Time to go home. It was a drizzly morning, one of very few during our stay, despite a very rainy summer for England. Was that a sign of some sort? Packing went surprisingly well, thanks to Jennie, the packing goddess. She is a pro at the "roll everything" technique. Thanks to her guidance, everything fit! Much more room than when I folded everything. We learned our lesson the first time, and wisely called a cab to the station. There was no way we were going to drag our bags that distance again, Mr. Cab Driver! This driver was only too happy to take us. He even made us an offer to drive us all the way to Heathrow, but for an absurd price. The leisurely bus ride was fine with us.
Our faithful companions. If only these bags could talk. (It's probably better they can't!) They've seen three different airports, fourteen trains, and twelve train stations, five subways, two buses, the trunks of a seven cabs, and too many sidewalks to count. They were pulled, pushed, carried, kicked, rained on, and sat on. It was joyous moment when we checked them in at security. FREEDOM! While Jennie's arms seem to have fared well, I on the other hand will be seeing an elbow specialist soon, and I think a cortisone shot is in my right elbow's future. Her bag's 3-sided handle (on the left) provided a few more options for mobility, while mine (right) could only be pulled one way. Word of advice: If you are in the market for a new suitcase, seriously consider one with this type of handle!
Terminal 5 is massive and looks like a shopping mall -- complete with Harrods, for those last minute gifts. The airport was absolutely mobbed. With it only being day four of the Olympics, I would have thought the arrivals terminal would have had all the business. Not so! Heathrow is an amazing place, though. People passing through en route to so many interesting places all over the world. It was fun to sit back, watch the microcosm of our amazing world passing by, and wonder where they were traveling to and why. Everyone has a story. I lost track of how many times I told mine during the last five incredible weeks. Sometimes I couldn't believe it was my story I was telling, and not someone else's fantasy trip. Hearing myself say "I'm a school teacher and I came to work on an archaeological dig at a Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall" never ceased to amaze me.
This is right up at the top of my "most bizarre sights" list. While many travelers now wear sandles and flip flops understandably to speed up their security check, you really should put them back on. This sent shivers up my spine!
The time to go was getting closer, and reality was sinking in. But the world's party was just getting started!
Many travelers watched gymnastics on one of the many projection screens throughout the airport.
Home. Time to return to routines, responsibilities, reality, and most importantly, loved ones. We landed around 9:30 PM, and 12 hours later I would deliver my husband to the hospital for hip surgery #2. I remained there with him for three days. Unpacking, distributing gifts, doing laundry, and processing my experiences would have to wait for just a bit. Even jet lag would have to wait.
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