Sunset over the Mojave Desert
Here we finally are, touching briefly in the UK before our flight to Milan this evening. It was a relatively uneventful flight, with enough room for David's leg in Business class. Had some wine, watched some movies, I even slept for a few hours. As usual I found the AA cabin service to be excellent, but I think the quality of food has definitely gone downwards. And we will not even talk about the coffee; I just had a cappucino in the lounge, that should wake me up.
The ticket agent in Los Angeles said he would e-mail ahead for mobility services here at Heathrow for David. We have done this trip before, and know how large and spread out the terminals are. That said, I am very impressed with what they were able to do. David did do some walking, which he can, of course, but a small electric cart met us at the top of the ramp when we debarked, which took us close to the bus for Terminal 5. At T5 we were met by a wheelchair and a series of runners, a lot of boarding pass checking, signing in and out, but by using this service we also discovered that we got a fast pass through a separate line for passport check and final security. The young man escorting us the last part was excellent.
We did the long walk through the fabulous shopping area that T5 offers; if our long layover was on the way back, I would probably be down there now, checking things out. But for the moment I would rather be buying cheese, balsamico and wine in Italy, if I can even manage another bag.
So here we are for a few more hours - the lounge is wonderful, lots of seating areas, open bars with wine and liquours, a buffet that is replenished with hot and cold dishes. I guess we will dining here for our evening meal as our flight is too late to consider dinner in Italy - David will be kicking off vacation with pasta arrabiata no doubt, and it will only get better tomorrow when we get to La Buca for lunch with Palma, Jerry and Sandi.
I still have yet to post an itinerary - well, it's simple - a few nights at an agriturismo near Parma, then a week in Bologna, slowly savoring, and finally several nights in Alba. Due to our convoluted AA/BA scheduling there are also 2 airport nights at Malpensa. Your east coasters have no idea, or perhaps you do, how much easier it is to get over here from where you start. Not whining, just grateful we can be Lounge Lizards for part of this trip. I actually like people watching at Heathrow, such a diverse group of travelers pass through here.
Oh, and I have to say that I am loving this new netbook, so much lighter than my laptop, so much more battery power.
Domani a Zibello.
And a few pictures from our lounge experience at Heathrow:
Comments (7)
You are living it up already and you are still at an airport lounge. This vacation has promises of an excellent adventure; albiet the knee situation.
Happy trip to you and David!
Will be watching for more blog entries.
Posted by Eden | June 5, 2010 2:11 PM
Posted on June 5, 2010 14:11
Well, so far, so good! I am really glad you are taking the trip in spite of David's limitations. It will be different than you had anticipated, but different can be good too. Enjoy!
Posted by nancyhol | June 5, 2010 3:05 PM
Posted on June 5, 2010 15:05
The trip is off to a good start. Nice way to spend a few hours at Heathrow.
Posted by marta | June 6, 2010 8:23 AM
Posted on June 6, 2010 08:23
I would have found time and room in the luggage for fabulous shopping at T5. Never pass up a shopping opportunity; one never knows if it will present itself again. :>)
Posted by Rhonda | June 7, 2010 8:44 AM
Posted on June 7, 2010 08:44
Two posts from the airport, but nothing from Italy yet? Guess the trip peaked early.
I'm sure I voice the question on everyone's mind when I ask, "How many pairs of New Balance does a man need for two weeks in Italy?"
Posted by Sarah | June 8, 2010 8:13 AM
Posted on June 8, 2010 08:13
Fab photos...oooh nice way to travel.
Posted by Barb Cabot | June 8, 2010 11:48 PM
Posted on June 8, 2010 23:48
Sounds great. Enjoying the trip.
Posted by Lisa | June 15, 2010 6:08 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 18:08