24 April 2014

Abu Dhabi  - London

 

As usual, we had breakfast (for the last time ever) downstairs at the restaurant in our hotel (is called Taste - hardly original). I didn't eat much - we've been eating too much lately anyway.

 

The time left to us was spent packing our bags. They seem to be heavier now even though we've bought very little. At the hotel desk, Novita the duty manager told us we'd spent 404 Dirhams on food and drink. The hotel had taken a deposit of 500 when we arrived, so we'll get some back. Damn !, I could have had about 4 more beers in the bar last night ! There was a choice of Stella Artois, Carlsberg, 1664, or Guinness. They are all good beers; the only "problem" being that the bar serves them in pints.

Our friend Novita hailed a taxi for us, and the driver took us to the airport for 18 Dirhams. The ride in from the airport was 45 ! (although they do have different rates at night).

The Etihad desk had us booked in within minutes, so we passed through security etc and went upstairs for a cup of tea. Surprisingly, there are only half a dozen food outlets in Terminal three. Still, we found something to eat and drink.

As the departure lounge wasn't open, we made our way to an open seating area (a kind of pre-lounge). There were people from all nations there, waiting. We were with them until 40 minutes before boarding time.  As the lounge was supposed to open an hour before departure, Robyn suggested that we move there and wait for the doors to open.  The doors opened about 10 minutes before we boarded. Then the plane sat on the tarmac for an hour . We finally left at 2:00 PM- 25 minutes late.

 

The flight was the usual round of food and drink and movies to keep us quiet. It lasted about 7 hours. I watched The Social Network (movie about Mark Zuckerberg and the birth of Facebook). I needed to stretch my legs a few times, and so did others. In fact a few men stood at one of the service areas for an hour or more during the flight, just to be out of their cramped seats. The cabin crew don't seem to mind.

 

On our approach to Heathrow, we all had a good look at the Thames, and London Business District. Robyn got a few photos (that's not surprising, I hear you say). The plane taxied for miles, then stopped; and so did we. Security people came on board and "interviewed" somebody in the middle section of the plane (we were at the back). They then escorted him from the plane. After that we could disembark, walk for kilometres it seemed, through the building to line up at immigration. That should be irritation actually. We were in a queue for 45 minutes before we got to the desk. Then it took about 3 minutes to get through - I guess we are just not suspicious enough.

Once through, we collected our bags, which had been taken off the carousel and placed beside it. A taxi was waiting at the rank outside, and the African-looking gentleman took us to the Ibis Heathrow for only 15 pounds.

 

We booked in and dumped our stuff in the room. Downstairs we both had bangers and mash for dinner (you just have to do the tourist thing sometimes). I also had a pint, my first on English soil for many years- but not my last.

 

Then at 9:30 local time - bed.