I don't often get very excited before a weekend away but ever since I booked my flights for Jersey I had that same similar feeling as I had before I flew to Orlando back in 1995. The feeling that something magical was once again about to begin.
As the week drew nearer and more and more people were saying they were going the excitement began to build. I new all along Christine was coming from Jersey, as we booked our flights together. Then I found out David & Claudia were going, then Mark, Sadie, and Tracey & Serge. Many of whom I have not seen in years. Indeed the last time I saw Sadie was back in 1996.
Christine's flight got into London Gatwick at 1230 and so I made my way to the airport early and was waiting at the arrivals hall when she arrived. We had four hours to kill before our flight over to Jersey so made our way to a pub for a catch up and some lunch. Once we had dined we made our way upstairs to check in and as I touched the machine for self check in heard Alison Oliver behind me calling my name. The good thing about BA over some of the cheaper no frill airlines is your baggage is included in the fare. That said, Christine decided hers was small enough to go in the over head and as such decided to not check her bag. The four of us made our way through to security. I have to say I usually far prefer Gatwick to Heathrow, and am always amazed at how few people they have working on the security desks and how rediculously large the queue to get through Departures was. Eventually getting to the Xray we removed our belts, coats, shoes and laptop from the bag and had it all go through the Xray. Mine was fine but Christine's had highlighted something in her case and a security officer promptly opened her case and started to sift through her knickers and asking if she had any liquids. I think she must have pulled out nearly 30 different liquids from her bag ranging from Toothpaste to mouth wash & toner and creams. Thankfully none were over the 100ML allowance yet she said we were only aloud a single see through bag of items each. She thankfully said that as there were two of us we could share her allowance and managed to condense everything into two small bags and eventually we were through, re dressed and ready.
The four of us made our way to the VIP lounge that my membership allows me to access which always feels like a tranquil oasis compared to the stress and noise of the regular departure hall.
The Jersey flight was really quick. I think it was 35 minutes end to end. You felt like the plan was pointing upwards as we took off and almost immediately started landing. Bags in Jersey arrived within a couple of minutes. Was a refreshing change and then once we walked through to arrivals there was Nick, waiting to collect us. Indeed he insisted on collecting everyone all weekend and it was really nice to be met at the airport. Very welcoming.
We were dropped at our hotel long enough to hang up our clothes, grab a drink and then jumped into a Taxi over to Nick's home. It was here that we reunited with Mark, Sadie, Tracey & Serge. Ali & James had arrived at the party allready. We also got to meet Steve, Nick's brother and Nick's partner, Nathan. We all just milled in the kitchen, enjoying snacks and drinks and catching up. The amazing thing is it all felt like Disney was just yesterday and the memories came flooding back. Not long after Richard & Eros & Claudia and David arrived and suddenly the Disney gang were all reunited.
Nick poured Champagne and we all milled and chilled till close to midnight. Promising that we would all meet up more often, especially those of us in London. Christine was ready for bed and with an hour difference in time plus the fact she had been travelling all day we asked Nick to call us a Taxi but he insisted on dropping us back to the hotel. The perfect Gent. Thanks for all the hospitality Nick. I remember asking him last week what he would like as a gift. His answer was simple. Nothing, I just want you all to come and World Peace. Well the first part of that wish deffinitely came true. To be continued...
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