Whoosh...

there it was; gone.

Four weeks ago today I headed up to Heathrow T3 with my Mum, brother and brother-in-law. We were flying out at 09:55 the following morning so booked a stay at the Aerotel Hotel located at T3 to save us the hassle of getting up early - I've seen some reviewers say the hotel rooms can be very small and box-like; I can't recommend the family rooms enough. We had two double beds in each room, a large walk-in shower and plenty of space to pop our cases. It's not cheap but then what price on being stress-free when you check-in for your flight? I'd stay there again without a second thought. 

I booked our flights with Virgin, but we flew with Delta - one of those code-share flights. I've been lucky enough to fly Upper Class with Virgin back in 2000, and have flown economy with them too, but when it came to booking our tickets this time we got such a good deal well all chose to fly Upper (a kind of higher business class but not quite first class - having seen the seat layouts for First Class on Virgin I'd suggest only ever doing their Upper, or Delta One (the Delta equivalent)). The only downside was that the check-in for Virgin and Delta is right down the other end of the terminal from where we stayed, and the lounges (the Virgin lounge at T3 absolutely trounces the Delta lounge at Boston Logan) are as far away from the check-in desk as they could possibly be but that's a minor detail. Then, there's another mile long hike to get to the departure lounge - Boston Logan definitely trounces Heathrow T3 when it comes to the departure lounge. 

Our trip was to visit family, but also spend more time at the Lake House we rented; we'd stayed there on our first visit four years ago and loved it so much we couldn't wait to get back. Sadly, the only way any of us could afford it was because my Grandfather passed away last year and rather than spend the money on things we may need (new flooring and kitchen at home - desperately) we chose to use it to make some memories (we may regret that when one of us falls through the floors!) 

Our flight out was great - too good, hence why I would never be able to fly economy again; it's definitely a completely different world flying business. When we got stateside there was no queue at immigration (this was my 5th visit to the USA and I've never not queued for at least an hour before) and baggage claim was simple. The woman at immigration checking our credentials (I believe they use homeland security) could not have been more disinterested if she tried. She was tipping back in her seat, and spent more of her time looking around her at what other people were doing. She certainly didn't instil much confidence in me that she was capable of doing her job and she was very slovenly in regards to what she wanted us to do. My Mum has failing eyesight and shit hearing and rather than tell her what she wanted she just grunted and pointed. Not the USA's finest employee that's for sure. My brother and brother-in-law on the other hand got a really courteous and professional guy check them through, who also gave them some good pointers regarding traffic and visiting certain areas. 

On-the-whole we had a great two weeks. My brother and I only had cross words once (quite unusual for us when we're cooped up together for any length of time) and whilst both Mum and I wound him and BIL at times we all did what we could not to upset anyone else. The lake house is so perfect too, with plenty of space for everyone to do their own thing and avoid each other if wanting to. We had said this time we would do more of the things we wanted, as last time it was our first time meeting some of our family and they kind of took control of what we did, where we went and when we went, yet we still came back home having not done a few of the things we wanted to do, or having spent enough time at the Lake House. Neither Mum, nor I, can afford to go back but I think my brother and brother-in-law may treat themselves. Of course, when my winning lottery ticket comes up then I'll be off like a rocket; got to make those memories with my Mum whilst she's still able. She's certainly not getting any younger, although she's definitely a tough old cookie, for she got hit by a flu bug before we left, we've been back two weeks tomorrow, she's still got the bug, and she's still going. The woman is a pain my arse but my hero none-the-less. I'd love to be able to take her back.