Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
6 juin, Islande ⋅ 🌬 8 °C
I'm up bright and early just before 6:00 AM. I shower, finish packing, and am downstairs by 7:00 AM. A last trip to Neros for my coffee and crossiant and I'm waiting for my car to the airport. I am flying out of Stansted airport, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Paddington. I'm not going to do that on the tube or rail with luggage. RHIP.
As I drive through London, a few notes. I don't know if it is my age or the fact that I have seen London before, but the shine has rubbed off this penny somewhat. The people are not quite as engaging or helpful as I remember. The driver for my car came into the lobby and announced it was the white car and then left. The lady at the desk brought my luggage out since my hands were occupied with my coffee and crossiant. I loaded the luggage I to the trunk and opened my own door to get in. I'm not royalty or a snob, but one would think that for 120.00£ maybe a little help would be nice. The ride to the airport is quiet, I guess not everyone is a morning person. I don't know if I have changed or London has, but it feels as though the romance is gone.
One thing I haven't seen or noticed is a petrol station. I'm realizing that as I drive to the airport.
On a more practical note. Since Canadian cell phone companies are ridiculously priced for travel packages, I use a company called Airalo. I bought 5G of data for around 25.00 US. It was for a Northern Europe package and covered many different countries. After using it for over 2 weeks, I still have just over 3G left. I have used it for all our on land connections for everything from email to banking to maps and more. The other thing I do is travel carry-on only. I'm too old to lug heavy suitcases. Lastly, for footware, I invested in a pair of Vessi shoes. They are a Canadian company on the West Coast. These have been great. They have good support, are waterproof, slip resistant, and lightweight. We have been in all kinds of weather, and they have held.up great. Check them out if you want. https://vessi.com.
I get to the airport with plenty of time. I get through security and find a restaurant for some breakfast. I don't think there is food on board. This is only a 2 hour flight to Iceland, from there I catch a 5 hour flight to Toronto. We board and push back from the gate 15 minutes late. It is a beautiful day to fly here, at least. I don't know the weather in Iceland. I have lucked out with having an aisle seat of three. The middle seat is empty! Yay! I am flying on Play Airlines. The seats are comfy enough, and there is plenty of room.
I had a good flight to Iceland. The flight was quiet and I had some extra room. I have spent a couple of hours in the Saga Lounge in Iceland prior to boarding to go to Toronto. We are boarding late, so I think it might be later getting in. Maybe we will get a good tail wind.
We landed at 7:20 PM. in Toronto. It was a nice flight with a nice dinner, wine , snacks and quiet. Then, of course, the lunacy called Toronto Airport. Customs kiosk that are self-serve. Customs agents that are chit chatting as you go through. Hand them a piece of paper and then leave. As always, I have a car hired to take me back home.
It's been a 16-hour day for me.
4 countries
Over 16,000 kms
Good night.En savoir plus
I’ve been thinking about getting a pair of Vessi shoes! Glad to hear they’re good. Happy you’re home safe, what an adventure! [Annie]
Voyageur Jane, I always enjoy your travel blogs. Thank you for including us on another of your interesting adventures. You are the one who inspired me to write blogs on my travels! Keep on traveling and keep on blogging! Maureen
Voyageur I enjoy writing them and reading them after the fact. I also hope that they will be a memory for my children when I'm gone.