Monday July 13th aka Day 2 Part 6 aka We're in Epcot finally. FINALLY!
So after we had our showers and got all super attractive(ish)... we headed out to Epcot. We walked and sweated briskly until we got to the International Gateway which had a bit of a line to get passed the bag check but not too long a line. I waited super impatiently and finally we were face to face with the Scottish security guy who we ended up seeing over the week quite a bit. He's nice. And kinda funny. He let Mellyman pass and proceeded to look into my bag. Unzipping all the compartments save one. I noticed his security lapse and let him know that he missed my one Selfie Stick compartment. He laughed and noted that I did indeed have none selfie stick... but a lipliner. in there. And also a couple bandaids.
He was very thorough. Tho. Nod.
Then I pressed my magic band to the big Mickey Stick. Put my right pointer finger in the finger hole grip doo da and was scanned for eternity. The Cast Member shouted my height (5'5") my weight (130lbs) my hair colour(blond) my ring size (6) and my deepest secret (dirtymcdonaldspoutine) to the other CMs. Along with the fact that I enjoy having the dog floss my toes with her tongue on occasion. Oh. That might actually be my dirtiest secret fbi.
Who cares tho? We were IN! I was finally in Epcot after three very long very hard very painful and stressful years.
I found Mellyman right there and said as much.
I said to him that I couldn't believe it. We're finally here. In my happy place...our happy place. We hugged and blocked the path for everyone behind us. No matter because we were having a really good moment. *happy sigh*
We held hands and slowly walked into World Showcase. Just marveling at the day. The beauty. The feeling and the happiness.
I was really jazzed. And really really happy. Omg. Sooooo happy.
That it was sooooo redundant. Very much so. sorry.
Sorry. Again. Heheheheh.
First stop... Rose and Crown Pub. Oh I love the Rose and Crown. Mellyman too. It's because I'm 100 percent Irish. And he is Irish/English. What I'm saying here is we like our pubs. And our liquor. Also... we're violent swearing brawlers, freckled, potato eating, death obsessed talkers who enjoy having more than two children per family. Unit.
It's totally racist.
But fine cause it's my race. LOL.
The Australians are worse tfi. Heheheheh.
That was a lil jokey poo. Read it at your own risk.
Where was I? Oh... in the pub which suddenly I did not love anymore. OMgosh. It was soooo crowded. Loud and full of screaming buzzed people. Screaming at each other and there was a piano playing dude to boot. But it WAS nice and cool compared to the outside.
I took one look at Mellyman told him my desire. And said I'd meet him outside in the NORMAL.
Whew. Nice and hot outside. Quiet. I must be gettin' old.
He came back after quite awhile. Slightly more deafened than usual. NOhuntinggunearMelly. But bearing me a deliciously cold Cider. And a beer for himself.
Which he said were stunningly magically expensive. Not to mention the exchange rate. So don't mention it then. Capish?
We started walking towards Canada. Our home and native land. Where we were just in time to watch the start of some kinda new Lumberjack show. Which replaced Off Kilter to the detriment of everyone. For ever and always. Ohhh. Where should I start? I loved off kilter. They were really really good. And some of my best Epcot memories are of Tommy dancing by himself in front of the stage. decked out in his own colour. Orange. All orange. And having the time of his tiny cute life. Cause that kid can DANCE. To this day. He has some moves. Which are hilarious and unique and quite heartwarming to all the happyhaunts. Oh hell yes have I ever laughed watching our sweet baby dance to his own drummer to the sweet beats of Off Kilter. SIGH.
The new show is lame. Mellyman was more generous but also said that. About it.
We continued moving clockwise. Took a quick detour to get buttons. Celebration buttons.
I went to get them telling Mellyman that I wasn't sure what I wanted to celebrate yet. He suggested our anniversary. And reason for the trip. I told him anniversary buttons are boring and just... NO. K?
I got birthday buttons which I embellished and went back to meet Mellyman.
I showed him mine and he said "NO! No Mel... no way".
Apparently he did not want me celebrating "Happy Birthday Menopause".
Then I showed him his. Again... "HELL NO!!! MEL NOT FUNNY!".
Apparently he not want himself celebrating "Happy Birthday Cialis".
(Not that it's true I just thought it would be funny on a Disney button heheheheh)
So. NO buttons for us. We're too sensitive to wear them. Apparently.
We continued on our drinking around the world. People watching and generally enjoying a nice wander. We got to Mexico and Mellyman had to check out his favourite place called La Cava Del Tequila. The CAVE OF Drunk. I can't even go in there. I have had way too many tequila moments as a younger Mel. And can't bear the smell of that crap anymore. Mellyman came out with another beer. And my cider was only half gone. Wow. Fat man drinkinginthehotsun. He fought the law and he won. He fought the law and he won. NOdeadkennedys.
