Well, we got here, in one piece (really, two pieces I suppose). I got everything packed, HWMBO came home at about 4, and we got out of the house a few minutes past 5 pm (on Thursday). The Underground was a mess, of course (I was trying to get my bag, a modest-sized one, past the queue to get to the ticket office at the Elephant and Castle Bakerloo Line station and a clerk, trying to be helpful, told me to go to the gate (which I was already making for). I was a bit snippy to him, I’m afraid.
Check in wasn’t too bad, but the queue for the scanner was quite long. Of course, when we got there my belt buckle (webbing belt, metal buckle) set off the reader. The handheld scan was quite thorough, and it even picked up my nipple ring. The security guard was a bit puzzled, and I had to say, “Body jewelry” twice before he got it. I’m glad that I took my PA ring (7mm gauge, 22mm diameter) out beforehand (as I always do) as explaining the squeal that would make would be quite annoying.
We then had a bit of a wait, and HWMBO was hungry. I wasn’t, in particular, and we spent a while in Terminal 4 trying to find a McDonalds or other recognisable fast food joint. No luck–we ended up at a Pret.
Boarding was delayed because the crew was late…I made a small joke about them having a last beer in the pub before takeoff. The plane was stuffed full of Aussies returning home (the plan is flying on to Melbourne) after 6-8 week holidays. Also, screaming babies were the order of the evening.
BA really needs to pull its finger out if it wants to survive. They served the first meal after about 2 hours (on a 12-hour flight) and said that there was chicken and beef. By the time they got to us, it was beef or some of the extra vegetarian meal. I took the beef (which was traditional British beef: stewed until it was tasteless) and HWMBO took the vegetarian (leek and mushroom pie). We then composed ourselves for sleep, in between the children screaming. I got about 6 hours sleep, and woke up in time for breakfast (at 3 pm Singapore time!). They had a choice of egg and bacon, and cheese and tomato. Of course, by the time they got to us they only had cheese and tomato. I decided to skip the sandwich, and only ate the tiny muffin, the raspberry “smooth” yogurt that may have had a raspberry waved at it, from a distance, and drank the orange juice.
Embarcation was OK, and the customs and immigration was very efficient, as Singaporeans are. HWMBO’s parents were there to greet him, so I got to meet them. He looks so much like his father. Our friend BK met me and I’m now typing this entry in my air conditioned room complete with computer. He’s a great host: thanks BK!
I’m surprisingly un-jet-lagged…I suppose it will kick in tomorrow. Something to look forward to.