Getting my ducks in a row

Down the Garden path to experience the tranqillity of the Blue Bells

It is spring and it must be time for one week in England.  The Chelsey Flower show will be starting on May 26 and why not have  a look.  Most reasonable way to get to London is on a charter.  Now having said that if you are going to do the charter, you must be prepared.  First chaters do not have to go at the scheduled times.  Our flight was going via Calgary to fill any empty seats with stranded passengers.  Not stranded from ash, but stranded because their plane had engine troubles. Charters do not have many planes like Air Canada so they have longer delays when there is a problem with the airplane.  Next challenge – checking in.  You cannot do an online check in so you are faced with lonnnnng lineups.  Stood in line for one hour. Since the aircraft was changed to a larger plane all the pre-assigned seats were messed up.  Finally on our way to Calgary to  fill the plane - after five hours on the plane we were given dinner.  Oh, but first the drink tray comes – you have to buy coffee, tea, pop and snacks.  A small cup of tea/coffee is served with meal.  A small bottle of water was at our seat and that was the only water freely given.  Luckily I had pruchased two bottles of water at the airport – I will buy four for the return. I only received one glass of water – when I asked.  This was an eleven hour flight – so a heads up: take at least four bottles of water, snacks, fruit, and anything you might want. Meals are never good on flights any way, but the standard was again lowered on this flight.  The good news is we did make it to London Gatwick safely.  I have missed my bus and must wait another hour. I remind byself of the story about travel I had just read. You must leave on a trip with  “patience” and a  ”a sense of humor.’  Also helps to bring face cloths to England – they never have them in the hotels.  Well tomorrow will be a new day –  and once your body is in the right time zone the tolerance level is raised. 

One of the best ways to get around England is the National Express. You can easily book online to go anywhere.  Staying at a great hotel near the airport to allow visiting friends and do a little boot saleing. Not to mention my bargains from Marks & Spencers.      

The only way to get around in England

The perennial favorite in England