Mexico Bound: A Tale of Misadventures and Sun-Soaked Redemption
An Odyssey of Oops and Ouch: The October Fiasco
Ah, the joyous anticipation of a well-deserved holiday, disrupted by the unruly chaos of life. Michele and I, fueled by the desperation for a break after a seemingly endless year, embarked on a journey to Mexico, only to find ourselves entangled in a comedic web of mishaps.
Denied by ESTA Drama: Michele Strikes Again
Our first attempt to escape reality in October resembled a tragicomedy. The plot twist? My ESTA, the golden ticket to the U.S., faced the grim reaper of denial. Why? Because Michele, in an accidental act of comedic genius, responded to a question on my application (have you been convicted of fraud? —-YES), triggering the ominous ‘Access Denied’ message.
A diplomatic call to the U.S. Embassy in London transformed into a quest advised by them to contact Homeland Security in Washington DC. “Sorry, sir,” they chuckled, “no changes for you. Apply for a full visa, mate!” So, we dove into the bureaucratic abyss, applying for a full UK police report to clear my name of the fraud Michele unwittingly bestowed upon me.
Rain, Pain, and a Fractured Campaign
Picture this: the day after celebrating my brother’s birthday, armed with a clear criminal record and a hopeful spirit, I set off for a pivotal interview at the U.S. Embassy in London. But, oh, the weather had other plans. A slippery encounter with a polished granite surface left me nursing a fractured shoulder, a rain-soaked embarrassment.
Undeterred, I navigated the bustling London rush hour, clutching my injured shoulder, bracing for the impending interview. The U.S. Embassy queue lacked the luxury of shelter, but a touch of charm and a few discomfort-induced grimaces secured my passage inside.
Embassy Banter and a 10-Year Visa Victory
Inside, I encountered unexpectedly pleasant embassy staff, shattering the stereotype of stern-faced border officers. The lady processing my fingerprints acknowledged the discomfort of my fractured shoulder, and the ensuing banter lightened the mood. The subsequent encounter, equally delightful, concluded with the coveted prize—a 10-year U.S. visa.
However, the fractured escapade rendered our New England plans unfeasible. Driving was forbidden, and Michele wasn’t brave enough to navigate the entirety of New England’s roads solo. So, we pivoted, waiting for my medical green light to embark on a quest for winter sun.
Holiday Hunt: Brochures, Internet, and Mom’s Recommendation
Armed with brochures, internet searches, and unsolicited advice from anyone willing to listen, we scoured options from Europe to the Caribbean, from cruises to the U.S. Finally, a beacon of warmth emerged in the form of a two-week Mexican retreat. With only five days off in the entire year, the break was not a luxury but a necessity.
Pre-Departure Revelries: Skyping, Calls, and Farewell Fondness
Before bidding adieu to the familiar and embracing the allure of Mexico, we indulged in pre-departure revelries. Lewis, Josh, and even Sam, Harry, and Nancy via Skype, joined the festivities. A visit to Brenda at the care home, a call with the night-shift warrior Warren, and an overflow of good wishes from friends marked our departure.
The Early Morning Symphony and Conrad’s Executive Odyssey
The day of departure arrived with an early morning alarm, disrupting dreams of sandy beaches and margaritas. Enter Conrad’s Executive Travel, a knight in shining armor with an immaculate people carrier, whisking us away to Manchester airport. Kudos to Conrad; we can’t sing his praises enough.
The ‘Dreamliner’ Chronicles: Legroom, Laughs, and Lamentable Delays
Lounge Lazing and Sausage Harms
At the airport, bags dropped, we ascended to the Escape Lounge, a haven of relaxation. Michele, on a covert mission to duty-free, left me to my literary endeavors, engrossed in Tom Clancy’s ‘Hunt for Red October.’ Sausage barm, coffee, and a couple of Amstel beers later, we descended to the gate, ready to board the ‘Dreamliner.’
In-Flight Adventures: Fractured Spirits and Brewdog Chronicles
Ah, the ‘Dreamliner,’ where dreams of extra legroom materialize. A slight delay, blamed on a crew member hiccup, didn’t dampen our spirits. Brewdog Punk IPA in hand, I relished a mid-air roast dinner, accompanied by red wine and coffee. Brewdog made encore appearances, bringing warmth to the coldest flight ever experienced.
Touchdown: Warm Welcomes and Cocktails Galore
The journey concluded with a delayed transfer and a 17:10 arrival at the hotel, greeted by warm, green landscapes. Unpacking, cocktails, an evening buffet—our tired souls found solace in the embrace of Mexican hospitality.
