TRIP TO MIL WORLD'S - BLACKPOOL, UK

Half the fun of a trip for me is the planning and anticipation for the actual departure - so there many months of major excitement before I left Tampa, Florida for Gatwick, UK. Non-stop is the way to go - no changes in Chicago, Atlanta or Miami is best!!! Especially on the way home with customs, etc.! My good friends Carol and Gerry Simmons of Canvey Island, Essex drove over one hour to pick me up at the airport for which I was very grateful. No fun lugging those suitcases on those trains over there. After attending her evening class - I finally got some sleep after being awake for two days (I cannot sleep on an airplane - gads). Carol does a great job and we keep up together on the dances we teach. I was thrilled to finally meet Teresa and Vera the next day and be so welcomed to their class. Everywhere I went people were so friendly and kind to me - what a great world of line dancing folks - we are a lucky bunch. Carol and Gerry drove me another long distance (this time with an hour traffic delay for an accident on the M 25?? - what an awful road that is getting to and from the airports in London). We met up with Big Dave and I was off to stay with he and Pauline overnight in Hinckley (Midlands). Can't find two nicer people in the whole world. They would do anything for you and so easy and fun to be with. Pauline served a delicious dinner before we headed to Dave's Wed. class. How neat to see Dee Musk and daughter, Shaz Walton and husband and meet MT Groove as well as Dan McAnerny. Everyone in class greeted me as a friend and some were also in attendance at World's. They danced all the latest and greatest dances and Big Dave never stopped for hours. What a guy!!

We headed out Thursday noon - me with Pauline (BTW - how crazy is this? She has the exact same car as I do - same color and all - except everything is on the wrong side <grin>!) and Dave and daughter Christine with all the equipment. You cannot imagine all the work that goes in to getting this event set up. I applaude everyone involved.

So far so good with the weather - they tell me that I always bring the Florida sunshine and so it was until my last day when I flew out of Scotland. When we arrived in Blackpool - after going round and round because of detours and one way streets --- I think we finally went down the street backwards to get to the bed and breakfast!!! Pauline held up very well on her first long drive by herself. Proud of her and her recovery.

Well, hotels are different in Blackpool - this one was to be a double but I got it as a single. Not sure two could fit in there. I had to open the shower door to complete my bathing - could not turn around easily and I am pretty small. They also do not provide soap - so took a quick run to Marks & Spencer's (love that store) for a few things. All worked out tho. Breakfast is another thing that is unusual for me -- I mostly have cold cereal and coffee. In the UK it is more like what I would eat for dinner. Ham, sausage, eggs, beans, tomatoes, toast etc. I settled for a muffin and coffee in my room. The hotel was an ideal location to the Winter Gardens and just around the corner - easy walk. All kinds of B & B to choose from on that street.

My dear friends Geoff and Celia Ellis from Yorkshire were on holiday in Blackpool and kindly took to a great Italian restaurant for dinner. Always so much fun with them. They are coming to my Tampa event in Nov. so look forward to seeing them again soon.

Friday - Robbie and Kate pulled in to the same hotel --- big hugs all around. Two of the best in the world in every way in my opinion. Loved meeting Charlotte Macari, Chris Hodgson and Pat Stott and taking their classes. There is only one workshop at a time where as at my event we have three choices going and lots more dances being presented and to choose from.

I was greeted with open arms by Barbara with MIL and lots of hugs from Paul, Rachael and Rob as they flew by. All the staff and volunteers were incredible and made me very welcome. Big smiles all the time! Everything was very well organized for an event of over 3000. I was very impressed because I know very well what goes in to putting a weekend like this on. Kudos to everyone involved. I know they were all very proud of a wonderful event.

Got to chat with Steve Healy of Linedancer Magazine and staff. He was a very busy guy but always so polite and considerate. Not too many vendors like we have in the US but I managed to spend a few dollars here and there. Did not get to shop in the town too much nor go down to the ocean ---- had seen that by the Norbreck Castle last year when I was over for the Crystal Boots. Not as pretty and white as the beaches here in St. Pete, Florida.

The facility was overwhelming - I heard it was from the l880's and I know the highest level ballroom dancers have their competition in that room. I walked up to the second tier (the third tier was closed) and looked down at the sight from above. It was not crowded one bit even with everyone in the room during the evening. Also really nice that they have tables with chairs around which we do not because of lack of space at my event. The amazing amount of young people was awesome - I could not get over so much talent. I watched some competition and also the pro/am which was fantastic. I did not take every class - sorry - I was too busy talking too much and wandering around the building -- the Spanish Room for the workshops upstairs was incredible. Had to just sit and gaze at everything including the ceiling. Had so much fun with buddies Show Ming (CA), Pinger (CA), Joyce (St. Louis) and Diana and Kenny from London. Loved Neville and Julie's dance Ain't Got No Money, Maggie's Guardian Angel, MIL Country Girl. Enjoyed a laugh with Lizzie Clarke and was glad to meet Kelli Haugen from Norway. Lots of ovely new dances that I hope to teach in the future. I knew most of the dances played in open dance by the terrific DJs Big Dave and Gary Laferty - who probably did not sleep more than 5 hours the entire weekend. I enjoyed many old classics - eg: Black Coffee plus new dances - Zjozz's Funk, NIMBY, Not Like That, Gigolo, CT Girl, Heart Of An Angel, Time 2 Fly and Burning and dozens more.

Saw several of Big Dave's students in the evening and they were so nice to me. Got to chat with Niels Poulson and Raymond Sarlemijn - both of whom I have invited to be on my staff for the Tampa Classic in 2008. How fantastic it will be to have them visit in Florida. I know everyone will love watching them dance and take their classes.

The evening show on Sat. was out of this world. With the best dancers in the world how could it not be great?? Well done and very enjoyable. Saw Dawn Sherlock who will be in Tampa this year as well. Was so proud of Gareth Mole winning the Invitational - hope he can come to Tampa also. It is so encouraging to see these fabulously talented youngsters - wish we had more young dancers in the US.

Sunday I had a nice visit with my friend Jacqui Howe and family from Manchester who were on holiday in Blackpool. The world of line dancing is so fascinating with many lovely, happy people. I am so privileged to be a part of this world.

Monday morning came all too soon and it was sad for me to have the weekend end. I hope more people from the US will come and experience this incredible event in the future. Big Dave drove me to meet my friends from Manchester who then went on with me to stay with other dance friends Doreen and Michaelo in Scotland. Got meet up with DJ Roz Porter and husband Roddy. Always look forward to their visits to Florida.

All in all - memories to treasure forever - looking forward to the next time I can return to the UK and very much hope to have everyone come and visit me soon in Florida.

Happy dancing!
Luv - Arline

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