8/9/2011
We left home at around 5:30pm. I was shocked by the amount of luggage we needed but there are 4 of us and we will be away for 2 weeks so I’m sure it’s all necessary although Dylan’s bag was suspiciously larger than the rest of ours.
The traffic up the turnpike to Newark was light and we made it to the airport in less than an hour. A quick trip to the terminal on the parking monorail and short lines for both the tickets and the security checkin and we were sitting in one of the airport restaurants with 2 hours to spare until boarding.
The restaurant was a nice place with a decent menu and we each ordered dinner. I was surprised to see that the restaurant provided real knives to eat with rather than the plastic knives I’ve become accustomed to behind the security gates since 9/11.
The flight was on-time in both takeoff and landing and these days that’s about the best you can expect from a flight. When we landed in Heathrowe we hit our first snag; We were supposed to be met by a car that had been arranged by the tour company but there was no one there waiting for us and when I called the number for the car service they had no record of a reservation for us. Of course cabs are plentiful and expensive just like any city so we were quickly on our way again.The long ride from the airport to the hotel showed no signs of rioting or increased police presence so I guess we didn't go through the affected areas.
We checked into the Park Plaza hotel just steps away from Westminster. When I mentioned the snag with the transportation to the tour representative she showed an interest that bordered on sleepy. I guess the fact that we were there blunted the drama.We are victims of our own competence.
The area is beautiful and just what you would want in a location when sightseeing in London. The hotel is quite nice with free internet and a nice pub in the lobby. My hardy bunch of family members are all now in bed while I enjoy a pint of bitter and sit among my fellow countrymen who weren’t lucky enough to have their rooms ready when they arrived before checkin time. A pint of beer, free internet and safely arrived after a 3500 mile journey; what else can one ask for?
Glad you had an uneventful journey across the pond-as they say. Wondering if you will all get to ride the London Eye. It is great fun if you don't mind the height.
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