What a Mug!

What a Mug

30^th March 2012

Today was a little bit different to normal. First off, I was standing in for Rama as the gallery manager. Before setting up for embarkation, we all said goodbye to Rama.

Throughout the I-95 were signs advertising the maiden voyage of the Disney Fantasy. There’d be free shuttle buses transporting Disney Magic and Fantasy crew members to and from the ships. Crew members were given the chance to explore both ships, meet up with friends etc. Unfortunately for us, on embarkation, it wasn’t possible due to work. Kate was more put out than anyone, as she had friends on board Disney Fantasy.

Set up didn’t go as smoothly as usual and it caused a few problems between a couple of people. It’s incredibly difficult working with team members who don’t pull their weight, knowing that if they go slowly, someone else will soon come along and finish the job. They don’t see the urgency of the job. If you finish quickly, you get a break, chill.

Looking at my schedule, just as I was finishing embarkation, I saw I was originally due back at work at 18.30. As I was covering Rama’s schedule, I had to be on display at 16.00. 1.5 hour break instead of four. Oh well. Mentioning it to Kate, she told me “Look, I don’t wanna burst your bubble, but Rama’s staying another week. Sorry” she looked uneasy and my face must have been a picture of shock.

Using Rama’s deck phone that I was given, I rang Csaba. “Am I following my schedule?” I asked. “Why?” Csaba sounded surprised. “Because Rama’s here for another week isn’t he?” The sound of Csaba's booming laugh came down the line before he sarcastically mentioned “I hope you’re not too upset” followed by more laughing. Getting off the phone as quickly as I could, I felt like a royal idiot, a mug. So Csaba had known Rama’s contract was extended by a week yet still asked me to stand in as AMS.

Hurrying off as quickly as possible, I bumped into Ani and told her what had happened. Her opinion was the same as mine. It was a cruel move to make and possibly, Csaba trying to make a point. Running up to my cabin I hid myself away from the rest of the world and didn’t bother picking up the phone to whoever was calling.

A little while later, I picked up the phone and called my parents. Telling them made me feel even more ridiculous, for believing Csaba would give me a chance like that. I started crying, making me feel even more idiotic.

Dragging myself through the rest of the day, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Unfortunately, we had a meeting after work. My avoiding Csaba was soon going to come to an end and I knew that something was going to be said. A joke was going to be cracked. Preparing myself, or attempting to look as if I wasn't bothered by the day’s events, I stuck a small smile on my face and sat at the back of the lab, almost completely hidden by Carolee. It didn’t take Csaba long to spot me.

During the meeting, I was informed that I had a bad name comment. Csaba told me the cabin number and I knew who the people were. Well, there are two sets of guests I had a problem with last night. I’m pretty sure it was the guy who wanted half of his photos printing at 5x7s, which is something that we cannot do. The guest has a package for free photos from his travel agent. It allowed him two 10x8s and three 6x8s. After explaining that I could count one large photo as two smalls, he still wasn’t happy, as he’d have to remove one photo from the selected batch and/or pay for it. There was nothing I could have done but either way, I was “very unhelpful” apparently.

Another family were from three staterooms and wanted all their photos on a CD for one price. When I explained how the CD worked (the CD goes by stateroom), they weren’t interested and kept butting in. Finally, I called Rama over as the American guests reckoned they couldn't understand my English. What a shock when Indonesian Rama came over! Anyway, he said the exact same thing as me.

After the were guests arguing and demanding they wanted the package their way, saying we were making things up as we went along. I tried to explain, with Rama, that the details are clearly displayed on the advertisements. “SHUT UP! SHUSH… For God Sakes, just shut up!” Rama and I simply looked at each other. Never did I expect to be told to shut up.

In the end, Rama caved in and gave them the CD for $300, so yeah, it makes me look really unhelpful for not budging, but I was only following the rules that Rama enforces... to bends and break.

At the end of the meeting, Csaba went to everyone, asking if there was something they’d like to add or mention. I was dreading my turn but Csaba skipped me. The last person made their comment and I actually felt lucky that I’d been skipped.

Turning to me, Csaba gave a great big smile and boomed “Nearly AMS! Don’t worry, you’ll get your turn… one day” before laughing. Rolling my eyes, I did the best I could to not act upset, but my anger was more apparent and harder to mask. “Don’t worry Csaba, I see you have no intentions of promoting me.” Once again he repeated that I’d get my chance – one day. The emphasis on “one day” was only too obvious.

