If I can't be in the UK, I might as well be home. So, resolved to the fact that the hours were dwindling down--I might as well get ready to go home.
Kent and I had thought that on our last trip we'd like to renew our wedding vows. We didn't do it in 2013 -- so we decided that we would do it on this trip. So in a quiet moment - it went down like this:
Kent: I will love you my whole life.
Kim: You and no other.
And we meant it.
We exchanged rings, a silver band with a Trinity and a Scottish thistle.
We packed up our place, cleaned it--let the next family in and we were off to our favourite little place, South Ealing. We had lunch at the New Inn, that looks old and hung out there for a bit before heading to the airport.
We were checking into our flight when we were given the option of a lifetime! We were asked to give up our seats and stay in London for another day. The compensation was ridiculous. Max jumped at the chance as he didn't have to rush home to work. Kent did--and I decided quickly 3 things:
- My place is with Kent
- Max deserves an adventure like this alone
- I don't want to rush back to work exhausted
So, we continued checking in and Max went onto talk to the people about the 'deal' he had been offered.
We went onto Security--which they don't like playdough, just a heads up...I was put in a side aisle a secondary security check. I was there for a full 25 minutes while they changed staff 3 times. Finally, I was called forward--and they asked me why I had playdough. I explained it was for my son, who was currently, possibly being put on another flight. (Strange face) and I explained, my son is 21....
They don't mind colouring books and felt pens.
Kent and I went to buy some Baileys for a friend (who asked me to bring some home) and at that point we got separated. I thought he should stay out of the duty free stores as they are really stinky with perfume. There are so many people in the airport--I think he looked down when I walked out and that was that.
We found each other at the gate--where we met up with Max, who wasn't chosen to board the flight for tomorrow.
Our flight was uneventful. We made it back to Vancouver, technically in minutes. We left Heathrow at 5:55 and landed in Vancouver at 6:40. We gathered our bags and headed to customs, and to the taxi.
On to the ferry and we were home and in bed at 11:30 or so. Up at 7:30 am in London in bed at midnight in Victoria. Same day. I had a small cat nap on the flight about 20 minutes or so and woke up completely wrecked! Kent convinced me to try again and I slept for about 40 minutes.
The next day, I didn't feel bad at all. The following day, I didn't feel bad at all. It seems I have mastered (fingers crossed) jet lag...at least to and from the UK.
Last visit through South Kensington Station
Subway map? It's not that confusing....
Waiting for the train to Heathrow at South Ealing....a storm is rolling through
By the time we got to the airport, it was pretty serious looking!
So long London! We'll be back!
And, free ferry tickets to get home.
