California and Hawaii – A Day Full of Surprises! – Day Two
Rise and Shine (or Not) – 06:30 AM
Well, there it was, the uninvited melody of our alarm clock ushering in the dawn of day two in the enchanting lands of California and Hawaii, but still at Heathrow. As much as the comfort of our hotel beds tempted us to stay put, the cruel reality of a check-out notice within 30 minutes forced us to surrender to the inevitability of the waking world.
The 3 S’s Without the Shave
In a valiant attempt at sophistication, the morning routine embarked upon the sacred journey of the three S’s. Alas, the razor, a humble companion, was deemed unfit for the perilous adventure through the security gates. So much for a clean shave before conquering the skies.
Hotel Blues and Broken Dreams
Exiting the hotel at a somewhat respectable 07:05, after a night of fragmented sleep, we couldn’t help but ponder whether the hotel was truly comfortable or if it was the anticipation of our adventure that had played accomplice to our insomnia.
Virgin Atlantic Check-In Stroll
A brief stroll led us to the three Virgin Atlantic check-in counters. However, being swift travelers with only hand luggage in tow, we breezed past the counters and dived straight into the theatrical performance of airport security. Behold, the Upper Class, with its exclusive security lanes, graciously ushered us through in under 10 minutes.
Duty-Free, the Shopper’s Haven
Post-security, my accomplice (Michele) in wanderlust found herself in the haven of duty-free delights. A mission was afoot – perfume, sunglasses, and flavored gin disappeared into her clutches. Meanwhile, I sauntered over to the whiskey concession, contemplating a classic 1969 bottle priced at a staggering £32500. Alas, dreams of sipping the nectar were swiftly quashed.
Virgin Atlantic Lounge Extravaganza
Arriving early at the Virgin Atlantic Club House sparked a momentary concern about our entry. But, as anticipated, our worries were laid to rest. Breakfast orders were placed – Eggs Benedict for Michele and a grapefruit-laden full English for me. Then began the delightful dance with champagne, as Michele indulged in retail therapy, and I tackled a few work emails.
Loss of a family pet
I caught up with my daughter Sam who sadly was very upset as they’d lost Lady overnight after being put to sleep. Harry and Nancy were upset too but hopefully a day on a farm will take their minds off the event. Lady will be missed by all she was a well-mannered dog and always pleased to see everyone RIP girl you’ll be missed fondly x
Boarding the Flight and a Classy Turn
A call for boarding 45 minutes before take-off marked the beginning of our journey into the skies. Turning left into Upper Class, we located our pods (3A & 4A) and were promptly greeted with another glass of champagne. Now settled in for the upcoming 11 hours of airborne luxury.
Feet, the Unwelcome Travel Companions
The flight brought unexpected challenges, not from restless children but from an adult neighbor in the adjacent pod. His incessant shuffling and the ultimate horror of sockless feet invading my personal space made for a memorable albeit cringe-worthy experience. Note to self: Feet are meant to be confined within the bounds of one’s own footwear.
In-Flight Entertainment and Culinary Delights
Lunch, movies, and a Hazy Jane by Brewdog ensued. Warm crab cakes for a later snack paired well with a viewing of ‘No Time To Die,’ though I must confess, the film succumbed to the impending descent into San Francisco.
California, Here We Come!
Touchdown at 15:07, slightly ahead of schedule, marked the end of our airborne odyssey. Efficient passage through security, visa in hand, and no need to wait for baggage – a traveler’s dream. With a $50 taxi ride (plus a reluctant $5 tip for a slightly gloomy driver), we arrived at the Riu Plaza at Fisherman’s Wharf, conveniently placed on the 4th floor with a riveting view of the opposite building.
Piers, Bites, and a Nightcap
A brief stroll to the piers, a glimpse of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, and a hasty but fulfilling meal – the tiredness from a day well-lived settled in. Back at the hotel, fatigue met its match in the form of raspberry gin, bidding us a goodnight.
