Wimbledon 2007 - Day 13, July 5th

Another early start this morning.  I am not really sure why, but I guess I just can't manage more than about 6 hours sleep.  I took advantage of rising early to get my laundry down to the desk.  I am not happy with the prospect, as I am sure this one will be another 50 GBP as opposed to the 10 GBP I could have paid at the laundrette across from the Marriott, but I needed to get it done.  All this walking around in the rain has left my khakis dirty and all the walking in general has left my clothes sweaty.  They can suck it up.  I am taking buses instead of cabs for the most part, not even underground transport, and we're staying in a room that's 50 GBP less per night.

Today I decided I'd find the altered route that the hotel claimed was our most direct route.  Alone again with my thoughts and my iPod, I'm out of the hotel significantly early all things considered.  I want to allow myself adequate time if I end up actually walking the whole route.  It turns out the bus doesn't have stops along the route going both directions and my half mile walk turned into well over a mile and a missed bus to get to where the stop was on my direction of the route.  That means that bus route is definitely off the table.  Still, it did drop me off very close and I got the chance to ride in the top half for my very first time.  Yes, that's cheesy, but still it was pretty cool to be  that high up.  You get to see a lot more as you're riding in.  And, the bus had a stop that was the closest I can get to the venue without walking.  I suspect I'll need to find some balance of walking and bus to get here.

A good start to the day and we got a good bit of tennis in.  I am still worried about the premise of Monday play, but it seems less likely after the day we started.  Play did wind up being canceled however at 7:30 due to rain.  This was after an almost 2 hour rain delay to that point.  Friday will be the lynchpin to our chances at getting out of here over the weekend.

With play ending early, there was discussion over what to do about supper.  It is always a nice option to not have to eat at the venue, and to not have to eat at 10 PM or later.  Of course, the decision was made for Chinese at 10.  I thought it more prudent to pass.  We went to the Rose and Crown while there was debate as to whether I'd be on my own altogether tonight or not.  In the end, we rode down to Wimbledon Station and wandered around the main part of town.  Dinner was at The Slug and Lettuce.  I ate poorly, opting for a Bleu Cheese Burger and Chips instead of something healthy, but I just couldn't resist the way that sounded.  Also, they served all three varieties of Artois Beer, so I took the opportunity to have a Peeterman Artois and an Artois Bock.  Of the two, I think I prefer the taste of the Peeterman, but the Bock is higher alcohol content.  Both are fairly pricey here so I somehow doubt I'll drink a lot of either.

Caught the bus back to the hotel and went to pick up my laundry.  The desk had none, and I was not quite happy, but wasn't going to rip into the night man as he had nothing to do with it.  Instead we convinced him to serve us a tall pour of half a pint.  Colleen rang my cell while we were sitting there, and I ducked outside to speak to her and then took the opportunity to sneak up to my room to call her back.  When I got there, I discovered they had delivered my laundry, which was just as well.  Getting to talk to Colleen was awesome.  I enjoy every chance I get to hear her voice, and I got to play some remote desktop support for her.  The power outage had left my iMac powered off which meant she had no printing available.  She's getting closer and closer to flying out.  She'll be here in three days!!!  How awesome is that.

I think the cost of the inbound call was a bit steep.  I shouldn't have been as low on my pay as you go as I am now (just at 3.32 GBP) but I don't care.  I just like the chance to speak to her.  Calling her back was of course less expensive.  I don't think I'll be able to use up all of this calling card, though I did promise my mother I'd call her when Colleen arrived and we'll want to call Colleen's mother as well.

Flossing and brushing.  I guess that's become my nightly routine.  It has gotten easier, but it still hurts my gums.  I don't know when that stops.  Drifted off to sleep looking forward to another day.

Cheers!