Once the meeting was concluded, I hurried off to my cabin. Walking down the empty guest’s corridor to my cabin, I could feel that I was going to burst into tears at any minute. As soon as I walked through the door, the water gates opened and a tidal wave of tears began. As someone suggested, if Csaba wanted to “put me in my place” then he’d done a bloody good job.

Climbing into bed, I felt humiliated and a strong urge to go home. I was disappointed in myself for believing his crap. I should have known better, but even that wasn’t enough to console myself. I felt like a royal failure and ended up crying myself to sleep, hoping tomorrow wouldn’t come… unfortunately, I knew it would!

Turbulence Ahead!

Atlantic Ocean

21.05 (Miami)/ 03.05 (Munich)

Well, I’m on the plane with Hernan flying from Miami to Munich. We’re about half way through our flight, with another 5 hours and 30 minutes to go! If you want things a little more advance, that’s 4,830km (2,995 miles) remaining, an altitude of 11,583m (38,000 feet) and travelling at a group speed of 963km/h (599mp/h)! We are currently flying passed St. John’s, Halifax and Washington D.C., over the Atlantic Ocean.

Our plane was delayed by an hour due to a problem refuelling the plane. As I said in my previous blog entry, we only have an hour and 30 minutes to get to our next flight. Looks like we might only have 30 minutes now. We are hoping there won’t be any more delays because if there is, we are going to miss all our connection flights!

Both of us were worried about our suitcases being too heavy. So far so good! My suitcase was 24.5kg while Hernan's was a tad heavier. We aren’t sure if we have to collect our suitcases and check in again for our final flight from Athens to Rhodes. The lady at the check in desk at Miami didn’t know if the baggage would be transferred for all the flights. So helpful! She’s told us to ask someone when we get to Greece. Anyone speak Greek?

Earlier on Hernan covered me in coke (no smuggling jokes). We were messing around throwing a plastic bag at each other (as you do!) when he knocked my glass of coke all over me. I’ve had to sit on my pillow and blanket. My pillow now has a massive stain on it! Not a good look if someone, not in the know, passes by and catches a glimpse.

About an hour ago we hit a rough patch of turbulence. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not the best at flying, especially long hauls! I need to get used to this, if I'm planning on working for Image for the next few years!

Thankfully I wasn’t the only one who looked like they’d had an accident and needed a change of underwear!! I was absolutely terrified. At one point it sounded as if the engines had cut out and were trying to restart but failing. We’d hear a rumble of the engines, then it’d stop and the plan would dip, and the rumble would start again. The turbulence lasted for about 30-45 minutes.

I posted earlier that another group of people have left to join their cruise ships, well, it turns out there was a slight change of events! Pavlo 2.0 left the hotel with Gaz and Maksim at 9.00am. About two hours later he returned. We were all shocked to see Pavlo 2.0 and wondered what the hell had happened. I saw him getting out the taxi but honestly thought I was seeing things. How could Pavlo be back at the hotel if he’s on his ship in Florida port? Turns out, the three guys got to their ship and Palvo 2.0 was told there wasn’t enough space for him. He’s returning to the ship either Thursday or in five days. Maybe someone has to sign off before he can sign on?

Becks found out which cruise liner she’ll be working on and no, it’s not a Disney!! It’s Celebrity Constellation which will be cruising the Caribbean for 2 weeks before heading up towards Europe. She’ll be visiting everywhere from Estonia, Denmark, France, England (maybe not such a good thing!), Italy (unfortunately we won’t be at the ports at the same time) and there are a couple of countries but they’ve escaped me. Becks has got a great route! I know you’ll be reading this Becks as you’re a nosey bitch, who wants to see if she’s got a mention lol. So… good luck to you, Minge of the Seas!!!! See you in 6 months! We never did pop into Miami Ink…. hahaha

There’s not much else to say at the moment. I’ll update when more has happened and upload when I get an internet connection. Oh, girls, the airliner is showing the film Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera… don’t watch it! The trailer looks excellent. Unfortunately the film and Christina Aguilera’s acting is far from it!

Time to get some shut eye!

Lazy Day

Last night Becks and I simply chilled out and had an early night. We ordered a MASSIVE pizza and sat in my room watching Alice in Wonderland. After a day in the sun, Becks got a little burnt whereas I had legs like a lobster! We’ve been slapping after sun on ever since. The strange thing is we were putting SPF 50 and sitting mainly in the shade. Our pasty skin obviously can’t handle the Miami heat!

