May 26,2013
I did say I wanted to land in Ireland on a sunny day so I could see the green Isle from the air. Some how I always get what I want. As we flew over Ireland on the way to London the sky was a marshmallow bed of clouds so thick there was no seeing through them. I was disappointed. We landed in London on time made the arduous journey by train and then by bus from terminal 5 to terminal 1, waited the 2 hours for the posting of our gate # as they only post them less than an hour from take off. We got the preliminary posting telling us to take the 25 min walk to gates 77-86 so we made the journey supposing when we got somewhere close we would know the actual gate. We found a waiting area and waited and waited but no new updates for any of the flights. I began to think something was wrong with the monitor in the waiting area. Finally someone brought our attention to what was happening on the runways. There were at least half a dozen police cars with lights flashing, three fire trucks and several emergency vehicles. As we watched the emergency chutes were let down and people disembarked from the jet sitting there. The vehicles stayed, and stayed and the update board remained unchanged. The waiting room we were in had no speaker but you could hear announcements being made out in the hall way. People began leaving the room down the hall in hordes Elder Forsyth went to see what was happening and came back with the grande news. Our flight was cancelled. A plane had an engine catch fire and had an emergency landing The long journey back was made with not just our carry on but all our baggage. Fun!! then another couple of hours in line with hordes of upset people all wondering the same thing," What line should I be in and do I need to see the ticket desk or the check-in centre?" Both with hundreds of people crowding around.We were finally directed to the check in centre and when we finally got through the cue we were told our next available flight was 2:00pm tomorrow. Dandy! I've always wanted to experience overnight in a crowded airport after not sleeping for 24 hours. We found a payphone and called the mission office. We were directed to call President Jordan of the London Mission. He was gracious and concerned and asked if we could catch a taxi to the Hyde Park chapel.
Our stop turned into a pleasant, but very rainy day of exploring the Albert and Victoria Museum and the National Museum of natural history. The Albert and Victoria Museum has an amazing collection of Rennisance art. In the gallery of large religious murals we sat on a bench and reverently contemplated for about a half hour, with our eyes closed. I just hope we didn't snore too loud. I'm sure we got some stares but we didn't notice it as our eyes were closed.
I did say I wanted to land in Ireland on a sunny day so I could see the green Isle from the air. Some how I always get what I want. As we flew over Ireland on the way to London the sky was a marshmallow bed of clouds so thick there was no seeing through them. I was disappointed. We landed in London on time made the arduous journey by train and then by bus from terminal 5 to terminal 1, waited the 2 hours for the posting of our gate # as they only post them less than an hour from take off. We got the preliminary posting telling us to take the 25 min walk to gates 77-86 so we made the journey supposing when we got somewhere close we would know the actual gate. We found a waiting area and waited and waited but no new updates for any of the flights. I began to think something was wrong with the monitor in the waiting area. Finally someone brought our attention to what was happening on the runways. There were at least half a dozen police cars with lights flashing, three fire trucks and several emergency vehicles. As we watched the emergency chutes were let down and people disembarked from the jet sitting there. The vehicles stayed, and stayed and the update board remained unchanged. The waiting room we were in had no speaker but you could hear announcements being made out in the hall way. People began leaving the room down the hall in hordes Elder Forsyth went to see what was happening and came back with the grande news. Our flight was cancelled. A plane had an engine catch fire and had an emergency landing The long journey back was made with not just our carry on but all our baggage. Fun!! then another couple of hours in line with hordes of upset people all wondering the same thing," What line should I be in and do I need to see the ticket desk or the check-in centre?" Both with hundreds of people crowding around.We were finally directed to the check in centre and when we finally got through the cue we were told our next available flight was 2:00pm tomorrow. Dandy! I've always wanted to experience overnight in a crowded airport after not sleeping for 24 hours. We found a payphone and called the mission office. We were directed to call President Jordan of the London Mission. He was gracious and concerned and asked if we could catch a taxi to the Hyde Park chapel.
Our stop turned into a pleasant, but very rainy day of exploring the Albert and Victoria Museum and the National Museum of natural history. The Albert and Victoria Museum has an amazing collection of Rennisance art. In the gallery of large religious murals we sat on a bench and reverently contemplated for about a half hour, with our eyes closed. I just hope we didn't snore too loud. I'm sure we got some stares but we didn't notice it as our eyes were closed.
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| Yawning in the museum!! |
We had a restful sleepin a comfortable bed in theLondon mission home Before we left on Saturday we went for a walk to
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
President and Sister Jordan got us safely back to the airport and we got to see the Green Isle from the air as it was a clear sunny day. Wish Granted!! I must have the luck of the Irish!
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| Cool building in London |
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| A corner of Hyde Park |
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| The Royal Albert Hall. |
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| Beside the monument in Kensington gardens |
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| Horseback riders in Hyde Park |
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| The monument in Kensington gardens |
President and Sister Jordan got us safely back to the airport and we got to see the Green Isle from the air as it was a clear sunny day. Wish Granted!! I must have the luck of the Irish!
Seems to me, from my travels, Heathrow is always an adventure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are there safe and sound. Vicky says you have lots of responsibilities and will be super busy. Nice to follow you on your adventure.
ReplyDeleteOOOOoooouuu - I am SO jealous!
ReplyDeleteThat corner of Hyde Park picture looked very familiar to me. The Hyde Park chapel was where Emily's ward met while she was in London. She had to come all the way in from Wimbleton.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the fantastic pictures! Can you give us your address there please. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great adventure so far! Love the pictures! Mom, that jacket is SOOOOO cute! Glad we got it! You just look like such a fun couple to be around!
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