Made it!

Well, we're here in England after a very worrisome start. We almost didn't get upgraded to Business Class.  I know I sound a bit like Dulwich Mum at this point, but we are SO spoilt that we always manage to upgrade with air miles. To be fair, we were booked into United's Economy Plus, which makes for a bit of extra leg room, but not quite the same as the seats that turn into beds in Business. When you're traveling with kids, it's amazing what a 6 hour sleep will do for them when you're standing in line at Immigration next morning.  I even managed a few hours' kip, which is a first for me I think.

So far, (all 3 days) we've had the usual scattered showers and 63 farenheit weather. I'm not even bothering to hang the capris up as they probably won't get worn, and we'll definitely need to make a visit to the Metro Centre for long trousers for Little Guy. Two pairs isn't going to last two weeks and I'm not washing every other day. (The trousers that is, not me personally,)

So what have I noticed so far? 

Tedious security at Heathrow's Terminal 5. Honestly, who do these people think they are kidding? I thought the US's airport security was a sheer waste of time with it's "take-off-your-shoes" policy. Hello? That one's already been done. Don't you think they'll be hiding bombs elsewhere now? Anyway, At T5, not only did we have the bio-metric photo taken and checked again before we got onto the plane, but each piece of hand luggage was individually prodded as we put it onto the security belt. We didn't have to take shoes off, but belts, watches, jackets, and everything else came off, and I STILL set the stupid alarm off. (Not even wearing an underwire bra either!!!)  And by golly, do they frisk you thoroughly!!

Another thing - A dramatic increase in the number of bed/mattress shops. They are all over the States (1-800-Mattress, American Mattress etc) and I've always wondered how come there is such a huge market for mattresses, even in a 'down' economy? But on my quick drive from Heathrow to Hampton Court, then a run through Walton-on-Thames, every other shop seemed to be a mattress one. Hardly a representative sample I understand, so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for further evidence.

Right, I have orders to get the washing in before it rains, and it's been at least half an hour so another shower must surely be on it's way!

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