While we were in Eureka we discussed how to get this adventure back on track. We had places we wanted to go man! We had already missed out on Edinburgh and Florence. We knew we needed to be cautious with regard to COVID and respectful of other country’s rules too. How to do that? The goal was to be able to be in Berlin for September. At the time we made our plans we thought our chances of getting to Germany were pretty iffy – but worst case we could find somewhere else to go, right? Our chances are actually looking pretty good right now, but the next two weeks could bring surprises. We hope not. So, where was the one area we were pretty sure we could get to? The United Kingdom and Ireland! When we left Belfast last October we really didn’t think we would be back for several years. Well, surprise surprise. We looked at several places in Ireland but at that point most people with house reservations hadn’t let go of their dream of going to Ireland, so there was not much available. But the island of Ireland has had good COVID numbers overall (the north and the south coordinate a lot on these things), so we wanted to remain on the island. We also knew we had to quarantine for two weeks (no going out for walks – no nothing!) therefore we wanted to go somewhere it wasn’t going to be torturous for us to be there and not be out exploring, so somewhere we have been before. Answer: Bangor! We really liked the town, we had been there before, it’s close to one of Belfast’s airports and there were flats available. Score! We actually ended up renting from Colum, whom we had rented from last time. Not the same flat though. He had a brand new one that he was in the midst of working on. It’s worked out fabulously – he even picked us up from the airport.
One thing that has proven interesting in this trip was that our flights changed 6 times in 3 weeks. That certainly kept the adventure alive. Lesson learned though…don’t book with miles during uncertain times. While Alaska Airlines was incredibly helpful and always went out of their way to accommodate our needs, it still would have been better if we had booked directly. Ah well, it all worked out.
The other bit was that all the normal flights were not in operation (duh!). Therefore, on the days we wanted to travel we couldn’t do it the simple way. No, of course not. So, here’s how it went…
A little tidbit here. Before we headed over we made very certain that we knew exactly what was expected of us, what the quarantine entailed, and what, if any, paperwork was needed. Two days prior to departure we each filled out an online form for the UK government telling where we were staying and how long we would be in the country. We even talked about what to say if immigration gave us a hard time. We were ready! We entered the immigration hall at Heathrow, followed the arrows to the correct line, walked up to the scanner which scanned our passports and took a photo (got to remember to pull down the mask for that part!). The little gates opened and out we went. We got our bags in baggage claim. WAIT A MINUTE!! Is no one going to talk to us? Verify our details? Nope. I don’t know – maybe it’s because we did do the form and all that? But it sure seemed anticlimactic. And no passport stamp😭
Back to the journey. I like flying. It does not like me. I got through the long flight okay (not all of them has that been the case) but rather than tempting fate or something we elected to stay the night at a hotel at Heathrow. The Sofitel in Terminal 5 reopened the day after we needed it. Right. But there was a Sheraton nearby and we got to meet a wonderful taxi driver. The Husband also got to ride in a proper London taxi – even in his exhaustion he was grinning. Next morning we continued the journey.
Needless to say, we are itching to get out. We won’t get much sightseeing done but that’s okay. This stop means that we should be able to go to Germany…and after that is Malta. A lifelong dream of mine. Can’t wait!!!