Flying Home for Easter

As the alarm went off at 4.45 am I couldn't help but wonder why I always seemed to get up earlier in the holidays than I do for work. Nevertheless I was off to the Motherland for a few days of relaxation and pampering and I couldn't wait.  I arrived at the airport in good time (as we always did) I breezed through passport control and security (I was only carrying a backpack and had removed all liquids the night before) and knowing now that there were extra gates I passed the time by walking up and down the concourse adding to my daily step count.  

I was tempted to buy something to eat but as it was still only half past six, I picked up some water and a yoghurt for later during the flight.  By the time our gate was announced a 7.05 I had already accumulated 5000 steps and had treated myself to a drink of a Chai Latte, a quick nip to the ladies to freshen up and I made my way to gate 44.  As I boarded the plane I picked up my complimentary three newspapers and found my seat.  As I was one of the last to board I knew I had both seats to myself and I made myself comfortable.  We arrived early and I left the plane, again breezed through customs to be met by...  

No one.  

Presuming that Ma and Pa were just delayed, I once again nipped to the ladies.  Then I called them, they thought my flight arrived at 10.25pm not 10.25am.  WTF?  They had still driven down on the off chance and were waiting for me upstairs, what a relief.  

I didn't know the exact plan for the week, but I did know that as yesterday was Good Friday, tomorrow being Easter Sunday, followed swiftly by Easter Monday all of the shops would be closed that meant one thing and one thing only on the Saturday between two public holidays, the supermarkets would be heaving.  Germans go in to panic mode when the shops are closed more than one day and they lose their minds.  The descend on the shops like there is an oncoming apocalypse 

What can I smell?

As I rejoice at the fact that for a forth time in a row I don't have to share a seat with anyone else, I start to notice a burning/warm smell from the overhead blowers. It's nothing I am sure.

Well we're up in the clouds, well to be fair we are just below the clouds.

I can see Tatton Park and a checkerboard of golden fields, if farmers could see their fields from up here would they take a bit more care do you think? They look quite squiggly and scruffy.

We are now forty minutes into the flight, I think I need the loo, but I'll wait... This time I'll wait.

We left land behind and are now over the North Sea, there is a wind farm below with about a dozen turbines going like the clapper.

Just off the coast, I presume Hull five jets just flew underneath us, I've never paid this much attention to a flight before it is fascinating. I suppose I've never flown from Manchester before. When you fly from a London airport after about ten minutes you are over the sea and then is nothing much to look at. On this flight half of the journey has been over land, and not just any land, land I recognise.

- Kind Regards, C xx