Airport Antics

01/10/2008

Had to get up a little earlier today to catch the United Airlines flight to Washington Dulles. First problem being that we couldn't check in online as one of us, apparently, was a security risk and had to be checked in at the airport. We set off early to return the car and sort out whatever problem it was. Everyone had to use touch screens to check in at the airport, most people having no idea what they were doing, including us. Inevitably, ours said - speak to a UA representative - she entered the date of birth and that was it. Although our seats were now split. Technology - great when it works.

Managed to change seats to be together to find that just across the aisle was a man in handcuffs, being accompanied by marshalls or police - comforting! Then we were informed that the ELAC box that contains the electronics to control the pitch and roll was broken (nothing important then). This had failed before but we were reliably informed that the new box would work fine - obviously it did as we reached Washington an hour later than expected, in rain.

Picking up the car took an age, due to the woman in front who wanted leather seats, a different colour from the one in stock, lots of cupholders - you name it, she wanted to check on everything and then go and speak to her husband who, apparently, was standing patiently outside. I don't believe the rest of us existed in her world and didn't want to anyway.

We set off to find the 29 and hopefully to find the house just off it, somewhere near Brightwood. Imagine how amazed we were when we managed to find it - in the dark as well. What a pleasure it was to see our friends after such a journey. We retired to the basement and slept well - hoping for the weather to clear up soon.