Arrived in London

Well, sorry about the weirdly formatted layout of the email sent from the touch screen ice system on the plane. I actually sent another one too, that didn't come through at all. I was saying how nice it was to talk to Jan and Michelle on Skype from my iPhone while we were waiting to board the plane in Dubai.

The flight in the 380 was great - much more comfortable than the other plane where leg room and seat space were issues, especially when someone tipped their seat back. I found it exciting watching the flight being tracked as it flew over Mesopotamia, and the Black Sea, and then across Europe. We landed in London on time then spent more than 30 minutes parked where we landed while other planes came in, and then another 20 minutes to gradually move to where we could get off.

We eventually got all our luggage (over 500 people on board the full plane), and had no trouble catching the Heathrow Express to Paddington. There, I purchased a 3 day Travelcard which we used immediately to catch the tube to Oxford Circus, and changed lines to Pimlico - all that dragging our heavy luggage. But it was a good test and we feel happy that we can use the Tube.

We found our way to Dolphin House, and found that we have a tiny 'hotel' room, rather than an apartment, but for the price, we don't mind. It's very convenient, and a nice man has just been in to get the computer working properly on the TV, and so now, here I am updating you.

Mark, we did try to get out and do the bus route you suggested, but couldn't find our way to where the buses were, so walked down to have a look at Buckingham Palace. I think we've found the buses now so will try again tomorrow. Forecast is fine for tomorrow, not so good on Tuesday. We bought some nice salads for dinner from a small Marks and Spencer Fresh store in Victoria Station and a few other bits and pieces from the small Sainsbury's there too. So, David's happy - he's been into a supermarket.

Sorry to hear the weather is so bad at home, but glad Ross and Michelle didn't have to play hockey in it. We're both exhausted now after probably no more than 2 hours sleep in total on the flights, so as you're getting up for the day, we're saying 'good night!' (PS - thanks for the comment, Michelle)