I woke up at 5 am this morning to catch a 9 am flight from Heathrow to Frankfurt for my connecting flight to Newark.
I was up late last night organizing my belongings and trying to fit it all into my bag. Jeez I did a lot of shopping! It's not really that I bought anything big or expensive (except the set of glasses) but I bought a lot of “stuff” and a few sweaters.
The sweaters take up a lot of space because they are bulky. The “stuff” fills all the nooks and crannies, and then some...
As I learned while I packed, everything equals something. I tucked stuff into corners, rolled things in shirts, put my dirty socks over bottles of gourmets vinegars and stuffed brochures and booklets into all the pockets.
When all was done the bag was so full it couldn't fit another jar of jam. I only left one thing behind, a bottle of Target brand contact lens cleaner. Oh, I feel so bad about that.
I was ready early and went to reception to settle my bill. £332 for 4 nights. That's £83 a night and not so bad! The hotel was great.
I did notice that my Visa charge was settled in US dollars, not GB pounds. This time if I consider the current lousy exchange rates of $1.88 to the pound plus the 3% my bank tacks on to international transactions, it came out about even.
This morning the hotel arranged a private car service for me to the airport. It was only £35 and I thought it was a good deal instead of taking a cab to Paddington, then catching the Heathrow Express. I am carrying a large 28” rolling bag, a large duffel and a very heavy backpack.
Actually I was really concerned when I checked in about the weight of the rolling bag. Within the bag are jars of mustards, jams, teas, sweaters, jeans, lotions, potions, gels, body shampoos, books and booklets. Yikes!
My second bag had more sweaters, a set of glasses (12!), do-dads, nic-nacs, more jeans and sweaters.
The agent checking me in didn't say a word. I was glad to see them go, at least until I get to Newark. I hope all arrives intact. In all my years of travel I have never had anything break in my luggage. Clothing is a good protector.
I am currently in the Lufthansa Senators lounge waiting for my flight. It's not a great lounge but more comfortable than the public areas. Once you pass through passport control at Heathrows terminal 2, it's like a shopping mall. You could buy anything you may have forgotten. I opted to pass it all by. I think I did enough shopping!
One thing though, the tax free shops in Heathrow and Frankfurt are a great place to buy fragrances and perfumes. Prices are all a bit lower than retail plus they always have stuff on sale.
Well it's time...
Calling Lufthansa flight 4723 for Frankfurt now boarding at gate 8.
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