On my way home 5 December 2014

I was up early got ready and down for 6am breakfast, was quite busy although only just opened, service quick but coffee not hot very odd,  also when went to order omelet chef did not have ingredients ready, otherwise all okay.

Checked all packed, do wonder what happened to  missing flannel, then down to check out, had to pay for internet even though could not access sites I wanted post on, so plenty to keep me busy when I return home plus all the photos to insert on various blogs of trip.

Taxi arrived on time but again was small old car, seems very expensive for what I paid for trip, but at least he played nice relaxing music so was able to nod off. At airport first shock, they were not open for check in yet so had to wait until 8 30, not a long time but get the impression that Virgin have few flights from here.

Went to check in, no problem until explained needed wheelchair assistance, seems is not available until 10am, also explained was using lounge they seemed confused at this so had to show pass, its all very odd as have had no problems at any other airport.  In the end said would make own way to lounge. this meant having to queue whereas usually just sail through immigration

At passport control find out girl at check in had not given me form to fill in so more delay,  not important in itself but not good in terms of service. At security was surprised how many people seem totally unprepared that need to take coats off and show computers as well as empty pockets, but maybe its just me and becoming a seasoned traveller.

At lounge explained will need wheelchair to get to aircraft, hopefully they have sorted out, lounge ok but not as good as some I have visited, and there was music playing not particularly quietly, at least had a comfortable seat and drink of herbal tea to help relax, so now catching up with blog until my marathon trip back home, it will be 13 hours flying time, so must remember to put flight socks on, I think in total will of been on the move for 20 hours until reach hotel this evening. Lets hope that can hear soundtrack of films or there are sub titles to help pass the time.

The trip to South Africa 8 July 2014

Well I left you readers at the lounge, things from there did not go quite to plan, I duly went to the desk at 7 45pm but no assistance, the nice ladies offered to contact the service that would take me to the plane,  unfortunately someone had disconnected the phone, so it took a little while for her to find out I was not registered for assistance, but that this would now be resolved.
Whilst waiting  I was sat by the desk so it was interesting to watch the people arriving,  they came as you would expect in all types, but it was the ones who wanted to bring  families in without paying the extra money per person that seemed involve the most debate, it was only at that point I realised to use the lounge on a casual basis was £35 each, a room was £120 per night or £20 per hour with a minumum of 3 hours to pay.
After 3/4 hour someone came yo collect me it was just as well because I would never of made it otherwise  to the plane in time.
The staff on the plane were pleasant, I found my seat but an elderly man who obviously had the window seat was blocking my access therefore nobody could move past me, he seemed oblivious to the chaos, I moved a little further down the passage to enable others to reach their seats until he finally was settled. 
He fid not engage in conversation so I decided I would explore how the sound and audio system worked,  it was quite complex with little in the way of instructions as far as I could see,  but worse was that either their headphones or my hearing were not up to the task,  so I gave up and had a read instead. 
It did not seem that long before my evening arrived it was fruit juice, then a cucumber salad with dressing, followed by a chicken pasta dish which was quite pleasant and finally a mousse desert and to finish off cheese and biscuits, I was offered  tea or coffee but felt they would keep me awake not sure really that the Pepsi was any better.
The elderly man had finished his meal before me donned his eye mask ear plugs and blanket and was fast asleep,  when I looked at the clock it was past 12 so decided to follow suit. I must of slept for a couple hours, as everywhere was dark and quiet. I had a further go with the music but  quality of sound put me off. I slept on and off for a number of hours.
At some point the staff came round with breakfast,  I had a full english, this also came with fruit juice, a danish pastry and a yogurt so according to , my friend Brian thay constituted a full 4 courses LOL they were stingy with the coffe so only got one cup. There wad an announcement I did not quite catch so enquired it seemed someone had taken ill and the staff were seeking someone with the skill to assist, obviously not me.
The elderly man woke so I mentioned he had missed breakfast, this was brought and finally we got chatting he was telling me he does a lot of travel round the world and has bought a property in New Zealand. I mentioned to a member of staff that I would need assistance when we arrived,  she said she would sort out but for me to wait until others had disembarked,  which I was happy to do. On landing it was explained that we would all have to wait until the medics had dealt withe the sick person.