Home again, home again...

We are back in Mission. It has been quite a journey!
The night before we left Dublin we heard that there were delays at many airports in England but we couldn't get anymore information. Next morning we heard the same thing - still no more info. The gal a the hotel desk checked our flight and it was on time so we went across the street for breakfast. The usual server was off and her replacement didn't know what wonderful tippers we are so we got one piece of toast each. She didn't get any tip! Then we were off to the bus and the airport. No delays - yahoo.
We were happy that we could check in and get rid of our bags right away. We had breakfast and then headed to the departure lounge. We got to ride on one of the golf carts and we weren't sorry as it was about a 20 minute walk. Everyone lines up for Ryan Air flights. There are no seats assigned so you do not sit and wait to be called. It's painful - you stand for at least an hour. Well, we stood longer because our flight was delayed by an hour. It was great to get on the plane and get going.
Once we arrived at Gatwick we were old hands and knew where to go so got our bags and the shuttle to our hotel with no delays. The reception lady recommended a pub that was about a 15 minute walk away as we really, really didn't want to eat at the hotel. The directions were as follows: cross the round about, follow the road to the cemetary, cut through the cemetary, pass the church and your at the "6 Bells". Sure enough we were! Backwards way to get to the pub!
It turned out to be the 3rd oldest pub in Britain and it had a lot of character. We sat outside in the garden and enjoyed a pint and fish and chips before taking a little walk on a public path and then going back to our dreary Best Western room. The room was fine but it was not exciting. TV was even a bore. Guess we were finished travelling. Oh yes, our suitcases were waiting for us right where we left them.

We requested the shuttle for 8:15 the next morning and were on our way home.
Again we breakfasted at the airport, shot the wad and had two cups of coffee too. Browsed the shops until they assigned a departure lounge for our flight. They only do this about 40 min. before departure.

On the plane - late loading because the flight into Gatwick is late and they have to clean the plane. They didn't do much cleaning. The movies were Dumb and Dumber and Kung Foo Panda. So exciting. I read A Thousand Splendid Suns and Roy read his book. The flight seemed to take for ever but at last we were at YVR, breezed through customs and Bruce and Roberta were there to pick us up.

An adventure to remember!