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Published: October 3rd 2011
So when me and my parents got to Gatwick at 3am sunday morning, we were pleased to see that I was only second in queue to check in....(hopefully a cheap parking bill for the parents!) however the couple that were in front of me seem to have a few additional bags...try approx 12 massive suitcases/holders all weighing over 32kg! Needless to say, it took these guys about half an hour to check in having to repeatedly remove items to their hand luggage. When I eventually got to check in, all seemed well until she told me that I was only on standby for my connection flight from Porto! The plane had apparently been overbooked and so I would have to get to Porto to see if I could have a seat?!?! Seeing as there was nothing I could do at that moment I said my goodbyes and crossed my fingers.
Throughout passport control and waiting at my gate I started to realise that a stop over in Porto for a couple of days could not be a bad thing?! Dont know anything about the place, but im sure there must be something to do/see... Having got use to the idea of this new addition to my itinerary, the nice guy at the boarding gate then tells me that I do now have a seat on the connecting flight! How does a new seat just appear within 1 1/2hr? I then had images of wing walking ontop of the plane on a seat taped on over to Rio.... but luckily that wasnt the case.
Whilst waiting for my flight from Porto though I did have to question if I was in the right place, no joke but the average age of the flight appeared to be 70! So these were either locals for Porto, (so im pleased I didnt have a mini break there!) or I was indeed going to the OAP capital of the world...and spending 10hrs on a plane for the privilege?! Either way, I was committed! When finding my FREE seat on the plance I noticed the couple from check in at Gatwick already seated at what looked like my row. Having checked their bags in they then had 3 massive pieces of hand luggage EACH (plus two giant teddy bears!) which now took up all of my overhead locker space! Luckily I was actually on the row behind them and a nice steward helped move things about for my hand luggage.
Anyway, 10hrs on a plane was far to long, but I got through it. I then had the joy of having to sit and wait at the airport for 1hr 30mins for a supposed bus to take me to my hostel. After making friends with an American family who were also waiting for this elusive bus, I cut my loses and jumped in a cab at a bartered down price. The poor taxi driver then had to get out and help me find the place (at the top of 149 steps!) as it was pitch black and I couldnt see a thing! But he was ever so helpful and I was very grateful!
Anyway, thats where I am now, having not had much sleep I will be off to bed shortly ready to explore in the morning!
A bit long winded....but hopefully that gives you something to start reading Katherine :-)
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mum
non-member comment
pleased you got their in the end we were back in bed by 7. i fancy wing walking nice bit of fresh air.