I had very little sleep last night, woke at 5 and couldn't get off again. Breakfast, quick check of emails and taxi to the station with Gill. Nice kiss goodbye. The train journey then went quite smoothly and sort of restored my faith in Britain a bit. Every train - I had three to catch, plus a tube - was clean, on time and well signposted. There was some stupid behaviour from some yobs on the London train, where one dropped his trousers, that upset me quite a bit. But generally fine, the suitcase was no problem, the wheels made moving it easy, and I got to Heathrow early. Also very impressed with all ticket collectors and staff that I came into contact with, all cheerful and helpful.
Heathrow was just mind blowing. HUGE! 66 gates! Huge shopping centres. I had to wait an hour before I could check in, and then again a very helpful lady let me off paying XS as she said I could have put it into two bags and not been overweight. I had a coffee at one of the several Starbucks and then sailed through security - to find even more shops and Starbucks. I had to get an underground train to get to my departure gate!
The flight - I am about three hours in at present - is fine. I am really glad I paid for the extra space, and booked a seat on the aisle, must do so on the way back too. It is now very warm, but I was cold at first. I have watched "Jack Reacher" - no way Tom Cruise could ever play that part - had a not bad at all meal of braised steak, tried to watch "Lincoln" but given up, and may try to get some sleep now. I still find it amazing that a thing this size stays in the air, but I can see clouds below me, so it must be working.
No sleep. Flight largely uneventful, I had a computer nerd next to me, a real fidget but totally uncommunicative. The landing was bumpy - three overhead lockers came open near me. I note that it was a lady pilot but make no comment. The worst bit of the flight though was that it took 1 1/2 hours to clear customs at Washington Dulles! If you have 50 exit gates, why would you only man five of them? So I was very glad of the enormous welcome hugs I got from Cathy, Holly and Heather when I finally got through. We went home to pick up Neils - and what a home! - and then went for a meal. By now it was 4am for me and I had been travelling since 9.30 the previous day, so I was slightly hysterical. And not really hungry. Bed when I got in was very welcome.
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