California Dreamin’ and Hawaiian Bliss: Day One Extravaganza
The Grand Countdown
Well, strap yourselves in, dear readers, because after an excruciating two and a half years of anticipation, we’re finally on the brink of conquering the West Coast of the good ol’ US of A and dipping our toes into the enchanting Hawaiian Islands.
Packing Fiasco or Masterstroke? You Decide.
Our suitcases have been sitting there, giving us judgmental looks since Monday. And would you believe it? We’ve achieved the seemingly impossible feat of fitting our lives into carry-on hand luggage. “Madness!” they said, “You’ll never do it!” they claimed. But oh, ye of little faith, we’ve not only done it but also managed to dance under the limbo stick of Hawaiian Airlines’ 11Kg weight restrictions. Take that, naysayers!
Taxi Drama and Feline Farewells
A shoutout to Conrad’s Executive Travel for the punctual airport taxi ride. The feline members of the household got their farewell strokes – four cats might I add – and then, off we zoomed toward Manchester T3.
Security Chronicles: The Perfume Plot Twist
The security queue was a mild inconvenience with a 15-minute wait. However, Michele’s suitcase had its own moment of fame. A closer inspection revealed a schoolgirl error – an empty travel perfume spray, wrongly placed. Well, well, well, Michele, looks like someone skipped the packing etiquette class.
Escape Lounge: Escape or Trap?
Our pre-booked Escape Lounge experience turned out to be less than impressive. The offerings left much to be desired, and cleanliness? Let’s just say it didn’t win any awards. On the upside, I managed to join a conference call with Autodesk while enduring this not-so-escapist lounge.
BA Flight Delay Drama
The BA flight had its own agenda and decided to delay its departure by a whopping 83 minutes. Good thing we had no connecting flights tonight. Dodged that bullet. The early flight tomorrow? Not even a consideration after this episode. Crisis averted.
Heathrow Express: Navigating T5 to T3
Touchdown at Heathrow, and now the challenge – navigating from T5 to T3. The Heathrow Express came to the rescue, and might I add, at no cost. T3’s Aerotel Hotel was our destination, but, alas, our check-in wasn’t until 21:00, and it was only 18:45. Fear not, for the lovely soul at the front desk granted us early check-in privileges. Bags dropped, and it was time for tea (or dinner, as they say in the sophisticated South).
The Pheasant at Hayes: A Culinary Oasis
Following the Heathrow Express crew’s recommendation, we hopped into a taxi for a quick 10-minute ride to The Pheasant at Hayes. A hidden gem with portions that could make a food critic blush. All washed down with a pint of Jute from the Salt Brewery – the elixir of the gods, or so it felt at that moment.
Hotel Antics and Football Banter
Back at the hotel in Heathrow T3, a football match unfolded on my phone – United beating Leicester 0-1. The United fans, not content with just the win, serenaded the air with a charming chant about Jamie Vardy’s wife being a grass, followed by a nod to Wayne Rooney. Ah, the drama of British football, even at an airport hotel.
Countdown to San Francisco: The Night Ritual
Alarm set for 06:30 – because, heaven forbid, we miss the check-out by 07:00. Next stop, San Francisco, courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Sweet dreams, readers, as our adventure continues.