Today is my last day in Miami. The late nights have caught up with me so I’m having another lazy day. Becks and I sat in her bed for a while, watching Jackass 3 and eating the rest of last nights pizza. Talk about American XXL portions!

Now we are just sitting by the swimming pool (I’m wearing jeans and a hoodie to keep my skin covered haha). Gaz (Aus), Chris and Chet (UK) have finally woken up and telling us about some of their antics last night. They all headed to South Beach but didn’t get back until 6am this morning. Gaz was absolutely rat arsed by the sound of things! There was a bit of a drunken fight between two of them. I love the fact both of guys have just shook hands, laughed in disbelief at what they’d done and one got the beers in. 

Chet’s just let out a bomb shell… Gareth was dancing with a girl in a club last night. Someone, we don't know who, went over to inform our Aussie friend that, he was in fact, dancing with a guy in drag or a "he-she" as Chet put it! That's not something we're going to let Gaz forget any time soon. Priceless moment and I'm slightly miffed I missed it!

Chris got invited to a private party by a gay guy because he was "cute". All together now: AWWWW!

A few of us are worried about getting from the airport to the port. Some of us haven’t been given enough money for transport. Chris for example arrives at Heathrow at 3am and will have to get a cab to Southampton. The cab is going to be much more than what Image have gave him. He’ll have to settle the bill and get the money reimbursed.

Right, I’m going to have to get out of the sun. I’m dressed more for England than for Miami and it’s getting a little too hot for me. I’ll update a little later and I’ll include the group photo we took on our last day of training. At least then you can put a name to a face. 

Pasty White Ladies at the Pool

Last Night's Obese Pizza and Dough Balls

We Are Off!!

Last night was the last night for some people. Laura, Pavlo and Sarah were leaving at 5am. James and Dom were leaving a little on in the day. The first three are on different cruise liners while the last two are on the same.  Four people were flown home today. So last night we had to celebrate and give the people leaving a sending off! About 15 of us headed out for dinner at the local Cuban restaurant then it was back to the pool with beers, rum, whiskey and God knows what else!! The cameras were out, people were getting chucked into the pool fully clothed and the drinks were flowing.

I got up at 4.30am to say bye to Laura, Sarah and Pavlo. It’s quite strange not having them around. It’s also incredibly quite around here without Pavlo messing around, cracking jokes and making us all laugh. Slowly but surely the group is getting smaller and smaller. 10 have already been dispatched and there are 11 left. I’m not 100% sure but I think a couple more will  be leaving later on this afternoon. 

This week has been like a group holiday. Last night it just started to dawn on me that we were all splitting up and going to work on cruise ships. This morning, saying bye to Pavlo, Sarah and Laura, was when it finally hit me. If I’m honest, it hit me like a ton of bricks and there was a tear or two. Even though it’s been a week, we’ve all become really close, a little team. So seeing them go, it’s a little sad, but more than anything we’re more excited for each other. Say bye to Becks on Monday will be hard. She reckons she’s going to blubber like a baby! No doubt I will too!

Most of the remaining group have headed to South Beach. As Becks and I are completely shattered and just want to relax, we’ve stayed behind to sit by the swimming pool. It’s a good job we didn’t go either. Our roommates have been dispatched so we’ve had to move rooms yet again! It’s the 3^rd room we’ve moved too. It’s a bit of a piss take having to keep moving. As I’m the only girl leaving on Monday I have a room to myself. I think Becks is going to share a room with me until I go. Anna, a girl Beck’s has been sharing with, hasn’t been back to the hotel in 24 hours and her stuff is still in the room. Hotel staff aren't exactly pleased with us as they want to get into the room and clean for the next person, but what can we do? We have no idea where she is. Well, we have an inkling, let's put it that way.

Tonight, we’re simply going to get a pizza and carry on chilling by the pool. No doubt they’ll be few drinks to send off some of the others who’ll be leaving tomorrow.

The one thing we are all going to miss are the planes flying over the hotel. The hotel is situated near the run way so we have the planes flying really low over the hotel swimming pool. It’s absolutely brilliant! It’s something we’ll never get tired of, especially when it’s a large jumbo jet flying over! I’ve got a video so I’ll try and upload it. 

