And we are off...!

**Clarkkent** · 06-09-2012, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by Wendy

Are you on one of the refurbs, you would have seen by your seating plan

Yep. Delighted to find out we are on one of the refurbished 747s. Our chosen seats were based on the old plane though so we had to haggle about where we were going to be seated. Virgin staff-lady-person was very helpful and very patient with our 101 questions and gave us entry to the premium gatwick security system (so we don't have to queue) and put premium economy tickets on our bags so they come out first, even though we are in steerage. Sorry. "economy". Tempted by the upgrade but at £500 for both of us that's a little hard to justify.

And would buy lots of nice goodies.

Or a posh watch each!

Just getting ready now to leave the hotel room and have breakfast at Frankie and Benny's.

Yes we will be very early. But I have OCD about being late so Jeff us very accommodating about that. And my constant paranoia about losing passports, tickets and money. So he let's me supervise those too.

See you when we are in departures!

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**Britchick** · 06-09-2012, 07:30 AM

I have that paranoia too, how a passport can jump in 5 mins from a zipped inside pocket I don't know LOL

Have fun guys and safe journey

**Clarkkent** · 06-09-2012, 08:52 AM

Breakfast: done. Stuffed full of scrambled eggs and tea.

Now wandering the shops. Have noticed some bizarre looking chairs in Departures. So of course we decided we needed to have a go.

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Jeff's didn't move. Mine span around and wobbled so much I started to feel I should audition for the role of Davros in the new Doctor Who series.

And while writing this I've just been ferociously sniffed at by the Police sniffer dogs. Honest, no drugs here.

Unless you count the "Rescue Remedy" which I hardly think constitutes a hard drug.

Now. Shopping. Not 'shipping' as my auto-correct seems to want to say all the time. Followed by some small alcoholic treats in the private lounge.

(away from all the riff raff).

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**Wendy** · 06-09-2012, 10:02 AM

Oooh so glad you are on a refurb, this gives me hope for 2 weeks time

Make sure you take some photos

The new entertainment system is supposed to be brilliant!

We always have breakfast at the Hilton and then go back to the room for a while before we go across to the airport.

Have fun shopping

**Clarkkent** · 06-09-2012, 10:35 AM

Shopping almost done.

Treated myself to a new Fossil watch. Jeff bought some new Oakley sunglasses. Had to remortgage the house but hey ho.

Have now retired to the private lounge (away from chavs in their shell suits dragging screaming kids behind them on their way to Costa del So-and-so) where Mickey is enjoying an alcoholic beverage while watching the planes take off.

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**Tink** · 06-09-2012, 10:45 AM

Gentlemen, you certainly know how to travel in style! The train trip getting there sounds a little harrowing, as does the cab ride, but you are now in the airport and clearly having a proper start to your much deserved holiday!!

Mickey seems to be enjoying quite well too.

Safe and comfortable flight. I'd not have paid that much for an upgrade either and I'm all about comfort and upgrades when flying.

Enjoy!! (Or I should say, continue to enjoy)!

**uscwest** · 06-09-2012, 11:36 AM

Well, you've certainly had an adventure so far. Now keep Mickey out of those alcoholic drinks. Lord knows we don't want him drunk and staggering off and missing the flight.

**Clarkkent** · 06-09-2012, 11:56 AM

And we are at the gate!
Couple of drinks at the lounge. Followed by free jack Daniels samples. Blergh.

Through to the gate and we will be flying on/in/with:

Drum roll..

Barbarella!
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We will take photos of the inside. See you on the other side peeps!

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**Kate** · 06-09-2012, 12:40 PM

Ooooh i am loving all the photos already!

Have a wonderful both of you - safe journey!

**Clarkkent** · 06-09-2012, 01:10 PM

So. We are still here.

Barbarella is apparently out of action for some yet to be explained reason. Which means they're having to de-camp the entire contents of one plane onto another which is likely to take a minimum of an hour. Which we all know means at least two hours before we take off.

That literally means all planes, trains and automobiles we have used to go on holiday have had delays, cancellations or something's broken. Let's just hope that's it!

Saving grace: ("apparently") we will still be on one of the refurb-ed planes.

Updates when we know more...

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