Back in London town

On arrival, London smiled at us.  ...and guess what - WE smiled right back at it !!

Arthur  had always loved the idea of the  A380 flight KL - Heathrow (same returning) and it lived up to expectations. Firstly, at gate check, being directed UP the escalator to reach our seats instead of down the ramp. These two levels make it a far taller beast than I had imagined.

It's SO smooth despite it's size, and lying down to sleep is truly lying down.
....then there was, for me, a bit of a freaky moment. Cabin was being tidied up prior to descending into London ...and it felt exactly like the plane had completely stopped. Landing music hadn't been turned on, and there was quite simply NO sound at all. It seemed as if we'd just been turned off! ...for about 10 mins...
Looking out the window, we were just at cloud height and the puffy blowsy clumps of white sailed silently and slowly past!!

Then, of course, the captain talked and down we began, the engines faintly sounding again.
Landing was incredibly smooth and effortless, and the final rapid stage smoother than ever we've experienced.

Our flight out of KL was delayed for about an hour. This gave us time for a shower (Jillienne) and some marking (Arthur). Fortunately a few of his students had got work in early. Terrific, a few less to mark in Italy! We both had time to enjoy the lounge and food.

A surprise awaited us at the Hotel when we opened Jilliennes case and found a most beautiful card and contents had been secretely inserted among Jilliennes unmentionables. You two are so beautiful (at least one of you is - A) and really special people. Thankyou so much. A strawberry gelati eaten by the shores of Lake Maggiore on your behalf is a certainty. Sure you wouldn't prefer olive oil flavour ...?!

In bed extremely early, plan to do as little as possible for a bit.