HOME - AT LAST

 World cake day, is there such a day? The ship apparently thinks so.

All gone in ten minutes, four tables like this in the restaurant. 

We had a journey from hell to get back home. All started well, off the ship nicely, cab picked us up on time, traffic good between Rotterdam & Amsterdam airport. Once we disentangled ourselves from the Air Fungus line even got through check-in, security and customs without anything except a minor blip with a wheelchair passenger who was carrying something they shouldn't be carrying. Five mile walk to the gate, which is normal for Schiphol. Unsuspecting we sat waiting. I started to check flight track on the incoming aircraft and noticed problems escalating at Heathrow. Delays and cancellations mounting up, average departure time running over 1 hour late. Usual airport shambles, change gate, change again, don't know when the plane will arrive. We ignored it and bought a sandwich. Plane finally arrived 1.5 hours late. Captain got off and spoke to everyone - "storms lightning etc at LHR, lost our return slots, best to sit tight & board at 5pm, it'll be more comfortable here than sitting on the plane, we're off to get a cuppa" 4pm, the gate chirps up "We're boarding" Cynical me said that's to to stop us going over 2 hours late when compensation is due. So sat in the full plane with the blinds drawn to keep cool for 35 mins. I asked the chief stewardess how the day had gone, she cheerily answered "pass". Finally set off, very bumpy, got in to Heathrow OK & parked up in remote spot. Announced we had to bus in, problem was no buses. Everyone had to sit down again to let those busting have access to the loos. 45 mins later the first bus arrived. Great I thought, we're getting going, let me plan next stage - Piccadilly line closed, bus replacement service, OK, Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street, Weaver line home - lovely. Huge crowds waiting at the platform - there was a Bad Bunny performing at Spurs Stadium. Finally made it home by around 9pm, cheese sandwich and bed. Been up since 5:30am, had no trouble sleeping. Give a thought to all those poor folks losing their flight connections.