Long day travelling

Slept reasonably well as we didn’t have to get up too early. Car packed and off to collect Miss PHL. Took longer than we thought as traffic was manic and there are too many roadworks in Edinburgh. Consequently trying to get across the city to the airport took way longer than we wanted. Parked up and we’re caught in a heavy downpour on the way to the terminal. Dropped the bags, easiest but if the journey. Security wasn’t too busy and we made it to the pub just in time to order breakfast. The chap in the queue behind us wasn’t so lucky.

Boarding wasn’t too stressful and A’s wedding dress was hung up in a cupboard with no complaint. The first officer on the flight was flying his final flight after 15 years and approximately 8000 flying hours, more than a year in the air. There were several announcements and on arrival at JFK the fire trucks were lined up to provide a watery salute as we parked at the gate.

We got separated at immigration and whilst I got through in minutes with a brief question as to how long I was staying, the others were asked more searching questions about how much money they had brought and what was the address they were staying st.

Through to baggage and unfortunately M & A’s case (mostly containing their bridesmaids clothes) was nowhere to be seen. Another similar coloured case was so we figured someone had taken the wrong one. The baggage handlers were able to confirm that the case had been collected and we’re reassuring that their case would turn up. So nothing else for it but we headed to the gate for our onward connection after dropping our cases off.

Our flight to Tampa was a full flight and by the time we were boarding they demanded that we put our trolley cases in the hood. Mr PHL was not happy as he had his camera and lenses, medication plus his watches in his case. The gate agent got a little officious and we had to try and get the stuff rearranged. However when got to the plane I asked politely and played the lost bag card and voila our carryon bags were allowed on board.

I should mention it was 7.30 US time so just after midnight by our body clocks. The flight was uneventful and we landed in Tampa, collected the rental cars and were on the road to Champions Gate by just before midnight. We got to the villa by 1.30am and unpacking took just a few minutes before falling into bed.

Backblipped Saturday.