Time for another trip – this time to Central America, first stop Costa Rica. Its the first time weve travelled with British Airways for many years. And theres a reason for that. Its not a great start, with a last minute change from an 11.30 to a 9 am departure. So we decided to travel up to Gatwick the night before and stay at the less than celubrious White House Hotel in an executive room, which frankly no self respecting executive would be seen dead in.
Were up at 6 for our taxi to the airport. Once there, it takes an hour to make it to the front of the check in queue to be told the flight is running 30 minutes late. We head through security. Now the delay has gone up to an hour (56 minutes to be precise). So we head to Wetherspoons for breakfast. Theres a surprising number of people drinking beer for 7.30 in the morning. I make do with Diet Coke - its going to be a long day
We finally board the aircraft to be told theyre a crew member down and we must wait for a standby to arrive. Another 30
Its the 5th airline Ive flown with and the first where theres little interest in mask wearing. Theres a reason why the British are topping the world in covid cases.
I find a mini series I havent watched before (Mare of Easttown; 7 x 1 hour episodes so should see me through the bulk of the flight) and settle down for the long journey.
Its not very well catered and by the time we finally embark at San Jose we have been sitting in the plane for 13 hours and I am tired and hungry and grumpy. Another hour sees us through immigration and customs, then we have to contact our who, it is claimed, will send a shuttle to collect us in 10 minutes. It actually takes 30 before we are finally collected in a tiny car with a boot somewhat smaller than our suitcase.
The sun set while we were standing outside the airport waiting for our lift, so our first glimpses of Costa Rica are of the main drag from the airport in the dark. We make it to ‘Hotel your House 18 hours after departing last nights hotel. The consists of a row of rooms built in the owners garden. She is also the owner of a very shitty dog. Once weve checked in, she leads the way to our room, armed with a dustpan and brush to clear the way.
We had initially planned to go for a wander upon arrival but we should have arrived at 2.30 pm when it was still light. So, tired from the journey and time difference, we pretty much go straight to bed at 8 pm. The adventures will have to wait until tomorrow...
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