoof and mouth, halitosis and all other possible diseases a dog could bring in.
The problem, however, turned out to be US, the people, not the dog. My cousin, Anne (who I often call the shredder queen) had struck again. At immigration, the agent wanted proof that we were leaving the UK within the 6 month limit. Anne had shredded the airline receipt. I couldn’t pull it up on my phone because there was no internet at the gate. After much discussion and questions and answers, against his better judgement, the agent did let us into the country. However, he stamped the passport with a warning that we were not allowed to work while here and not allowed to apply for public assistance. We must have looked as pitiful as we felt at that moment.
Finally on UK soil. On our way to Edinburgh. Next post will tell of the way there and the wonderful British train people who made it possible. Without them, we might still be sitting on a train platform in Peterboro.
Hope to see you in a day or two.