Julie Rose Textiles and Sailing

A journey home across the ocean. Gatwick is my least favourite airport, I hate them all but Gatwick is worst. Taxi collected us at 4am, found the M3 closed and had to divert via Alton to the M25 and around to Gatwick, but all was well, lots of time. I got very panicked once inside the airport, where do we go? Why are we going? I don’t want to leave England, all my normal worries. After a sit down and compose myself Ieuan led me check in where we found the P and O desk, friendly faces very welcoming, cases not overweight so continue on to security, put all our things on the belt and walked through the screening, Ieuan got through but of course I didn’t and had to be rescanned by machine, at least not a person, then my bag didn’t come through and was at the other side, and this then had to be searched. You see why I don’t like Gatwick, but this happens all the time to me I hardly ever get through a scanner without being stopped.

So through security and on to breakfast via duty free Ieuan wanted to buy a bottle of whiskey to take on board for the cruise. That bought, breakfast next, nice croissant and coffee at Pret, still early no get yet, gate 19 needed and a long walk on travellers and people. Soon boarding at the gate and seats ok, plenty of leg room. There was also a BA flight going at the same time as ours to Antigua and he taxied out first. Anyway once airborne all ok again. Lunch served, was ok and a glass of wine , nice. Try to sleep, read etc etc, 9 hour flight. Nearing Antigua we were told there would be a half hour delay because of other traffic so a bit longer in this hot environment. Landed then had to wait ages for buses to take us to the ship, didn’t have to go through customs or security. Security at the ship was easy and walked on board to find our cruise cards and a very well deserved beer at a bar on board. Wandered around a bit but very tired, went to the buffet for something to eat, then a bit of music in the 710 club and bed.