Start of a long vacation - part 1
Not sure if this is going to be very interesting, so here goes.
Got up really early on Thursday morning, 5.00am – well early for me – and hubby drove me to the local airport at Plymouth. It was really cold and great for me to be off to Florida.
I told them at the Air South West desk that I had requested assistance at Gatwick due to my recent knee surgery, and was assured everything was organized. Walked to the aircraft with my collapsible walking stick and easily got up the few steps. Flight was on time and was a pleasant flight with nothing interesting to report. On arrival at Gatwick, left the aircraft, managed the steps down with my wheelie in one hand and my stick in the other. When I reached next to the bottom step, the stewardess asked me if she could help with my wheelie – only one step left anyway. I looked around for assistance and none was forthcoming so hobbled over to the building and climbed 2 flights of stairs. Not happy by now. Arrived at BA Customer Service who are the Agents for Air SW. They told me the transport, which was a van, was out on the tarmac waiting for me, I could actually see the van through the window, but having never had assistance before did not know what to look for. They told me the crew should have told me to stay on the aircraft and then escorted me to the van. Too late now, the van drove off. Anyway, all was sorted a few minutes later and the electric cart turned up. It took an age down corridors I had never seen before and eventually we caught up with my luggage. I was taken to the South Terminal where a wheelchair was waiting. I have lots of sympathy from now on for people who are disabled!!!!!
We got to the Virgin Upper Class check in, and it almost as if I was mentally retarded being in a wheelchair. However, everything was sorted without me having to utter more than one word. We then bulldozed all the queues, and as time was against me I was unable to take advantage of the Virgin Lounge. Boo hoo. Boarded the aircraft and had a fantastic flight, on time and very well looked after. Food wonderful and I eat everything that was on offer. Sorry to SW thread but most of it was healthy apart from the garlic bread, profiteroles, icecream and chocolate. As I don’t like alcohol, did not mind everyone guzzling the Champagne.[party2]
On arrival in Orlando I was met and well looked after by Special Assistance, and they dropped me at the door complete with my luggage. My good friend Rosie was outside pacing as Alan had to drive round the block once. Got to my villa and was well impressed with my lawns and palm trees which seem to have grown at least 2 feet since I was there in June.[clap]
Obviously no food in villa and Alan did offer that we stop at Publix but I said I would go myself later. It was only 4.30pm so had plenty of time.
Pottered around the villa, unpacked, walked out onto the deck and the warm air hit me. Fantastic. An hour later, down came the rain, a really good heavy downpour. Great, saves the sprinklers having to go on.
Never got to Publix as I was so busy with this and that, and evenetually had a shower and went to my bed at 11.30pm, tired but very very happy.[msnsmile2]
To be continued……….