We invaded China with money in hand and I shopped. I had to get these certain bracelets that I wear. Every day now for about the past five years. They are purchased at the China lil stand beside the big shopping store there.
They are red or black string bracelets which I've worn for the last fiveish years. Like I said. Constantly. I just leave them on until they fall off of their own accord. From wear and tear. They have Chinese characters which mean "Luck" on them. There are many other ones. Heath, prosperity, love etc. But... I like "Luck". It encompasses all. of them. Luck is the best thing to have. I think.
So I bought two new "Luck" bracelets and showed Mellyman.
Who said "Good choice. You may even get some of lucky tonite." heheheheheh.
We continued on. Thru Africa outpost. And to Germany. Where Mellyman got ANOTHER BEER. And I tried to look at the cute little train set up but couldn't because it was temporarily blocked by a line of hedges on carts with wheels. Why???? Is it being fixed? Why? I like to watch the trains. And the tiny towns. I find it relaxing and at the same time want to stamp all over it and cause mass destruction like Dogzilla (NOSlinddogonapillow).
Finally we got to Italy. And had to check out Tutto Gusto. Because that is new to us. We peeked in and it looked really nice and we made a mental note to try and get back to it for some wine and meat and cheese. Spoiler. Never did. Next trip.
Next up and final destination. Morocco. And Spice Road Table. Cause we were so excited to check this out. Well... I was. Mellyman just is fine with being along for the ride. And he really had no say in any of our ADRs, so that's that. Mo' rockin' is gone. Too. Again another bad move. Soooo sad. Memories of Tommy belly dancing with the fine looking belly dancer lady. And being WAY better than her. He has a gift. Is what I'm saying here. Also Mellyman was super sad when I mentioned it because he quite liked the belly dancers too. In a way different way. I think.
I still had some cider in my glass and by this time it was warmer than the urine in my bladder so I threw it out. Sad to waste but was completely undrinkable. I'm looking at You Yoohoo. Mellyman was finishing beer number three. Cheers!
We were right at 7:30pm. And our adr was for 7:45pm. I decided to check in and maybe they'd seat us a bit early.
Yes they could. I asked nicely "Would it be possible to get a table by the rail? So that we could have a view of Illuminations while we dine?"
Sure.
Really? SURE????? WELL alrighty!!!!!!! That works for US~~~~
They then escorted us to a seat by the rail. Yes indeedy the rail. However... it was the rail beside the inside portion of the restaurant. The rail where I could stick my hand out and high five with everyone walking thru World Showcase and Morocco. To get to where. ever. else.
Not on the water. The opposite. In an area of tables and seats with NO ONE in them. No one in the area at all.
SERIOUSLY!!!!
Mellyman and I looked at each other and I might or might not have laughed out loud. And then said to the hostess "Ummmm. Like, the other rail seats. By the water. If possible???".
Oh. We had a moment where we Capished as one. And she led us over to the OTHER side of the restaurant. By the water. Rail. Table for two. Just perfect.
The restaurant was so pretty and well themed. Our view was amazing. I think we had the best table there for Illuminations viewing. Our server was a nice young man. So helpful and polite and on point. I ordered a glass of white wine. Mellyman another beer. Then we ordered the calamari and the hummus plate with olives and pita. Both were freakin good. The calamari had lotsa little tentacle guys which I love and two dips. A creamy one and a slightly spicy thinner dip. Both good. Crispy. Not greasy. And hot. There were two kinds of hummus. Regular and either roasted red pepper or a sundried tomato one. Can't be sure now but really good. The pita was warm and lovely. Olives can't ever be bad. WE WERE LOVING IT. Then we ordered the three lamb sliders with hummus fries and the vegetarian platter. Both winners again. The little lamb burgers were really good and rich. Lamby but not too lamby. Like muttony. If you kwim. The veggie dish was superb. And from my research here... I read that the portions were too small. For the price. That was the feeling I got from the reviews anyhow. We strongly disagreed. It was all tons of food. And we were very full by the end.
Midway thru our mains Illuminations began. And for the first time ever... I enjoyed it without tears. Because I was eating. And the food was good. As was the wine. See that! Eating trumps crying apparently.
Great meal. Great show and great company.
The only things messed up were our selfie pics with Mellyman's phone. Ohhhh they were hilariously bad. But we're novices. TBH.
Illuminations ended and finally so did our wonderful meal. We paid...errrrr...Mellyman did. And we headed back thru a very much emptier Epcot World Showcase.
On the bridge past France I stopped Mellyman. I told him thank you. Thank you for this. This trip and this wonderful moment. That I needed so so badly.
He pulled me close and wrapped me in his giant arms again his Fat Man chest. He held me tight. In one of my favourite places in the whole world. A place where I feel small. Safe. Protected. and calm. And told me he loved me and wanted me to just have fun. Then he kisses the top of my head.
As my guitar gently weeps.
Cheers, Mel.
Edit: Was a very nice night

tbh hug