Chilling by the Pool - Me, Sarah & Pavlo 2.0 (Beck's Photo)

Pavlo 2.0

Typical Dom! Beer o'clock

Hernan, Holly & Dom

Gaz & David

Gudrun

Chetan

Dom has many weird talents!

Pavlo 2.0

Pool Time :-)

Becks

3rd Training Day and More Beer!!

Today was a much better day than yesterday. We learnt the 10 main ways of posing couples. The couples have to be greeted, posed and told where their photos will be displayed within 60 seconds or less. Quite difficult when you are used to booking the college studio for an hour and a half for one shoot!

The next couple of hours were about sexually harassment and they are pretty strict on it to say the least. Becks and I are going to have to develop new sense of humours, if not, we are buggered!

Straight after we were told about relationships on cruise ships. Under no circumstances can we have a relationship with a passenger. If we do, we get dropped off at the next port and we have to make our own way home. We our allowed to have relationships/date crew members but they’d prefer it if we kept it out of the photographer’s group as it could lead to problems. They did mention that we will all “find the love of our lives on each cruise ships”. Basically, Dr. Levy who did our medical was right. The cruise ships are knocking shops at sea. Slightly disconcerting! Oh, and we do have an endless supply of condoms. While covering this subject I was either giggling like a schoolgirl in sex-ed or completely agog!

Last night a couple of us who didn’t go to Hooters got talking to the security guards at the hotel, one is Cuban but they both speak Spanish. The shock they got when I started speaking in Spanish, they thought it was great! As we had a huge stash of beer they bought us a polystyrene box filled with ice to keep our beers cool. We were shown into the employee’s section and the location of the ice machine. We can help ourselves to ice to fill the mask shift fridge until we go. It’s starting to feel like a little community here. It’s a shame that we’ll all be separated at the end of the week.

Anyway, everything is going really well here. Each day I’m counting down the hours until we finish training so we can all hang out by the pool, having a laugh and chat and drinking endless amounts of beer. Even I’ve picked up my game on the drinking side of things haha! I love spending the evenings here with the majority of the group (minus 99% of the Eastern Europeans who completely ignore us). The end of the week might be a bit hard when we are split up but hopefully after 3 months some will move ships and a few of us will be clubbed together again. Going onto a different ship to Becks would be a real downer as we’ve got on like a house on fire since the hire session back in December.

The only downside of today is that I lost my Playboy belly button bar in the shower and I don’t have another to replace it. At the moment I have Beck’s lip stud in to keep the hole open and tomorrow we’re going to go on the search for a new belly button bar.

I’m still missing you guys from Swanley but October will soon come around… let’s hope you haven’t forgotten me by then haha! 

Parents, it’s a little hard to call with the time differences! The best time to call is around 7am which is 12 noon Spanish time. If I can finally remember I’ll try and bring my laptop down for breakfast tomorrow and call you on Skype. You’d better be online haha! If I don’t get through, keep reading on here but everything is fine. Speak to you all soon. Love you xx 

We have been told we look like Mormons! Wonder why?

Early Start

Chetan & Pavlo at Image Training

Me and My Ukranian Husband, Pavlo

2nd Training Day

Homewood Suite, Miami

Monday 4^th April 2011

19.45 (00.42 UK Time)

Today we finished practising photographing passengers and smudging on gangway. After we were told about shooting in Ressi (Dining Room/Restaurant). To be fair, it was pretty boring  and as it’s the third day of being in Miami, jet lagged has finally hit us. All of us were constantly nodding off. At one point, I dropped off to sleep. God knows how long I was asleep for!

The Image Group are somewhat over the top about being on time. We had a ten minute break which was due to end at 10.17. When we were all back in our seats, one of the managers said “Guys, punctuality is something we really need to work on. I said to be back here at 10.17 and it’s now 10.18. You are a minute late. This isn’t good”. At first we were all looking around completely bemused then the penny finally dropped and we realised he wasn’t joking! It’s a good job he wasn’t a manager at Asda homeshopping or else we would have been in serious trouble!

In the afternoon we all did our presentations to introduce another new hire. Normally, I don’t have a problem talking in public and can quite easily talk for Spain. Today, half way through my presentation my mind went blank and I froze. My chest went tight and I started sweating like a prostitute in church. Luckily, my mind soon snapped back to reality and I finished off what I’d started. Knowing that we don’t have the job until the end of the training week is now playing on my mind, especially after making a complete muck up of my presentation.

