triumphgal

My alarm went off at 2:30 am Newfoundland time. I didn’t know where or when I was. Thankfully I was pretty ready to go, so a shower and finish packing bits and I was lugging my ridiculously heavy suitcase down the narrow stairs and out to the car. I did mention there was now a 6 pack of blue glass bottled beer in there?

It was dark and stormy as I wound my way to the airport, stopping to top the tank, $12.00!! Dropped the rental in the lot and pulled along my suitcase which now seems to be earnestly dragging its feet. Something seems to be wrong with the wheel.

I had pre-checked in but asked an employee if I could weigh it to ensure I wasn’t over. If I was I could take out my CPAP machine. I was told it wasn’t supposed to be in there anyway, medical devices have to travel with you in the cabin. All the years I’ve had it, no one has told me that! I went off to the side and removed it and then went to drop baggage. Good thing I took it out!

Next I went through security. I had to take the machine half of the CPAP and put it in a separate bin. Two couples in front of me had bags that kept being put back for rescreen and once I was told I was good to go I gathered up belongings and was putting on my belt going up the elevator thinking to myself, “well, that went well, how strange”. Wandered the few stores and took a shot of the sayings that were in the chocolate.

They had just started calling pre-boards for my flight when I realized the other part of my machine had been left behind when one of the rescreens got plunked in the middle.

I went to the agent and explained my plight. She told me I’d need to continue to the exit at the far end and go back down to first floor to go through security again and that I’d better hurry or I would miss my flight. Suffice to say I made my flight but I was not a happy camper and I hadn’t even had a coffee yet.

I did sit beside a lovely couple heading to Vegas. Slept as much of that flight as I could and watched inflight on my phone otherwise .

When we arrived I had no idea where to go and just started out walking until I made my way to the right gate. Toronto has everything there. It’s like a mall of specialty shops. Grabbed a medium coffee and small bottle of water for $7! And settled at the iPad lounge. What a brilliant idea although I’d be happier knowing they were cleaned regularly.

While sitting there I saw the Cyclone warning for St. John’s area and hope it passes on by.

Got boarded on my flight to Heathrow and it is much nicer, screens in back of seats. Had to get earphones from them as mine are lightening. #sofirstworld

I loved checking where we were at at any given moment. Breakfast was a choice of pancakes or omelette (with peppers so allergy ruled that out). Was quite tasty but we were quite the trio all trying to eat as the guys on each side of me had big shoulders too. We had to coordinate movement and I can tell you that man spreading is real.

I watched Rocketman and The Mule. Slept the rest of the time and finally we were near. I was in the middle seat and over the wing but was still excited to see first glimpse of lights for miles as we apparently circled Heathrow as once again I was on a plane that was early.

First difference I noticed were words and signs. Lifts instead of elevators and cute bathroom woman.

The Wookiee has landed!!

Sad to say there was a strong division of national passports allowed to e-cross through customs and those waiting in long lines to be checked through. Skin colour was a major divider. Took a while to get luggage but did just sail in through to find lovely Linda and Nigel awaiting.

He’s got a posh car (Audi) and we zipped along the M25 with little traffic. I suddenly realized my stomach was growling and we detoured through Oxted to find a Sainsbury’s that was open to grab me some pre-mades.

I only wish it had been daylight to see the beautiful village we went through. Came back to their neighborhood to have a fox sitting watching us.

Their home and my accoms are perfect. Ate my food, had a bevy and a chat about tomorrow and Brexit before heading off to bed. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings, I’m just so spoiled to be here.

I did notice this before I went to bed

Xoxo