I have to admit it was really weird saying goodbye and not having him come with me. I know he went away in July with his friends, but it doesn't make it feel any less odd. I just wish Mikey could have come too. He says he may be allowed next year if business picks up. Mikey, we miss you. Your a computer programmer, you can still do that and can afford holidays then!
Anyway, woke up this morning a little earlier than I had wished,(Must have been the excitement eh?) and having everything packed all I needed to do was wash, dress and decide if I had too much or too little luggage.
Dusan was working until 0100 bless him so was still fast asleep as I made my final preparations and got ready. I did of course wake him to say goodbye and as we hugged and kissed it reminded me of that feeling I had for so long in all those wonder years when he was stuck back in Croatia or on the ship. Still this trip is only for a week. It's funny isn't it how you quickly get into a routine. It wasn't that long ago I traveled the world alone, to the States and back for a four day mini break was all part and parcel. But this time I am going alone with 2 purposes. 1) have the most relaxing chilled time possible so that when I come back I am able to put my all into the project at work. 2) Have a good go at writing the next 10 chapters of the book I have started! I have the feeling the sunshine will give me inspiration, it usually does.
Doh, I should have had three points as the third would naturally be get a tan!
Having said goodbye to Dusan and took that long lonely walk up the garden path on a journey, alone for the first time in years. Was it nerves? Excitement? The buzz of travel? The fear of flying? The fact that we are apart is enough of an emotion. But as they say, absense makes the heart grow fonder. I walked to the bus stop and took the new East London overground to Norwood Junction, then a train to East Croydon and finally a train to Gatwick airport. Then the monorail to the terminal. One was impressed. They have upgraded it to a four car service and was really ultra modern. Not being a part of BAA is a fabulous thing and in the words of D-Ream, things can only get better.
Thankfully the checkin area was quiet and I was checked in and ready to go before you could say Jack Russell. Love the way that you can spot a gay couple a mile off. Not having eaten anything but a nectarine, I decided I would grab some food, but not impressed with the sandwich selection at M&S these days decided to wait till I was airside. (We call M&S Poo shop at work as it's sandwhich selection is just so far from appetising. While I am on the subject of M&S. How on earth did they win Sandwich Retailer of the year and Cheese Retailer of the year. How many M&S's have a cheese counter where you can buy your cheese by the weight? They are all pre wrapped. What were these awards? The M&S Awards? Oh and the award goes to us! Crazy.
Got in the queue for security and strangely it makes you nervous just standing in that line. They make you take off your belt, remove laptop from bag, take out any liquids. It's no wonder you are on a knifes edge by the time you get into the departure lounge.
I have to confess the North terminal is so much nicer than the South Terminal. Better quality dining and you don't feel like you are on stuck in a crowded space. I stopped briefly at the Channel counter to buy a nice bottle of their new fragrance Blue which is divine and then followed the signs for airport lounges. I checked in to the little Oasis of peace away from the hussle and bussle and chaos of the airport and into this private space. Quiet, free wifi, alcoholic drinks and snacks. Of course there are a couple of people you can tell are using the "Lounge Access" offer that even Easyjet sell these days. I would like to remind the lady in the electric pink shell suit that the dress code for the lounge is always smart casual.
I'm sat down now with a nice large merlot waiting for them to call my flight! Hoping for a timely flight, a smooth transfer and will hopefully be checked into my hotel alongside the beach by 2100. All I hope is that the sun shines. They forcast sun and unusually the weather channel displays the words "WINDY" where there is usually cloud, rain or sunshine icons. It says sunny and Windy. I'm guessing the beach will be like a sandstorm if it's that windy, so am grateful my hotel has sloping grounds which protects it mainly from the wind. Here's hoping it's a bon Voyage! Oh and Happy Birthday Richard!
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