Met the Big Birdie!

Because of the time change, it really feels like I've spent all day Thursday and all day Friday traveling and waiting. I've seen four airports, three train stations and a least 13 million people.   And Dumbledore driving a boat as the Great Western Rail train taking me to Exeter passed over the river...I'm sure that my lack of sleep and intake of healthy nutrients did not make me imagine that long white beard and large pointy hat on the old man behind the captains wheel. 

The Icelandair flight was quite nice, aside from the loud American who thought it was humorous to loudly say "what?" in increasing volume several times each hour to wake his family, and the rest of the plane. So, I am a bit more tired than I had hoped to be. Upon arrival for my layover in Rekyivek, I had thought I'd get coffee but I opted for water and yogurt just to tide me over in hopes that I could get some sleep on the flight to London.  I found a nice quiet corner of the small airport just to be still and peaceful since my body thought it was 1:30 am. Until four of the loudest (not Americans) humans came and sat right in my space and continued to holler and to laugh and lounge about-at 6:30 AM Icelandic time!!!  I got up and left my previously quiet corner.  I was in no mood to listen to the holler family.  I found a new place next to a sleeping couple-that was more my speed. Soon enough there was a mob of people in the terminal with no real order- and no chairs either.  When they called our boarding, it was a bit like cows being called to feed.  A mad push toward the gate.  Much to my surprise, we walked outside and up the gateway stairs into the plane.  It was a touch windy and cold! 

 Iceland is an amazing place to see the northern lights, and Icelandair replicates that on its planes above the baggage hold with the magic of LED lights.  Awwww, science.  I also had an empty middle seat so I could stretch out a bit. I zonked out on that flight as it was finally quiet.  I made it into, through, and out of Heathrow in lightening speed.  So fast in fact, that I was able to catch an earlier train out of Paddington to Exeter.  Paddington was a mad house.  I forgot it was Easter weekend.  The train, although earlier than the one I had originally planned, was running late and when it was finally announced it was another mad dash to the platform.  It's all a bit confusing if you are not familiar with it.  I had bought a supersaver ticket which is good only at certain times of the day, and did not have a reserved seat--like GA at the baseball stadium.  

But, the first car I got on had all these little tickets sticking up from the seats which Libby had told me meant they were reserved seats.  Of course, I didn't see the tickets until I had slung my suitcase up on the luggage rack at the car entry, dropped my drink, and my purse, and gathered everything back up to turn around to see those damn tickets sticking up.  So, I sheepishly turned around, already having apologized for holding up the line and said "I believe I'm in the wrong car because all of these..." And was interrupted by a stuffy uppity British man in a Kelly green blazer with light yellow pin stripes.  He loudly said, " do you think we could pass by already?"  I finished my sentence apologizing that I would have to get off because these were reserved seats, and I did not have a reserved ticket.  Turns out, neither did old Mr. Crotchety. So here we both are in the lowly peasant rail car. Ha! 

After passing sheep, horse, swan, kayakers, farm land, scrap metal processing yards, beautiful steepled churches, a plethora of chimney adorned roofs that would make Mary Poppins proud, and through some absolutely movie worthy train stations, I arrived at Exeter St David's a little worse for wear but oh so giddy to see my happy healthy beaming big Jayhawk birdie! 

I had a quick shower, met two of her flat mates and took a whirlwind walking tour of the town of Exeter-all on about four hours of sleep. My lovely Jayhawk birdie took me out to a proper pub for Good Friday fish and chips to fill my reserves for tomorrow.  She has big plans for us, so I am told.

 As I sign off for tonight, it's right at quitting time in the USA and  9 pm in merry old England.  For this old bird, it's bed time.  I think I've earned this sleep.