(no subject)
As I mentioned in my last post I have a story to tell.
8:30 Monday night I went online to double check the size and weight limits for the airline I was flying with and found this. That’s right; Silverjet went belly up and failed to notify any of their customers. Within half an hour I was able to get a refund from my credit card company and book a new flight. My new departure time was earlier on Tuesday and left from JFK instead of Newark so I had to leave the house over 4 hours ahead of schedule making my last day home a bit rushed. I got to the airport in plenty of time. My new tickets were in Icelandair’s Saga class, which allowed me access to the British Airways luxury lounge. Pretty spiffy compared to the waiting areas at the gate. One perk to flying first/business class you don’t have to spend a thing on food or drinks anywhere in your travels which was rather nice since it was exactly 24 hours from when I left my house to when I arrived at my hotel in London. And here’s why: My new flight was scheduled to stop in Reykjavik where I would change planes for London. Unfortunately the flight from New York was delayed by 3 hours. At first due to air traffic control mucking things up on the ground then a compartment falling open while we were waiting on the tarmac so we had to go back to the gate and get that fixed. So I missed my connection to London. Of course that was the only flight to London for Wednesday and I was rerouted through Oslo in Norway. Had another window seat in first class and got to enjoy the incredible views of Iceland’s alien terrain and the fjords of Norway. When I arrived in Oslo I was sent on a sort of chase/treasure hunt to find out which plane I would be taking to London. There were three flights with two different airlines and it was rather confusing. Met someone who was also trying to get to London but as I was flying in business and he was in economy we were put on different flights. I was booked for a flight in 2 hours with British Airways but I could not find anyone to check in with and had managed to get myself trapped in one section of the airport after going through passport control and could not go back since I had technically left the country. Luckily the person I got this information from was an employee of British Airways and was on his way to the gate my flight was leaving from. Finally made it to London in one piece just exhausted from not being able to sleep but at least I wasn’t in pain and my body held up. It was worth the extra money to be comfortable and able to change positions throughout my flights. Wasn’t up for figuring out the hotel’s wifi setup so I just called home to let mom know I was here, had a shower, dinner, then slept. At one point I was so exhausted that I wasn’t sure if I could do this and wanted to go home but I’m better now.
Thursday:
After a good night’s sleep and in between a couple naps I’ve been wandering around the area, getting a feel for where I will be living. Found my school and dorm. Found how expensive it will be here. To give you an idea the average prices for dinner entrees are 10 to 20 pounds and a pint is about 3.50 to 5 pounds. With one pound being over twice as much as the dollar. Ouch.
Friday:
More wandering and catching up on sleep. Went to a few book shops today and found a book I need for school for less than it was at home. Amazing! I’m looking forward to moving into the dorm tomorrow so I can fully unpack and settle into a routine. I feel a little odd and at loose ends right now but that will soon pass since I won't have time to think once classes start.
Well that was the short version. Hope everyone is well. There should be more updates to come. For now I give you a few pictures from my travels so far.
Just part of the luxury lounge:
Where everyone else had to wait:
Flying off into the sunrise:
Ceiling in Reykjavik airport:
Alien terrain of Iceland:
Norway:
Finally arrive in London and it's gray and raining.
My tiny hotel room. I had to stand outside the door to take this shot.
This is over the door of RADA's main building:
8:30 Monday night I went online to double check the size and weight limits for the airline I was flying with and found this. That’s right; Silverjet went belly up and failed to notify any of their customers. Within half an hour I was able to get a refund from my credit card company and book a new flight. My new departure time was earlier on Tuesday and left from JFK instead of Newark so I had to leave the house over 4 hours ahead of schedule making my last day home a bit rushed. I got to the airport in plenty of time. My new tickets were in Icelandair’s Saga class, which allowed me access to the British Airways luxury lounge. Pretty spiffy compared to the waiting areas at the gate. One perk to flying first/business class you don’t have to spend a thing on food or drinks anywhere in your travels which was rather nice since it was exactly 24 hours from when I left my house to when I arrived at my hotel in London. And here’s why: My new flight was scheduled to stop in Reykjavik where I would change planes for London. Unfortunately the flight from New York was delayed by 3 hours. At first due to air traffic control mucking things up on the ground then a compartment falling open while we were waiting on the tarmac so we had to go back to the gate and get that fixed. So I missed my connection to London. Of course that was the only flight to London for Wednesday and I was rerouted through Oslo in Norway. Had another window seat in first class and got to enjoy the incredible views of Iceland’s alien terrain and the fjords of Norway. When I arrived in Oslo I was sent on a sort of chase/treasure hunt to find out which plane I would be taking to London. There were three flights with two different airlines and it was rather confusing. Met someone who was also trying to get to London but as I was flying in business and he was in economy we were put on different flights. I was booked for a flight in 2 hours with British Airways but I could not find anyone to check in with and had managed to get myself trapped in one section of the airport after going through passport control and could not go back since I had technically left the country. Luckily the person I got this information from was an employee of British Airways and was on his way to the gate my flight was leaving from. Finally made it to London in one piece just exhausted from not being able to sleep but at least I wasn’t in pain and my body held up. It was worth the extra money to be comfortable and able to change positions throughout my flights. Wasn’t up for figuring out the hotel’s wifi setup so I just called home to let mom know I was here, had a shower, dinner, then slept. At one point I was so exhausted that I wasn’t sure if I could do this and wanted to go home but I’m better now.
Thursday:
After a good night’s sleep and in between a couple naps I’ve been wandering around the area, getting a feel for where I will be living. Found my school and dorm. Found how expensive it will be here. To give you an idea the average prices for dinner entrees are 10 to 20 pounds and a pint is about 3.50 to 5 pounds. With one pound being over twice as much as the dollar. Ouch.
Friday:
More wandering and catching up on sleep. Went to a few book shops today and found a book I need for school for less than it was at home. Amazing! I’m looking forward to moving into the dorm tomorrow so I can fully unpack and settle into a routine. I feel a little odd and at loose ends right now but that will soon pass since I won't have time to think once classes start.
Well that was the short version. Hope everyone is well. There should be more updates to come. For now I give you a few pictures from my travels so far.
Just part of the luxury lounge:
Where everyone else had to wait:
Flying off into the sunrise:
Ceiling in Reykjavik airport:
Alien terrain of Iceland:
Norway:
Finally arrive in London and it's gray and raining.
My tiny hotel room. I had to stand outside the door to take this shot.
This is over the door of RADA's main building: