[See PHILADELPHIA TO LONDON link for pictures]
Monday, 25 August was a crazy day as we checked and rechecked luggage, lists, bills, animals, monies, kids – and KIDS! Emma’s 4 closest friends had to come over after school (their 1st day) to say good bye to her before the airport shuttle picked us up at 4:45. The shuttle was 15 minutes early, and in our rush to headcount baggage (as well as close off contact with University of Iowa – which heads up the Italy program – another story there), I had visions of a Home Alone 2: we’d pack Kristen, Emily, Jaida, or Carolyn and leave Emma behind! Then we couldn’t find Abbey who emerged from a neighbor’s house in time for the 4:45 pick up but “late” for the 4:30 time!
Airport check-in goes smoothly, and our British Air flight for 8:55 boards and departs 30 minutes early, which, with a tailwind, gets us to Heathrow nearly an hour ahead of our 9 am arrival time. Breezing through customs and baggage “reclaim” as the Brits call it, we begin to experience the real downside of having to pack for 9 months abroad. All of us cried when we had to give up the luggage trolley at the airport door.
We raced to catch the Heathrow-Paddington Connection (train), which normally runs every 20 minutes but was not operating properly somehow today. (Yep, we’re here!) Following the train attendants’ motions, Tim, Emma, and I move to the next to last car; Abbey dives with 5 pieces of luggage into the closest one, 5 cars back from us. Hoping and praying this train doesn’t do a disengage as some do and Abbey ends up in Oxford or Dover, I make my way back to her to give her a ticket – just as the conductor came through. Other than that, the train ride goes smoothly.
At Paddington, we quite easily found our way to the hotel, about 2 London blocks from the station. The Ascot Hyde is rated 2 star; I suggest ½ star. Nice staff, but the building is undergoing renovation that neither is moving quickly enough nor is complete enough to address the issues of lifts to 4th floor (2 sq. inches), thin walls (ooo laa laa’s next door), and lobby space (1 sq. inch). We won’t discuss the marketing aspects: “Quad room with bathroom ensuite.” Full bath ensuite – yes; quad room – let’s just say, 3 beds (1 a double) were placed into a room made for 2 twins by Italian standard!!! But hey, it was affordable and close.
After cleaning up, purchasing a new piece of luggage to accommodate the little carryon’s, getting some good fish and chips, we explored Kensington Gardens. It was a lovely evening, and we enjoyed the stroll. When we come back to London for New Year’s week, our apartment will be on the other side of the Gardens in Kensington proper.
An early bedtime for jet-lagged people, but about 11 pm, we woke up thinking it was morning. For some reason all of us got the giggles – can’t even remember what it was about! Got luggage organized, hauling luggage down lift (piece by piece – remember the lift’s size!), had a nice breakfast with fantastic English tea, and then loading into the taxi for St. Pancras Station and the Eurostar.
With big bags checked (more $) on the Eurostar, we enjoyed another cup of tea in the station before boarding and going through EU customs. The station has been remodeled and is beautiful: clean, easy to follow directions, and just enough cafes for a short wait. The ride to Paris was pleasant; in just a little over two hours (same time to fly), we were Gare du Nord.
And here is where the horrors of baggage hauling begin. See “A Week in Saumur” post for details!!
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