Wow long travel dayz! Just about there. It took two days but I went from LHR to MLA, finally arrived at destination Malta! So travelling for 5 days straight, a trip that was originally supposed to take 2 days. But with airlines re-arranging my flights, and me sleeping through another, :), it was a whopper of a trip.
LHR to AMS
First of three legs to get from London to Malta. London Heathrow Terminal 4 departure to Amsterdam Schiphol departed at 20:55. KLM flight was fine, it was on an Embraer 175 and just under 1 hour long.
The snack was delicious vegetable chips with a small water. Flew in the dark and arrived at Schiphol International Airport.
Had over 8 hours to pass before my next leg. You better believe I was not going to let myself sleep. 🙂 I did some computer work and I walked A LOT. I stayed inside Schiphol International terminal air side, in the main hub. I did not pass through passport control until 2 hours before my scheduled flight departure.
This gave me all of Schiphol to explore at my leisure. The only business open the entire time was a coffee shop and bakers called Amsterdam Bread Co. I did succumb at about 2 am, to a lovely flaky croissant and an americano for 6.65 Euro.
It was really quite interesting wandering around that huge empty airport all night long. There were probably 150 other people inside that vast area. Spread so thin they were hardly noticeable. Most had found a quiet nook to sleep their hours away.
Mice
I noticed quite a large number of mice running around. The first time I saw something flash by the corner of my eye, I thought I must be imagining it. With how flaky my brain was at that point, nothing would have surprised me.
But then, when I was enjoying my croissant, one came scampering across the floor and fled under my booth! Up went my feet like a flash of lightening. I’m not scared of mice. I think they are pretty adorable, but I don’t want one climbing my pant leg. I apologize for the imagery, these stills were taken from a video.
After that event, it was confirmed that yes indeed the mice were rampant. I took the elevator up one floor to a closed food court area. Right in front of McDonald’s and a place called The Grill, I was entertained by the darts and flits from under the restaurant gates and onto the floor. I managed to get a few videos of the capering and cavorting that was taking place!
As my flight departure approached, I made my way through passport control and my passport was officially stamped with entry into the Schengen Zone. A nice casual walk to the gate where I waited for KLM to take me to Rome.
AMS to FCO
Amsterdam to Rome, getting soooo close! The flight was just over 2 hours long. Uneventful, but I had a window and the scenery was breathtaking. From the Swiss Alps to the Italian countryside, it was so beautiful.
KLM provided a vegetarian sandy which was filled with ‘cheese salad’, this being cheese, spring onions and tomatoes. It was actually really good, the Danes make great hearty bread and delicious cheese after all.
Arrived in Rome. I stayed inside the one wing. Did a bit of computer work until I couldn’t get the internet to cooperate any longer. The terminal wing that I was in was very modern and clean. There was a coffee shop and a convenience store, that sold cigarettes in the terminal! Of course there was a smoking room as well. Ah Italy.
I walked very little, I was absolutely knackered. This is day 5 of travel after all. I bought a cappuccino (its okay, it was before 11am), and a cornetto con crema. Delicious. Best coffee I have had for as long as I can remember. 4.80 Euros.
FCO to MLA
The flight was packed and a little late departing. This leg was not on KLM but ITA Airways and on an Airbus A320. We were given a little bag of rosemary crackers and a beverage. Late to land as the airport at Malta was experiencing a traffic jam. Our flight was diverted to making circles in the air above the islands. I was thrilled as it offered me a glimpse of my home for the next couple of weeks from above.
Landed, deplaned and rode a bus a very short way to the terminal.
Topping on the Cake
Yes, there was yet another hiccup in this journey. As a last kick in the nickers, my luggage did not arrive! I put in a claim with the Air Malta rep at the counter. Took my carry on, and left the airport to find my ride to my sweet little flat.
I’m here. In beautiful Malta. No clothes or toiletries, but safe, sound and warm.
Bless.
