Stranded at Heathrow

Well, I THOUGHT I'd be headed home by now, but alas, the challenges of travel continue. I was up at 4AM worried that I wouldn't be up when the alarm went off to leave by 5:15 for my 7:55AM flight. Got to London Heathrow airport, waited in line for the ticket agent to get my boarding pass and check in the luggage and the lady asked if I knew that my flight was delayed...3 hours! No, I hadn't been notified! So that means I wouldn't make my connection so yes, my favorite thing, we got to rebook my flight. So much for spending the night with Bram and Meli tonight! I'll be in Chicago for a night and this birthday adventure will continue a bit longer than expected. I was able to find a room online near O'Hare airport so all is well. I'll be a little more rested when I get home this way.

I'm in the lounge at the airport and although it is very nice, much nicer than the US lounges, they have changed the food and it is no longer anything to look forward to. This used to be a wonderful place to eat, now it isn't. Such a shame that the changes were made. At least there is free internet here so that helps the time pass. It's a nice time to make new friends too, although at this time most of the people here are business travelers and not into visiting. I did chat with a British lady who celebrated her daughter's 21st birthday in Bruges. What a great story it was!

However it just reminded me that I didn't get my birthday waffle. For the first time in 4 years Lily's was closed yesterday!!! NO waffle! I was so disappointed, no one knew why it was closed in the summer. I hope the owner is okay, I was able to put the note cards in the mail slot and I am sure he will be delighted when he gets them. Imagine, all that way and no waffle! I tried a different place, but the waffle was not as good, but what could I do? Not a thing and I guess I'll have my birthday waffle another time!

Other than that, my day in Bruges was nice. It rained off and on, but not at all when I was out. The market was in the square near my hotel and a pleasure to wander through. Long ago I'd read that the roasted chicken was delicious and indeed it was! Many flowers for sale, a flower and food market it was. I wandered and bought a decadent box of chocolates to enjoy and then had my last friets of the visit and went to the train. along the way a large orchestra/band was set up in the small Berg square and I had time to listen to a couple of songs before leaving. There is always something new and interesting going on in Bruges! I'm getting comfortable with the train system now and it's funny to think back when I first started taking the trains and how little I knew. I'm comfortable at the station and now I have no trouble reading the signs and finding the right platform. The long trip back to the hotel went without a gliche, thankfully! I stopped at the St. Pancras station to say hello to my new friend, the waiter, and we discussed staying in touch and he invited me back next year to celebrate my birthday again. He is from Hungary and enjoyed telling me about life and food there. Next year, a year from yesterday, the summer olympics starts and it is quite the big deal! So after saying hello I took the taxi from St. Pancras to Paddington and walked right on to the Heathrow Express back to the airport. All went smoothly and after a dinner of fish and chips at the hotel it was time to call it a day and get my few hours of sleep.

And now the adventure of traveling home faces me...wishing for a safe journey and a big welcome home by my kids tomorrow!

Ciao from Heathrow!