Anniston, AL is the destination, this is how we got there:
5:00 Get up, eat and complete the on-the-day packing.
6:10 (0:10 at destination) depart from home. Extra time has been allowed, and is needed. The M25 is getting worse, I wonder how much all these delays are costing the economy? How much unnecessary CO2 is being put into the atmosphere?
8:25 We arrive at London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3.
Booking in failed on auto machine because it's a delta flight, not a virgin flight, but has a VS flight code. The first machine had half the screen white, so I tried another. Then I spoke to someone who did it manually and reprinted the boarding cards.
Something is different every time we fly, this time there is an extra security check - we needed proof of return booking, this was only on my Google Drive, so it took a while to find.
Jo was stopped and put through the body scanner.
9:11 We are through security, second breakfast is next - porridge & coffee from Pret-a-Manger.
10:40 We arrive at the gate after crossover delays for toilets.
I am asked, “Have you enjoyed your stay?” then she spotted her mistake.
Jo is again asked for proof of return. When I said it was checked already, they misunderstood and the other lady said she had checked it.
The Flight is full, they are asking to put bags in hold.
While we are waiting, a nice young couple offer us their seats (that's how you know people think you are getting old!). We accepted (that's how you know the people are correct!)
10:48 Boarding started.
11:18 Seated.
Flight time 8 hours and 36 minutes is displayed on the monitors on the seat in front.
11:29 We are pushed back from the gate.
Jo is helping an even more elderly Indian lady who is trying to contact her daughter to give a message to her granddaughter. Inevitably, I am asked for help also, but neither of us succeeded. The cabin crew later helped her.
13:28 Lunch is now complete - it consisted of:
Couscous
Diced Chicken in pesto sauce, dough balls (not nice) & spinach.
Gouda & crackers
tiramisu
Coffee
I watched "Oppenheimer" (but also did some dozing)
16:15 A warm cookie and decaf coffee is served
I watched "Tom & Jerry" it is a live action and cartoon mixed presentation. Not bad, but the story was about the humans.
18:47 We experienced moderate turbulence for about 2 mins - enough to delay the final meal and ask the cabin crew to sit down. It was an OTT reaction from where we were.
I watched "Wonka", or the part that was available.
19:30 cheese pizza and chocolate biscuits are served. This time I drink tea because they'd run out of decaf coffee.
20:22 We landed (73 miles away according to the tracker)
20:32 We were at the gate, the seat belt sign goes off, the mania starts. I controlled my claustrophobia and sat patiently.
20:55 In the passport line. The Border Protection official is possibly the friendliest we have had, and is asking where we are going. I say "Anniston, Alabama". "Why would you want to go there?" He clearly doesn't have a high opinion of the place, but when I tell him it's to see our grandchildren, his demeanour changes. We joke about English Tea. Jo is fingerprinted again, I am not. We are sent on our way. It was so nice to feel like a welcome visitor, rather than a criminal.
21:13 At baggage claim, the bags arrive quickly, and we are gone. Outside Robert, Karen, Robbie and Madelyn are waiting. We say our hellos - both the children ran into the arrivals area to welcome us - that made the whole experience worthwhile. Now we go to the car park.
21:28 Karen has a Nissan Armada with plenty of room. It is easily big enough for the six of us and our luggage. On the way to Anniston we stop at the original Chick-fil-a for a meal. It's nearby, so the journey has hardly started, but while we eat the traffic will clear a little.
When we arrive in Anniston, about 90 minutes later, there is some shopping to do. Finally, we are at the house, unload the car, and make a cup of tea. It is soon time for bed, but in the meantime, Robbie's job is to stop me sleeping too early. It's infuriating, but if it works, it will be worth it.
I'm not convinced it worked at all, when I wake in the night to Jo snoring and leave for the lounge, getting Maiev (their dog) off the sofa, so I can sleep there.
It's been a long day, we have been awake nearly 24 hours, but it has been a good day, with w few considerate and friendly people making it easier.
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