Wednesday 7th June 2023

Dateline: Heathrow airport.

Or a modern hotel just down the road. The road being the A4.

It was at least light, once we had got up, got dressed and let the car parking people we were on our way.

A short drive to Terminal 3, and the guy wasn't there to collect the car, and they didn't return our calls.

We stood, then sat, waiting, and a guy rolled up twenty minutes later saying he didn't have our phone number.

We filled in a form, he too the key and drove off, while we wheeled the trolley and our luggage to the departure hall, where there was no wait at the BA desk, and in 5 minutes our cases were checked in, and another 5 minutes and we were through security.

Five past six.

And being so early, there places in the restaurants and other places to eat, so we went to the pub, ordered a hash and coffee.

And relaxed.

Food came, and was quite spicy for that time of the day.

That felt better.

We finished, and found the gate had been announced, a short two minute walk away, where we found the flight being boarded.

We had been given the wing exit seats, so had extra legroom, and three seats between the two of us, was like being in First Class!

The left on time, and took off into low heavy cloud, emerging into bright sunlight. I put the blind down and slept for an hour, so wake up when the pilot announced that we were just 20 minutes from Oslo.

All was going well until we were just about to touch down, and the pilot fired the engines and aborted the landing.

That alarmed everyone!

Why was the landing scrubbed?

The pilot cam on the tannoy: wind changed direction, we have to try again from the other direction. Nothing to worry about.

He said.

We went round again, came in from the other direction and he executed a perfect landing. There were cheers and applause.

Through immigration, collect the bags, and we found our hotel was a short walk away, we couldn't check in, but we could leave our bags.

So we did.

I grab a camera, and we walk back to the terminal, so we could catch the express into the centre of town.

Before we caught the train, we had a snack: a roll and coffee each: £27.

Eeeek indeed.

The tickets were thirty quid each, return, so already the costs racking up.

But the train was well designed, modern and had good air conditioning. And in 19 minutes we were at central station.

After wandering around, we go to tourist information and ask about a bus tour, were told to go outside the Opera House and pick up one there.

So we did.

Outside, it was 25 degrees, and sunny.

So war. Hot even.

Which is how I cam to be on a bus behind the rudest man in Europe.

This I know, as a guy from New Zealand came to sit next to me, and we chatted, but rude bloke turned turned round and told us to be quiet.

He got off at the next stop, with his mates, and the bus was a happier place.

The bus went round to the cruise terminal, then the driver told us he had to have half an hour's break, so we walked back into town, along a canal or inlet, can't decide what it was. But it was lined with modern housing, flats or condos.

Did I mention it was hot?

We had an ice cream.

Watched some people, then walked round the marina, heading towards the station a mile away, and then we were waylaid by an Irish bar.

It forced us in, poured Guinness and cider down our throats, then served us fine ribs and more Guinness.

A fine end to the afternoon.

I could have stayed there all evening, but we had to get back to the hotel, so walked back to the Opera and across the busy road to the station, where a train was due to leave in two minutes.

And here we are, back in the room, had a brew and now going for a shower. 18,000 steps done.

And shattered.

But on holiday.