To prepare for such a trip takes careful planning. At the end of every trip I assess my packing successes and failures; identify what should have been taken and what should have been left behind. I make detailed lists and hope they will somehow help me prepare for the next one. But despite best efforts, and despite the past three days of phased packing, I leave home today with anything but a sense of calm. In fact, I was a complete stress mess. I tried to figure out what it was that had me so unglued. I suppose it was partly the fact that I received an (erroneous) email from the airline saying that I would be flying in coach on my London to Delhi leg; an 8 hr flight; not the end of the world but agitating and something to be straightened out. And partly the fact there were still a few things left undone on the morning of departure, loose ends to be tied up, personal matters to be resolved.
And then there's the stark realization that I'm going to be away for an entire month - in India. Would I enjoy it? Would things go as we've planned? (And snivel...) Would anyone miss me while I'm gone????? I said a teary goodbye to Scott, who had had about enough of me at that point, and headed to the airport.
So as I rode to the Newark I tried to transition into a new mode, a mode of giving in to uncertainty and not being upset by unplanned interruptions. I tried to let go...to breathe.
I promise that I am not being paid by Virgin Atlantic airlines when I say that there could not possibly be a better airline to fly when you are in this state of mind. I am fortunate to be flying "Upper Class" (bless those frequent flyer points) where every desire seems to have been anticipated and addressed. First the airport "Clubhouse", where comfortable mod seating, passed hors d'oeuvres and a buffet dinner helped to pass the time until boarding. Then there is the flight. A stewardess (who liked just like Giselle Bundchen) asked if I would like a "sleep suit"? My philosophy is to accept anything offered so she delivered a thick cotton set of pajamas to me, along with whatever beverage I desired. My seat, in a little cabin, coverts into a fully reclining bed. As I explored the various buttons in my little compartment I couldn't help but notice a man across from me covering himself with his PJs and skillfully slipping his clothes off and putting on the PJs while still in his seat. Clearly this man was a modern day Houdini. I felt challenged to see if I could do the same. Suddenly the lights went down as we taxied and I scurried to extricate myself from my clothes (difficult with seatbelt on) and don my "sleep suit", without incident. It was nowhere near Houdini's technique but I got the job done. I still have one more flight to improve my skills. Later when I got up to get ready for sleep Giselle dashed over and asked if she could "make my bed and fluff up my pillow" - how could I refuse? I asked where the toilette was and she said "just past the bar". I thought she was kidding but sure enough there is a full bar with stools and colorful lighting in Upper Class. And by the way it is used; there were several men enjoying drinks at the bar when I passed by. When I returned to my seat it was fully reclined with a mattress pad, fluffy pillow and duvet (which they pronounce DOO-vet) turned down for me. I am in a cocoon. What a glorious airline. They put everyone else to shame.
We landed in London at 8:15am and I took the Hotel Hoppa bus to my day hotel (Sheraton Skyline) which I booked on line and which is extremely nice. I can stay in the room until 6pm. Perhaps best of all there's a Starbucks in the lobby and internet access in the room. I have already availed myself of both. That's the report for today. Sorry to go on so long but I'm alone and have both time and internet. Future postings will not be so long. It's 11am and I'm feeling fine. I'm on my way.
