Up to the evening before, Jet was unsure wether she wanted to go to the Barrio Fiesta, but I kept telling her that her "Tita" was going to be there and a decision was made.
We set off at about six-ish in the morning, and it was a pleasant nearly traffic free drive. Stopped for 30 minutes or thereabouts, for some well deserved breakfast at the services on the M40, and must confess that the full monty we consumed wasn't worth what we paid for. By a very long margin....
But we were hungry....
Arrived in Hounslow, and parked the car without any problems at all, the £10 charge seemed a bit excessive, but what the heck.... In for a penny, in for a pound....
Within 10 minutes of setting foot on the grounds, Jet was already gabbing away to her "Tita", which was there with some of her friends.
As they all were having something to eat under some tent, Jet joined them and I went to scout the place on my own.
The place at that time in the morning was already buzzing and I could feel the special athmosphere building up. Walking about and observing at the various stalls gave me an insight on what would be going on during the day.
The food area was well oganized but I am not sure it would have passed a decent Environmental Health visit.
But , hey, who cared? Lampton Park was transformed into downtown Manila for a couple of days
After my extensive walkabout, I rejoined my better half and together we started looking out for other members. I must admit that by then I was really enjoing the experience and looking forward to meet people.
My eagle-eyed spouse was the first to spot Judith, Mavid and Alicat, the last two with respective banas on tow. Judith hubby unfortunately had to work to earn the pennies for the asawa to spend....
We spent the most of the afternoon together, chatting, taking pictures, visiting the fun fair, etc.
Met Gracia and Trevor while returning to the main ground and we had a long chat. the suggestion was put forward for Keith to get some badges made up, for the members to buy and wear at such events, so that we can recognise each other a wee bit better, as most of us don't post a photo on the avatar. On the way back to re-join "Tita" we met BluebirdJones and his Asawa, but only because he recognised me and introduced himself.... So the badge idea is sound, I reckon....
We spent the last hour or so with "Tita" and friends, correction.... I spent the last hour or so, watching over their shopping while they all disappeared to watch the show....
We left at about 5 pm, we were tired by then and made our way home.
It was a brilliant day for us, thanks to the members that helped make it so. The weather held all day and infact we didn't hit rain until we were about 5 miles from home...
The decision has already been made that we will be going again next year and hope to meet more members there.