What was that? After I almost beat my phone to death to turn off the alarm, we realized it was the hotel smoke alarm going off at 3:00 in the morning. It stopped after a minute or two, so we went back to sleep and got up when the wake-up alarm went off on my phone at 7:00. Someone must have left the kettle on or something…

We enjoyed the hotel breakfast buffet—well, I did. I don’t think Trisha liked it much–we headed to Bayswater Station to catch the Tube. But first, souvenir shopping. Trisha needed more gifts for her family. Me? I picked up a couple of stickers for my journal, I think. Oh yes, and some Walker’s Shortbread cookies for the flight. ; p

Taking the Circle Line and then the Piccadilly Line, we made it to Heathrow and then had to take another train to get to our terminal. That place is quite large. There were some helpful gentlemen on the train who advised us where to go and where to get off.

This time I used elevators to move between levels in the airport–no more falls for me, please. Trisha got stuck in security because of a tea purchase. We were finally able to get to our gate, along with about 400 other people traveling to the US!

We boarded a double-decker Aerobus, and just when I thought I would make the day without a fall, my carryon suitcase tipped and I fell over it right there in the aisle. I grabbed onto a seat, so I didn’t go all the way down. Sheesh! Somebody help the woman!

Of course, this happened in first class as we were headed to ghetto class, and there was a young couple already seated who saw the whole thing and thought it very funny. Instead of asking if I needed help, they laughed at me. I glanced back at my cousin and shrugged, then recovered myself and my suitcase. I told the couple: “It’s normal.” Trisha just shook her head.

The flight was long and uneventful, with two meals served and a good variety of TV shows and movies offered. I also enjoy watching the flight path on the map they provide. I was even able to doze a bit. Flights from Europe to the US seem more pleasant, for some reason. Though I loved London (even in the heat), I was very happy to be on Texas soil again. My trusty Pathfinder was waiting for me where I parked it, and my dog was overjoyed when I walked through the door at home.

Cheerio, London! Until next time…

And yes, I hope there is a next time. I still want to see Westminster Abbey, have afternoon tea, ride the London Eye, visit Harrod’s, see more Beatles sites, and the list goes on.

Let me know if there’s something you think I should see on my next trip!

XOXO