LA Loss and Home

Matt did as asked and caught up with the coach that was to take us back. I dutifully and now gratefully produced a $5 note. We transferred to the coach back. The passengers involved were very forgiving. (We got the impression that they had waited some time for us, but were not letting on.) A minutes away from Matt our driver asked if a Mr Norwood was on the coach and asked if my name was James. Matt had found my credit card on the ground by his coach in Bereley Hills. I was at once alarmed that some millionaire celebrity my want to rip me off. Matt was not due back for some time and we were due to leave before that. What to do? Booking the coach was the last credit card transaction that we would do, so, we asked the company to cut it up when it was bought back to the office. I felt that I could trust them, but I have contacted the bank and had it cancelled since.



We got back to the Hacienda just after 12:00 noon, got our luggage boarded the shuttle, tipped the driver and entered the terminal. Again, to the confusion of LAX. However, they do have people in red uniforms who volunteer (Why?) to help passengers throught the airport. (One of these volunteers is a lady OAP). We got to the many confused queues at the BA desk. We were told that our flight would be one hour late. (The board was not to show this for some time and until it did we had to go on the assumption that it was on time. Which was some time and forced us through security earlier than we would have liked.)



When you bag has been weighed and labelled at the BA desk you then have to drag them across the hall to be left at the x-ray machines. At least we did not have to stand with them. (Had we have been told by a returning passenger at Heathrow we might have stayed to see them put in the machine. This returning passenger told me that when they received their case back from US customs the lock had been broken off and the baggage tie removed and put into the case with a letter saying that passengers to the US should not put locks on their cases as the customs officers were authorised to break them off. I have to say that our locks went through perfectly well.) On the US news we learned that the US is losing 17,000,000 tourists a year because of these draconian measures.



Having got through these formalities we went in search of food. This is all on the upper level. There is bar dedicated to the Japanese. There was no way that we could make out these menus. We searched for a doughnut. I suddenly realised that this was one US delicacy that we had not tried in the US. None were to be found. It looked like we were stuck with the internationally prefered snack of muffin and coffee, but I spotted 'root beer'. I don't know what it is, but it was served in a large Pepsi cup and tasted like Pepsi, but at least it was cold and wet.



Down stairs we went relatively smoothly through security. The departures area is bleak. I needed the toilet. I could not find a cubicle with a working lock that looked hygenic. Having explored this area we decided to press on to the BA departure gate, even though it was too early to do so. It was already crowded. The toilets here were newer, as was the area. The locks worked and it was cleaner. We had been told by the Quantas flight attendant that we would be bused out. However, he was wrong when it come to BA passengers. Our departure lounge was superior and our gate led directly on to the flight. We boarded our BA plane. Everything worked. There was a moment that my light would not switch off, but it was soon fixed. We in the UK not only believe in safety, but in honouring our contracts to provide all that we say we will. Let's try to find something good about our country.



The flight was smooth, the food was good, but despite the whiskey, sleep was difficult. Touch down home, emotions, disembark, long wait to collect baggage at the carousel. (Three out of five working.) Show passports, out of the terminal in minutes, not hours, no checks made.) Long walk through to the central bus station. Arctic winds blowing though the automatic doors which were constantly opening. Would it be possible to have air trap entrances? Across to tickets, great service, rebooked for £3, no space on 12:00 noon, space on 2:30. Bus boarding is efficient. The buses arrive on time, before they stop there is clear public announcement stating which bay, where to and when. Immediately the display board shows.



While waited we did put on some extra clothing, has a coffee and muffin and was greeted by the thunderous sound of hail on the tin roof.

Heathrow Bus Station - Hail Amongst the Spring Blossoms

The journey home was smooth. The coach pulled in to Broadmarsh Bus Station precisely on time. Four yards separated us from the 21. Ten minutes later we were off. Twenty minutes later we were at the top of Ewe Lamb Lane. Joni met us there.

The Kiwis had returned from their visit to the Down Under People on the Islands Next to Australia. We will always be Kiwis at heart. We have gained much from our trip - hopefully made friends with our girls.

We are drawn back by our commitment to family and friends here. But, one day, by God's grace we will return to the people and places which are now also in our hearts.