July 26, 2008 Newark to London

We were up at a quarter to dark (5:30 am) to get to the airport. I didn’t sleep very well--the old “I’m too excited to sleep” problem. I do so hate starting the day with a headache. The shuttle driver from the hotel was very pleasant and helpful, pointing out where we should go, etc. We checked in at a nicely un-crowded counter, sent our bags on their merry way, and headed for security. After the usual dog and pony show going through the xray, setting off the alarm, and “assuming the position” to be patted down, we headed for the departure lounge.

A quick look around showed very little in the way of choice for breakfast. I ended up with some lovely orange juice, a bit of cheddar cheese, and a rock-hard bagel (which I ate only half of, with cream cheese). I used the computer there to check in for tomorrow’s flight and to email Danny. Before I knew it, it was time to board the plane. The seats are the weirdest thing I ever saw. They are like pods! I’m in the center section with Deb, and while I am facing forward in the usual fashion, she is facing backward! There is a privacy panel that can be raised between us, not that we’d use it, and a separate footstool that can move close or far, depending on your leg length. The seats are narrower than usual Business Class, but still roomy and quite comfortable. The even recline all the way to flat, a feature that Deb and I both made good use of. I slept for about an hour or so. I am just so tired.

The breakfast selection on the plane wasn’t much better than in the lounge, but I knew I needed more than the meager fare I’d found there. So I had a small bowl of bran flakes with strawberries and a bit of pineapple. Later, for a snack I had some trail mix and some organic shortbread (YUMMY!!!) I read magazines, got up to walk a couple of times, and just relaxed. The flight attendants are really nice. When they brought out a “light supper”, I picked the pear salad. Well, it was a couple of slices of pear, the frize lettuce I hate, and some weird looking potato salad made with mayo. I gave the potato salad to Daddy, ate the pears along with a roll, and gave the cheesecake dessert to Deb. SLIM pickins!! The flight attendant came around and offered us sandwiches which were left over (which we’d somehow missed), so we both had a tomato and mozzarella wrap. It would prove to be a very good move.

We landed on time, and then waited forever for a wheechair for mom. Finally it came and we set off for immigration. Mom and Dad zipped right through, while Deb and I waited in a long line. By the time we finished, Dad had all our bags, and was just looking for Mom’s walker. It finally turned up on the opposite side of the baggage carousel. Then things got really interesting!

We took a bus to Terminal 5, where our hotel was supposed to be. Only it isn’t. It’s called the Travelodge Heathrow Terminal 5, but to get here, we had to take another bus, costing 4 pounds each, from Terminal 5 to the hotel. We checked in, brought our bags upstairs, and went down to the restaurant, only to find out that the kitchen was closed! So we ended up ordering in pizza. I’m sure I’ve had worse pizza in my life, but heck if I can remember when! My protein today is in the pits!! Our rooms are bare bones minimalist. Not even a phone in the room! But hey, we’re only here over night, so as long as the toilet is clean, the beds are comfy, and it’s quiet, we’re fine.

I checked at the desk for our SIM cards, which were to be delivered here yesterday. Only they didn’t come. At least they can’t find them. So I emailed the company and told them to forget it, we’ll get some at the airport! Meanwhile, I’ve had an urgent email from the concierge at the Balmoral (our hotel tomorrow night) regarding Daddy’s kilt. I hope to God there isn’t a problem with that too!! Well, off to bed now. Tomorrow, we go to SCOTLAND!!!