Again, it was back to practising shooting in the Ressi. We had to get into couples and/or families with children. For a while I was teamed up with Gareth (Austrailia) who was my ex husband from yesterday and Hernan (Argentina) my son! Later on I was reunited with my current Ukrainian husband, Pavlo.

Most of the people are real laugh, especially Becks (England), Pavlo (Ukraine), Gareth (Australia), James (South Africa), David (England), Chris (England) and Dom (England). We have a new member to the crew, Fede (Federico) from Granada, Spain. Unfortunately none of us, expect the English are allowed to speak their native language. We all have to speak English or else we’ll get a warning. Three warnings and we are out, going home. Seems rather strange that you can get warnings and sent home before you've even been given the job!

Most of the crew have headed off to Hooters, it’s a must when in Miami. At the moment I’m just sitting by the pool with David and Fede having a couple of beers as we are either severely jet-lagged or have splitting headaches. 

Tomorrow we are heading to South Beach which is another must do. Unfortunately, as we are training from 8am to 6pm we don’t actually have much chance to get out and about to see Miami. It’s a shame but I guess that’s the way on the cruise ships work. I just wish we were all here for a little longer.

The Image Group keep reminding us that we are the McDonald’s of photography! We don’t use our creativity or imagination. It’s standard portraits with standard and strict compositions. 

One person in particular isn’t having a good time and thinking of leaving. There’s something that I’m not too sure about but it’s something I can’t quite put my finger on. A gut feeling. Hopefully soon I’ll find out what it is. Either way, it’s best for me to do my first contract and get some experience under my belt, money in my wallet and see a few countries. The more, the better!

Having a Break (Hernan's Photo)

Becks & James During Couple Portrait Training (Becks' Photo)

Chris and his Belarussian "Wife" (Becks' Photo)

First Training Day

Sunday 3rd April 2011

Homewood Suites Hotel, Miami, Florida

21.30 (02.30 UK Time)

The first day of training was a pretty tough one. Mainly because we are all jet-lagged and The Image Group wanted to get the boring stuff out of the way. Neeedless to say, keeping our eyes open became the main goal!

First we covered what to do with chemical wastes, “Save our Seas” and “Respect Your Mother (Earth)”. "Respect your Mother" bought back a few memories of Swanley as we do the complete opposite! I had a bit of a tough time keeping a smile from sneaking across my face.

At about 2pm we practised shooting on the Gangway which is when the ship docks in a port and we photograph the passengers leaving the cruise ship. Someone will be dressed up in a costume such as a dolphin, sailor, pirate etc. For things like the "ring" or "rail" we practised smudging. A smudger is the person who ushers the passengers over to have their photograph taken.

Normally photog 1s tend to do the dressing up and smudging for the ring and rail, while the more experienced photographers take the photos. At the beginning practising gangway wasn’t so bad, we got to work on our tans and have a laugh!

We had to pair up with someone of the opposite gender and became couples. So, now the joke is that I have a Ukrainian husband as he’s stuck with me the longest. We’ll ignore the fact that I’ve been married four times and divorced 3 times within the space of three hours! I obviously move on quicker than Elizabeth Taylor!

We were told about the type of people we’d be photographing on the cruise ships: newlyweds, overly feds and nearly deads. Lovely! Approximately 80-95% of the passengers will be Americans. English people need to watch their sense of humours as the Americans don’t take kindly to sarcasm. That’s my sense of humour down the drain! Is there a local market or mall where I can purchase a new sense of humour?

…………………………………….

UPDATE

It’s now 23.50 (04.50 UK Time) and we’ve spent most of the evening sitting around the swimming pool, drinking beers and getting to know each other. To be fair, it’s not a bad crowd. The majority are English but there’s a large amount of people from Belarus. There are a couple of Ukrainians, one Argentinian, Spaniard (from Granada – small world), South African and Austrailian.

Earlier on I got told I had to move room as I was supposed to be sharing with someone and somewhere along the line I’d managed to get a room on my own. Not bad I thought. Wrong. I wasn’t too impressed as I’d unpacked most of my stuff so now I’m sharing with a rather wacky girl from Belarus whose name I cannot even pronounce let alone spell!

