Holidays

We could have a long wait at Verona airport next Wednesday as it is known to be slow at the best of times!

 

I once had some excitement at Hannover Airport. I was flying out to visit my friend who lived in Dresden. The plane from Heathrow made a pitstop at Hannover on route to Leipzig-Halle. The passengers were taken off the plane whilst it was being spruced up. Then after about 45 mins I guess (it was 20 years ago so my memory is a bit rusty) the passengers were ushered back and the plane carried on its way. This was a new situation for me. Nobody told me what the procedure was so I went for a wander. It was just after Christmas, I was in a new country and it was snowing. When I went to check back In I was told I should have waited in the transit lounge. I was then scanned and driven out to the plane that was already sitting out on the run way. It was like one of those films. The man with the lollipops was there. The steps were up to the door and the cabin crew were standing at the door waiting. I guess I was lucky. On the return journey I waited in the transit lounge. What a plonker.

G.

 

we experienced new security for us coming back from the Caymen islands. they held us on the plane until the group ahead of us was done. then we all exit the plane and go into this room, in those rat masses . but there are now new computer things (forgot the name) and you put your passport in them, and a new picture, and then get back in line. and then finally to the customs person to show them our stuff . too us an hour . we missed our flight, caught the next one.

 

Good plan Shiney. I might just do that. I am into carry on luggage. and this trip, the least possible I can do. My passport is the new type, well it was updated maybe 3 years ago. If I wear a pair of slacks three time this week so be it. Not there to fashion show it. My short layover will be in London, at 6:35AM. looks like they keep me in the same terminal so I won't get lost. that would be the morning of August 11th.

 

We are going to Gatwick (argh!!!!) by train, SW trains seem to have signal failure at least once a week and changing at Southampton for Gatwick, Southern Trains are striking on and off!
We are flying to Verona with BA and they are striking as and when. Plus the long airport waits!
Then repeat it all on the return journey but I'm sure it will be worth it, (I think).

 

@shiney in my story about the customs and coming over from Caymen Islands, it was totally out of our control. it was the connecting flight we missed because of their new system. So far, have never missed an initial flight out.

 

BTW in September we go to Costa Rica. And I think that is it for the year. Have to plan our May trip to the Keys then.

 

You are quite right @redstar The Holiday Inn is indeed close to the Zoo. A few years back I stayed there and hardly got a wink of sleep with the racket that was coming from the zoo. Forget cock a doodle doo try god knows all what roaring at dawn. I have read a bit about your trip and honestly unless you are already booked to do the inside of Edinburgh Castle don't bother. I went there years ago and it was great, went again about 10 years ago and it was ok then for the 3rd time about 18 months ago, rubbish. Cost £17 to get in, had to queue for about 1 1/2 hours to get tickets and then discovered the place was stuffed with dreadful Disneyesk dummies. Do hope you enjoy The Tattoo which I've seen quite a few times and always enjoyed, you'll see The Castle at it's best at night flood lit. Bagpipes being played outside are great, inside not so good. TAKE WARM CLOTHES!
Unfortunately I live in the east of Scotland so not close to Glasgow which is on the other side of the country so I wouldn't be able to pop over to meet up. Enjoy your visit.

 

While you're in Edinburgh, if you're like me and generally have s book (or kindle) in your hand, try any Of Kate Atkinson's books for a bit a flavour - or Ian Rankin's for a grittier idea of the area! Enjoy

 

We had a brilliant walking holiday in the Dolomites, with stopover at each end in Venice. Fantastic views, walks and weather - and the ice cream in Venice was great too, if a tad pricey....

 

@silu I didn't realise about the zoo noise when I was suggesting it to Redstar.We visited the zoo a couple of years back and saw the Holiday Inn was right next door but hadn't relalised about the noise from the inmates early in the mornings

@redstar stay in the U.K. For as long as you can because if the newspaper reports are true then America and North Korea a step closer to anilating each other and anyone who gets too close to them. I am Just off to see how far Mr Kandy has got with building our nuclear fallout shelter