In transit

View from the plane going from Atlanta to Chicago (leg 1).

What a trip over... In the end, it took about 26 hours from my door to London. I slept only about 2 hours on Friday night, due to late night preparations. That was a killer. I got up about 5:00 on Saturday morning to finish up. I only just barely did and made it to my parents' house (where I'm leaving my car) with just enough time to get to the airport. After they dropped me off, my sister texted me asking where I'd left my car keys. Brilliant me took them with me! I was already through security at this point and had to go back out to leave my keys at the ticket desk for her to drive down and pick up.... Sorry, Mandy! After that, things went pretty well. Got to Chicago with plenty of time. The flight from Chicago- Dublin was pretty uneventful, except for the fact we had to stop over in Shannon, Ireland first. We let off about half the plane and 2 extra people which they had to go search for and delay our take off to Dublin. Grf.

The moving walkway in Chicago heading to the International terminal. The lights at the top alternate colors and patterns and make for an interesting ride out!

Must have had a long layover...

The Aer Lingus Airbus A330 that took us to Dublin.

Waiting in the plane in Shannon, Ireland. The sun coming up as we waited was wonderful.

Deplaning in Dublin. This always makes me feel like I'm in the 1960s or something! Love it!

I love how the signs all over Ireland are bilingual- Gaelic and English.

Heh. Spotted this in the Duty Free shop while waiting. If only we could have a bit of Highland Cream at work some days!

After what seemed like a mile long walkway to baggage in Dublin, I finally collected my bags to go check in for my separate flight to London. Of course, the lady said it was too early and I'd have to wait (done at a nearby McDonald's!) When I finally did get checked in, she then informed me that my bags were over weight by 5 kilos and I'd have to rearrange (my perfectly packed and organized!) bags to fit some stuff in my carry ons. Unfortunately, in my haste, I grabbed my toiletries bag, full of full size bottles of liquids of all sorts. It hit me once I got to security that I'd have to check it since they aren't allowed on planes. GRF! The security guy was very nice despite my freaking out and let me back out to check it. The counter lady was still a b**** about it and kept reminding me what a big favor she was doing for me. Whatever. I am just glad everything made it to London without problems.

The wait for the last flight was interminable, and I was sort of sleeping as I waited. When we finally boarded, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep before take off even! That helped the flight go even quicker (it was an hour and a half) and I arrived all safe and sound in London. It was a relief to be done with it all.