Debbie drove us to SFO, we arrived at 5 P.M. checked in ok, but theplane type was changed and we did not get the 777 with sleeper beds. My silver bracelet, a Bat Mitzvah gift from Claudet and Peg Macedo, set off the security alarm. The TSA official called for a female agent to pat me down. A short-haired, flat chested person walked over. Inside my head, I was screaming, “but I’m supposed to get a female!” When the person started speaking, I was surprised to find out that was exactly what I got. She did everything but a cavity search. I’m not uptight about these things, but I really felt violated but at the same time I was thinking I should have had a male—preferably a young, handsome one. Since we were flying Business class, we were allowed in the red caret lounge but were not impressed...minimal amenities.
The plane left 10 min. early, seats were hard to figure out...not as comfy as other 777s. Our crew was efficient but had no personality. Dinner was ok, but Dan’s first choice of filet was gone by the time they got to us. Dan, the carnivore had to eat vegetarian pasta, which was quite good. With the help of Ambien, I slept for a while, had breakfast- again, nothing special, and arrived at Heathrow on time.
After a lonnng walk from our gate to terminal 1, we had to go thru security again to get to the main lobby. We checked into the Star Slliance lounge; it was not fancy, but food and drinks were far better than SFO. Best of all they had a shower –a nice clean shower in a private bathroom with a sink, hair dryer, bench, and toilet. I didn’t know I needed to check in to use it as there was no attendant in sight. I just entered, stripped, and realized there were no towels. I put on my very short jacket and peeked out to find that the attendant had returned so I was able to get my towels.
We boarded an airbus 340-600.. Seating was 6 across, and we had 2 in the middle, but seats were very comfy...you could adjust all the way down, and crew was very nice. Once again, they ran out meat--lamb chops-- before they got to us so the carnivore was forced to eat sole, which he thought was excellent. Dan was afraid I would have to check into Betty Ford if I took more Ambien. Consequently I was wide awake for the 12 ½ hours flight. In the middle of the night, my I-Pad fell into the crevice in my seat, and I dropped my glasses. Dan and I were crawling around on our hands and knees with a tiny flashlight until we found them. We arrived 15 minutes late into Jo’Burg (that’s what everyone calls Johanesburg) due to headwinds, but we zipped thru immigration. When we got to the carousel, our bags were on it...it is good to be king (priority handling). Jo’burg’s airport is infamous for theft. Suitcase locks are simply cut off. In fact, there are specialty stores in the airport that wrap suitcases in an extra strength plastic similar to duct tape. Fortunately during our three times at the airport, out luggage was untouched. We passed thru customs, into the arrival hall, and quickly found our driver, whom we had prearranged with the hotel, Dan went to exchange dollars for rand, the driver went to get car, and soon were on our way.
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