V-Flyer

And so it was, 7 months after a job came up, 6 trips in as many months to SF, and I was finally going out full time.

The previous few weeks had been a mad panic of working (in the UK), packing up my house, getting rid of stuff and still having time to get the embassy for the visa (not nearly as scary as it I thought!).

Finally on Thursday I left my lovely home in Cambridge, and went to my parents in London for a couple of days - just in time to enjoy the typical British weather on Friday (spent in queues on the M25..)

So, on Saturday morning I was heading to LHR T3, still slightly worried about the violin issue - so my parents dropped me off, the plan being I was told at checkin that it to go into the hold they would take it back and I would try again in November.

After a ridiculously long trek from the car park to departures (is there a shorter route?) I headed to the fairly quiet upper class checkin - absolutely no questioning to check I should be there, just a quick check to see where I was traveling to, and I was shown to a desk. 2 big bags checked in, one very slightly overweight, the a couple of kilos under weight No comments about that, and nothing mentioned about my violin which was hidden on my back

Sadly no upgrade, and after the trolley was taken away by a member of staff (very nice!) it was off for a farewell coffee, and then I headed off the lounge (private security was empty).

The Lounge was pretty full, and by the time I got there there were no treatments left Still it was off to behind the bar for a champagne - or so I hoped, it took about 10 minutes to get someones eye - but fortunately then things moved a bit quicker - 1 glass quickly turned to 2, and by that time the waiter knew I was leaving the country so service level was stepped up and 2 became 3

I left quite some time after the first call, and headed off to gate 21 - priority lane was empty, but then there is the scrum to get onto the plane - always annoying.

I had managed to bag my favourite Y seat (46G - back of the first section of economy), and stowed my jacket in the wardrobe behind it, and after a bit of discussion with the cabin crew, my violin was put into the PE wardrobe (those are absolutely enormous!).

We left a bit late and then had to wait as is common at LHR before finally taking off about 45 minutes late - I was very pleased as the champagne meant I needed to relieve myself as soon as the seat belt sign went out.

I got back to discover that the lady next to me (who was of the larger size), had decided to lift the armrest I was having none of that - no one is going to eat into my precious space, so back the arm rest came down, and my elbow claimed some space on there... I had no problems after that - so no hard feelings.

Drinks (G+T - no lime in Y) and food came quickly - sausage and mash is surprisingly good (I think I have mentioned that before). The cabin crew were great - there were probably 4 or 5 drink runs, some just water others water or juice.

I did a bit of light reading (California Driver Handbook), and sorted out a bit of email.

I always pass on the mid-flight wrap - neither I find appealing and I don't need the extra meal, so after a few films - (A-Team is absolutely rubbish, nothing like the TV series), it was off to sleep for a bit

The flight in fact passed really quickly which is good - , and before I knew it we were landing, and then things went very smoothly - we got to the gate quickly, and then people got off the plane quickly. Immigration was a bit slow, but I had no problems, no questions and paperwork all duly stamped as appropriate

Sadly some mouth wash exploded in one of my cases - so I have some very minty fresh clothes at the moment - although fortunately not too many!

All in all an excellent flight, with a weird feeling that I didn't have a return ticket

Now, I need to open a bank account, pass my driving test within 10 days, and find somewhere to live within 4 weeks...

Crispin

So you finally made it

Thanks for a great TR - your concern over your violin came through loud and clear - and I felt I was with you every step of the way The tussle with the arm rest was worth reading about - bet that would never feature in any advert

Good luck for the future

buns

Good luck to you as you embark on this new path in that weird country that is the USA .

Very glad you had such a good flight and have a wonderful time in SF.

Thanks for the TR. Good luck settling in over there!

Good Luck !

Thanks Crispin. Good luck with your new life path. Hope it all goes well for you.

we did the embassy interview last friday and you are right it isnt scary at all. the woman interviewing us couldnt have been nicer.
opening a bank account is easy - we use a small local bank -real friendly service.

good luck in Cali

Welcome to SF

I'm sure you have a good network out here, but feel free to drop a PM if you need any help.

Thank you for the TR and good luck in your new life.

Crispin

I did the same thing 16 years ago, never looked back.

Great TR, thanks for posting. Good luck with everything

A few years ago a good friend on mine gave me a little packing tip which has come in useful on several occasions now for me. Always put your shampoo/shower gels etc in their own separate clip top plastic freezer bags. If anything does leak, it says in the bag. Also taping up the container tops works too.