Robbins Ramblings: The Journey

My day started at 9.00am with the first queue of the day, the British Airways bag drop. Having checked in on-line and printed my boarding card, I thought that the process of dropping my bag off would be quick. However it still seemed to take as long as when you checked in at the counter. At least the queue for security was small and I entered that giant shopping mall called Heathrow Terminal 5. There seems to be every High Strret brand represented here, perfect if you have several hours to kill prior to a flight. I went straight to the gate and awaited the call.

The plane boarded and took off on time and after an initial scare when the system wouldn't boot up, I was able to settle down with 10 hours of in flight entertainment. I watched "Alan Partridge -alpha Papa" (the final scenes of which feature Cromer Pier), followed by "Star Trek Into Darkness" and four episodes of "Broadchurch". Having missed this when it was on the television I thought that this would give me the perfect opportunity to catch up. Unfortunately the series must have been more than four episodes in length, so I still don't know who did it !!

I arrived at San Francisco about 30 minutes earlier than scheduled but was soon put back on time by the inevitable queue to enter the USA. In fairness I was expecting longer delays here soo it wasn't too frustrating but the queue to collect the car was. Having pre booked prior to travelling it was disappointing to have to wait in line for around 45 minutes to get the vehicle. The only consolation was that the queues for the other companies were just as bad.

I only booked a small car as it's only me and one case it has to transport and this was the model I got.....

I staying at a small motel in Mountain View about 25 mikes south of SF and where the concert will be held on Saturday, and I was in my room shortly after 5 pm local time. The room is basic but has a fridge, microwave and coffee maker plus free wi-fi so should suit me fine.

After a nice meal of steak, chips and salad at the Sizzler restaurant next door (only $11.50 for seniors!!), I settle down to watch some television determined to stay awake to aclimatise to local time. By 8.15 I was asleep and am writing this at 4 in the morning now being wide awake.