We have a presentation tomorrow where we have to introduce another member of the team. We have a list of approximately 10 bullet points we have to talk about. It all sounds very Asda. Anyway, the girl I’ve been teamed up with was supposed to meet me at 9pm and didn’t. I bumped into her on the way back to my hotel room and she’s asked if could meet her at 6am in the dining room so we can do some preparation notes. I’m not looking forward to getting up at 5am, I thought I was finished with all the ridiculously early starts the day I handed my notice in at Asda. I guess that’s just the way to cookie, unfortunately, crumbles.

Another shocker came today. The Image Group told us that we still didn’t have the job!! At the end of the training week we have to do an exam. If we failed, bye bye. If we pass and they think we aren't quite cut out for the job or “unsuitable” as they prefer to say, we’d also get sent home. Everyone has given up their jobs, some of us our tenancy and so on and travelled a minimum of 10 hours only to be told that we could still be sent home at the end of the week. 

Looking on the bright side, I’ve never been to America before so it’s an all paid for, all inclusive holiday. So far I think I did a good job today, especially smudging with Becks. We were the best in my opinion,  mainly because we were bouncing around, shouting our heads off, having a laugh and none of the managers had a bad word to say about our smudging skills.

Anway, I’d better get some beauty sleep, I’ve got bags under my eyes that could rival a 90 year olds!

Dad, I will try and call you on Skype tomorrow, if all fails, I’ll leave you a voicemail and try to find somewhere where calling cards are sold. Night night xxx

Hello Miami!!

Sunday 2^nd April 2011

22.20 (03.20 UK Time)

Homewood Hotel, Miami, Florida

Hello Miami!!! We arrived safe and sound although there were supposed to be four of us on our flight. We have no idea what’s happened to Gudrun. Maybe her flight from Germany to Heathrow was delayed?

The plane touched down at about 3.15 local time (-4 GMT). A shuttle bus picked us up and bought us to the hotel. This place makes Travelodge and Holiday Inn look more like Faulty Towers! There’s even a kitchen, dishwasher and “home shopping” service. Apparently I’m supposed to be sharing a room with 3 other girls but so far I’m on my own. I have no idea where they are going to sleep. I’ve claimed the double bed and selfishly not prepared to share it with anyone. I hope there has been some kind of a mistake and I get the room to myself. Yes, I’m that greedy!

Most of the other photographers from Image are here. Laura, Sasha and Becks, from my hire session in Shrewsbury, are here. The group from Manchester should be at the hotel soon. I feel sorry for them, it’s nearly 11pm, they’ve had to get three flights and tomorrow we have to be up at 7am, at the latest! Gaz, James and I were the luckiest ones; direct flight arriving at 3pm so we had plenty of time to look around and chill by the pool with a crate of beer.

Other than customs, Miami so far has been a real laugh. Let’s see what the rest of the week brings. Tomorrow is the first day of training so I’d better get off to bed and catch some zzzz’s. 

Hope everything at home is going well. Speak to you soon x

Come Fly With Me....

Saturday 2^nd April 2011

11.05 (UK Time)

Flying Over Ireland

This morning was a little manic. Getting lost last night and trying to check into the wrong Holiday Inn didn’t help much! Sleeping last night was almost impossible. My hotel is situated pretty much on the run way and hearing the planes taking off and landing was making me more and more anxious.

Up at 6am and for once I didn’t hit Snooze! Once checked out of the hotel there was a 30 minute wait for the bus to Heathrow airport. I was tempted to get a cab but after getting charged £9 for a five minute drive around the corner I thought it’d go easy on my wallet and take the bus (£4.50) instead. 

After a 25 minute ride on the bus, squeezed in like sardines, I finally arrived at Heathrow airport, Terminal 4. To be fair, the journey went quickly… Most of the time I was fixated by a Japanese man covered head to toe in tattoos, piercings all over his face and long bright, bright pink and orange hair!! Blonde is obviously very last year. I tried getting a photograph but failed miserably.

While waiting to board the plane I spotted Gareth (Australia) from my hire session and a little later James (South Africa) (another Image Photographer) recognized us.

Now, I’m sitting on the plane (Delta) with nothing to do for 8 hours and 39 minutes! Sleep doesn’t seem to be an option so it looks like I’m going to be watching either Harry Potter, The King’s Speech or both. I’m absolutely starving! Bring on American XXL plates of food!!! 

Mama, I’m going to return to England a very, very big girl.

I’ll post again when I finally arrive at the hotel in Miami. Can’t wait to get off the plane and have a look around. I’ll get as many photos as I can and post them on Facebook and here as soon as possible.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVRIL!! x