Glass done china begun (Story 3)

Glass had begun to lose its luster and I had toy china in my sites as the next collection.  I have to say I liked this field very much and tended to hang on to a great collection for a short time while shopping for my new customers. It may be because it entailed many many trips to London and Paris and their surrounding areas easily accessible by train. I, however, found it easier to hire a driver and this made my life so much easier and safer especially in Paris. (One of the drawbacks to Paris taxi drivers is they are mostly Middle Eastern and they don't like Americans and are not shy about telling you, especially if you are a woman alone.) The London cab drivers knew what they were doing every single time and were great with Americans.  I was on the move constantly attending shows, hitting the markets, shops, and meeting with private dealers; it was hard work but exhilarating. There is always a learning curve when entering a new field, but it didn't take long if you liked what you were learning. I started in London with a summer study and tour program for college credit held at a London college and ranging with a guide over England in general. I was there in 1979 for the first time ever and it thrilled me to no end. I must say I had never endured heat like July and August while I was there. I never returned in July and August no matter the temptation of good buys. July and August were not good shopping months anyway, but then there were always Saturdays at Portabello Road. It remained my favorite in-city shopping ground being my first buying session in England at Portabello Road where I found a favorite glass set--a tumble up in miniature. Now it seemed fortuitous because toy glass is rare in England. So, I planned a quick Thanksgiving trip back to England in 1979 and never looked back. I arrived in London and quickly found a taxi and a great one at that.  We chatted all the way to the hotel in Earl's Court. I got settled in my room and after a few runs while I got settled he came back to drive me around to the antique shops. I spent all of my money in the first shop on King's Road! He drove me then to American Express where, if you had the right card you could get a cash advance.  The line was long at American Express, a place I would come to know and love. People kept getting ahead in the line and it was so frustrating. Finally, I said loudly, hello, I have a taxi waiting out there, so go to the back of the line.  Dead silence. I did not care, I was reckless at that point and I want my money! The line seemed to move a little faster and I was out in a flash and loaded for bear. People were still blinking and agape as I was leaving. I was there for only four vacation days and on Sunday back I flew to America while planning an entire Christmas in London with Andy in tow.