June 4 and 5 -- Travel Day and the Ride Home

Up early because we had to disembark before 8:30 to get to the shuttle bus for Heathrow. Breakfast at Garden Cafe wasn't as crowded as I expected. I don't like to eat too much on a day we fly so had small amount. No special-order omelets so Steve had to settle for scrambled eggs. 

We decided to leave the special NCL tags off our suitcases so we could disembark whenever we wanted. Was very quick and uneventful. They had told us to have passports available but no one checked them. On the way to airport, bus driver stopped on shoulder of road to open top hatches for air. We think the bus might have been overheating but not sure. When we arrived at Heathrow, went to kiosk to do check in. Directions told us to go to Bag Drop, so we did as were told. When we got there, the woman said we couldn't drop off the bags until 3 hours before the flight. (We were there 4½ hours before, due to time we had to take shuttle bus. Not much to do, so I bought some cappuccino and we sat down to wait. Had interesting conversation with a couple from Ireland who were on their way to Seattle for an Alaska cruise.  Finally were able to drop off the bags and go through security. I was amazed how quick it was with neither of us having to go through any special screening. Didn't even have to take off our shoes. Once in the terminal we knew it would be at least 1½ hours until we knew which gate, so we went to a store to get lunch (sandwich, yogurt/granola, and a smoothie) and found a place to sit and eat. Went into a couple of stores and then saw the gate number on the board. We were in Terminal A and had to go to Terminal B, taking an elevator down and then the train connection. Took about 15 minutes and we arrived at our gate to wait again. Plane left on time.  We both had aisle seats so I didn't have to climb over Steve everytime I wanted to go to the toilet. Talked with the two girls sitting next to me about their home (Tallinn, which we visited on our trip) and their plans for their time in the U.S. One of them is a manager for Southwestern Publishing so they were going to Nashville for a sales meeting. After that, going to Oregon for work. Watched a few movies, too.


When we arrived at Newark Airport, we had to go to baggage claim, one of the reasons I don't like to check a bag.
Took quite awhile for our bags to arrive. Not surprisingly, their was more damage to mine, this time the handle that pulls out for wheeling the suitcase. Steve is going to check it out so maybe he can fix it. This suitcase has traveled with me to many places in the world and has been very dependable. Hopefully, it will join me for future trips.


Walked outside into the hot, sultry temperature. Waited a short time for hotel shuttle and then checked in for the night. The room seems SO BIG, compared to the cabin. Comfy bed and had a good night's sleep.


Breakfast at the hotel was very good. They've made some changes since the last time we were there. Now they make simple omelets instead of hard boiled eggs. Also people can make waffles. Toaster is there for the bread and bagels, too. Cereals (hot and cold), fruit, juice, danish, bacon. Plenty for anyone to eat.


We left about 9:30 and  decided to head straight home. Stopped at Sloatsburg for a pitstop and continued on to Ellenville. 


Once home, unpacked and picked up Sean. Missed him a lot while we were away. He was stinky from the kennel and heat/humidity so bath time was necessary. Steve had to put in the air conditioner in the bedroom because it was over 80 degrees in the room. Cooled the room very well after many hours. Happy we bought it just before we left on our trip. 


Now... back to normal...