Sunday--Trip Home

Sunday, September 2nd
Heading Home

          Last night we had a great dinner at place called “21” just couple blocks from the Hilton.  Our club lounge concierge recommended it.  They had traditional Hungarian dishes.  I had Hungarian veal goulash and Rebecca enjoyed chicken paprikish.  Lots of food and very good.  Our waiter was entertaining and helpful.  Most young people here speak very good English.
          We were up with the chickens this morning at 5am.  The same lady we had yesterday was to pick us up in her Mercedes at 6am for trip to airport.  She talked non-stop the whole way.  Very attractive woman but about drove us crazy.  She was right on time and we arrived at Budapest airport at 6:35.  The check-in lines at British Air were long but I quickly located the Club Europe (first class) line and there was only 1 couple ahead of us there.  The nice BA agent checked our bags all the way to DFW and gave us boarding passes for both the BA flight (Budapest to Heathrow) and AA flight (Heathrow to DFW).  The line for security was not very long and then no line at passport control.  So only took 25 minutes to be at gate and it was now 7am.  We are waiting in the clubs lounge now and will be going to our gate shortly.
          Heathrow:  Now sitting in Admirals Club at Heathrow airport.  Our BA flight here was great.  Left right on time.  We were served a very good breakfast consisting of:  Scrambled eggs, ham, big sausage, potatoes, breads & pastries.  We decided to have some French champagne with breakfast.  I told the male purser that Rebecca was a retired F/A so he chatted with her quite a while.  Later he brought us a big bowl of heated nuts and more champagne.  The airplane was an Airbus 320 with 3 seats on both sides of the aisle.  In Club Europe (1st class) the center seat was left empty.  After landing we had parked on ramp so had a short bus ride to the terminal.  1st class had first bus to themselves so no crowding as usual.  In the terminal we had a long walk following “Connections” signs so it was quite easy.  This time we did not have to change terminals.  Finally came to another security check of our carry on bags but no line there.  Next was AA check-in (again).  A security guy ask questions about our travel in Europe and then agents rechecked out tickets.  From there into the “masses of people” in the terminal.  We stopped at a Harrods duty free shop to get a gift for Jim & Bobbie, our neighbors, who always watch our house for us while traveling.  Sure am glad we have access to this Admirals Club for our 4 hour wait to catch the flight to DFW.  Hour and a half to go before our Boeing 777 leaves the gate for home.  I wasn’t planning on sleeping but am tired as did not sleep well last night.  I have been working on the critique of our cruise while sitting here.  Should have it done by tomorrow sometime.  I warn you it is long.