Homeward bound

The day started with a text message to let me know my flight from Vancouver was already to be delayed by nearly 2 hours. Thank goodness for an already expected 6 hour layover before my connecting flight to Southampton.  At least I wouldn't need to wait so long at Amsterdam.

Got up and started sorting my packing, I've a lot to fit in including the box full of snacks, so may have to wear my uniform jacket home to save some space. No idea what the weight will be but I was 7kg lighter than the allowance coming out. 

I opened the curtain to see the view for the last time, but seems Vancouver is saying goodbye as the low hanging clouds has obscured many of the tall buildings.

Finally got out of the room just after 11am. Left the suitcase with the reception staff and headed out to get some breakfast and waste some time before needing to be at the airport. 

A 24hr Denny's Diner just along the road allowed me to sit a while and eat, plus faff on the internet.  Not sure it's the healthiest way to start the day, especially as I'd already had a cheese and apple roll earlier.

But it's a good experience eh? With iced tea to wash it all down.

Having wasted an hour and a half, I strolled back to the hotel, reclaimed my case and then booked a "Lyft" to the airport. Slightly cheaper as I wasn't in a hurry, but it still arrived quite quickly.

Wasn't a long ride to the airport 15-20 minutes, so still fairly early for a delayed flight. 

I went to check my luggage. First there was a self check-in machine, that printed the luggage ticket and boarding pass. Then had to take the case to be loaded. 1 blooming kg over the 23kg limit, so I liberated a couple of boxes of my free cookies into my hand luggage and it came in at 22.9kg. Phew.

Slowly I went through the bag scan, with the body scanner you have to stand in with your arms up. Then, off to wind my way through to the departure gate, with a long wait ahead. 

Near the gate (68) was a little shop, where I gave in and bought some maple syrup cream cookies. They came with a free Canada bag 😀. 

Next to the shop a small coffee/food place, so I decided to get a beer and some crisps, charge my phone and catch up on the blog. Still 2 3/4 hours to go.

Eventually we were airbound. And I took the opportunity to try and get some sleep. Not sure how anyone manages any shut eye in economy seats. Still, trying passed the time. 

I turned down the first meal, took water and cookie snacks, then went for the breakfast about 1 1/2 hours before landing. Pancakes with berries and a maple cream sauce, maple yoghurt plus philadelphia cheese and a roll. The melon, I left. 

Walked through the airport to find my departure gate. Only 3 1/2 hours to wait. Couldn't find anywhere to have a massage on the way, which was disappointing as my head and neck could do with some therapy. 

So, went to sit at the departure gate. 

Just need to be home now.

Just before I knew they should be boarding, I went to use the facilities, and when I came out I checked the screen, but there was no Southampton flight mentioned. Eh?? Where did it go?
I walked all round the other gates in that area, and it wasn't listed on any screen, nor on the departures screen for that area.
Confused, I went back to the ladies on the desk that had let me through 3 hours previously and after checking the flight number, they said that the departure gate had moved to D23, just a short distance away. Yeah right. So off I had to go, and guess what, on the way I passed some massage machines. Typical, and now too late to stop.

Thankfully the plane had just arrived, they unloaded and loaded quickly and we were leaving just after 5pm Netherlands time.
A quick 50 minute flight and we landed just before 5pm, a few minutes before we left 😂
Not wanting to haul my case over the railway to get the taxi stand, I booked the taxi from within the terminal, and it wasn't long before my driver arrived and took me home. 
Time to get myself sorted and keep busy until I go to bed normal time.
Thankfully I actually have some work to do (Boo Hiss) so that'll keep me occupied.
Lets hope I settle back into the routine quickly, and my own bed will be lovely and comfy.

Soooooo, not yet sure where the next adventure will take me. 
Invictus in 2027 is in Birmingham, I think I'm on the list for information. But applying isn't necessarily a guarantee of being accepted. We shall see.
Until the next time.