Fly Away

Because it has been a crazy hectic week and even couple of weeks I packed over the weekend in case last minute things came up and they did!  Bigtime.  So today, Wednesday, There was not much to do. My ducks were neatly lined up behind each other and I had time to make sure all important correspondence was finished, all bills paid, all services arranged for my absence.  I took a long hot shower, washed my hair, ran a final load of dishes and turned down the hot water heater.  Set the heat at 55 just in case a crazy snow or ice storm blew through Atlanta.

A small load of laundry was washed in cold water like usual.  I made sure there was nothing to spoil in the refrigerator and unplugged small appliances.  Going on vacation is no easy task.

I was at Christine’s about 3:30 for a ride to the airport. She is always gracious about doing this.  Partly, I think, because it gets me out of her hair for a few weeks.   

Checking in at 5 for an 8 p.m. international flight is quick and easy.  Even without TSA PreChek the line would have been short.  But, as always, I get a pat down.  The metal in my shoulders isn't the issue but the 'deformity' of my knees is.  At least that is how it was explained to me this time! Quickly I was at the gate and moved to the accessible seating area to join Elva when she rolled up in her wheelchair.  This was all new for her as she had a bad fall last week and just is not feeling particularly strong yet.  The wait to board our flight went quickly as I caught up with her news.   

People are very helpful when you walk with a cane and I was her companion.  What worked for her worked for me. 

Flight attendant, Gabby, help stow our backpacks overhead and was quite welcoming aboard the Virgin Atlantic ‘Beauty Queen'.  I haven’t flown with this Delta partner before and was not as impressed as I had heard I would be.  The flight crew was nice. Gabby even took the time during the night and before landing handed me an air sickness bag … written on the back was a list of fun things to do in Brighton when we get there, including where to get the best coffee!  It always pays to chat with people! 

 

The VA version of the AirBus 300 had seats that were very narrow and mine didn’t really recline but an inch, if that.  Straight up and straight ahead.  The plane boarded on time and closed the doors on time and sat a usually acceptable 20 minutes after backing away from the gate. The entertainment systems didn’t begin to work until after takeoff.  That is unusual!  And the screen was difficult to use as the ‘title covers’ scrolled in a left - right book style and in groups.  If you read the info on an offering you had to go back to the home screen and start over to move on.

Dinner was pretty tasty and was served about 9:30 after a beverage service.  I chose the salad, pulled pork bar-b-que and mashed potatoes with Key Lime cake in a jar.  There was not salad or roll but there was cheese and a cracker.  I watched Rocketman while I ate and progressed to Secret Life of Pets 2 later.  I do not recommend the movie Aftermath. Sort of a weird look at life in Hamburg after WWII.  

I did notice that the crew did not have as many attendants working as I think there usually are in economy.  These ‘first world problems do not affect the overall trip, of course.  And I am not sure what I thought would be different.