Due South

Our ambition to find snow this Christmas was realised as soon as we skidded to a halt on the Seattle runway. The pilot told us (with a hint of smugness in his voice that said "I'm about to fly to Miami") that it was 27F outside - that's minus three in real money. We opened up our bags as soon as they appeared on the carousel and put on every piece of clothing we'd brought.

We caught public transport into Seattle's Downtown district. I didn't realise that those bendy buses could do 70mph on a freeway, but luckily there were helpful posters advising you to hold on "for your own safety".

Our hotel is very central, and we went out for dinner at that most English of phenomena: a gastropub. They even served Aspall cider...for the small fee of $14 a bottle (Aspall is from Suffolk. If it had been Somerset cider it might have been worth the price).

I'm now sat in bed typing this while Hannah has popped down to reception to ask for an extra blanket. The telly is advising me about the winter storm that's going to hit tomorrow. Why did we head north?



Decisions, decisions...



Spot the happy student who has just finished term.



Which city are we in again?