Day One

Despite our train being at 12.30pm from Stowmarket, which is 15 mins away from our house, Ann seemed to get up at about 3am. I think this was just to be sure we didn't miss the taxi which was booked for 11.40am. 

Luckily we were ready for the taxi when it arrived eight hours later. Chatted to the taxi driver about where we were going and how long for. Think he is planning to burgle us why we are away.  Made it to the station by midday. We then had to sit there for half an hour waiting for a train. Took a photo.

Station

The train arrived on time and we got on it. Ate the packed lunch we had prepared. After an hour and a quarter we arrived at Liverpool Street and then made our way to the Elizabeth Line. 

I got the first of many upper body workouts this trip will provide by carrying both suitcases all the way. I think Ann has packed some of the bricks we've got lying around in the garden as some sort of punishment for me not getting up at 3am with her. 

Had to navigate a plethora of lifts to get to the the train. One of the lifts was made by Schindler, therefore making it Schindler's Lift. The Elizabeth Line does go directly to Terminal 5 but helpfully not on Sundays. Instead caught the train to Paddington and then caught the Heathrow Express.

Purple train....purple train!

Arrived at Terminal 5 and then went in some more lifts back up. Went too far up so had to get lift back down one floor. Walked across a bridge to our hotel for the evening, the Sofitel at Terminal 5. Checked in and went in yet another lift to our room.

The view from the window is of inside the hotel.

Atrium action

We were in our room by about 3.15pm. Flight is at 9.50am tomorrow. Decided to pass the time by taking a photo of the sparkly bathroom.

Shiny shiny

Killed some time until just before 6pm when we went to find something to eat. Went downstairs in the hotel and realised everything cost a lot. Walked back across to Terminal 5 and ate at The Globe which is a pub by the check in desks. I had egg and chips. Ann had something. We realised that we had never actually just hung out in an airport before. Normally we are checking in or going through security or whatever. Felt very much like Viktor Novorski.

Went to M&S and WH Smith to get dessert and some drinks before heading back to the hotel. Had a quick chat with the fam on Messenger before settling down to the delights of 'Allo 'Allo! which was on the TV and triple chocolate sundae.

For the first, and probably only time this holiday, Ann is not asleep as I write this. I would wager that tomorrow and for the rest of the trip that will not be the case. 

This time to tomorrow we will be in USA!