I'm heading back for a holiday tomorrow. Leaving relatively warm Vancouver and going to a very chilly Bristol. Taking my extra hold-all to pack all the stuff I can't get here, and will be making a few trips to Tesco to stock up, but I have to admit most of it will be because it's cheaper, not so much that we can't get it here.

We're one of the first flights flying into the new terminal 5 at Heathrow, on it's first day of operation. Sure hope they've got all the bugs worked out before we land!!

Having lived in Canada for 33 years, we've gone back many, many times, and have decided this is the last trip back for us, so it will be a bit sad leaving again, but I have to remind my relatives that the planes do fly both ways!

Well - enjoy happy shopping, and catching up -oh, and a safe landing too, I guess - that's kinda important

I'm sooooooo jealous ........... I've been following the Cabot Circus development & find it a bit scary that although I've only been away from Bristol for 2 1/2yrs, I don't recognise a lot of it

I'd love to go for a visit but worry that I wouldn't wanna get back on the plane

Anyhow, have a gert lush time me babber!!!

Have a good trip, the weather here is not too bad, been a bit cold lately but forcast is rain.....so dont forget the brolly. Plenty of deals at moment in tesco and you might just catch the remains of the easter egg cheapies.....
They have also just had a good clothing sale but think it finished today.

Doubt it - BAA are still arguing with the govt over whether they can fingerprint people or not That'll probably affect you more on the way out than the way in though.... unless they're intending on fingerprinting people on the way in too

AFAIK the fingerprinting is for domestic flights only? Too many suits travelling regularly and internally peeved at their fast-track check-in not getting them to their business class seats quickly enough.

Let us know what you think of T5 startwin. Looks like I'll be going through it on the 30th and I'm curious if it'll be as good as they reckon.

Have fun!

Have a great trip

Oooh, out of interest (or should that be nosey), what will you be stocking up with from Tesco's?

enjoy - weather is foul in south London today

I hope you have a fab time. Hubby and me are going back 1 month. Both totally jazzed. I'm already checking out the online catalogues for clothes. Its an investment you see, if I buy something now in the UK, in 5years It will be the hight of style in Regina..... Now off to my credit card found the link for freemans.

Well, I'm back. Lucky me, arrived at Heathrow terminal 5 on it's first day of operation. It was chaotic hell, and BA deserves to go out of business but will likely be bailed out by the British taxpayer. Other observations during my stay...

Everyone in England seems to read the much maligned Daily Mail.
TV is just as crap there as it is here, tons of channels and nothing to watch.
I've read complaints on this board about Canadian banks. All I can say is I much prefer Canadian over dealing with bank tellers back in the UK. Having said that, all I dealt with was tellers (safely behind glass, you had to raise your voice and let everyone know your business) who all seemed to hate their jobs. Maybe it's different if you are applying for a mortgage or setting up accounts.
Dog poo everywhere. Hasn't anyone there heard of picking up after their dogs?
Vomit everywhere after weekend drink binges. Yuk and yuk again.
Garbage everywhere. Oh, and garbage bins seem to be garden ornaments, or sit outside every gate.
Countryside - still glorious. So much open countryside in spite of the ever-increasing population.
Much publicity about average white Brit earning less than immigrants.
Bluebells - love them.
I spent a week in Scotland. Decided I might just emigrate there. Loved it.
So many people on the "Social".
Lots of resentment against immigrants (legal and otherwise) who get handouts and housing.
Really, really expensive to eat out, and meals not much of it. Groceries not cheap either. Found my favourite wine cost more there than here.
I definitely couldn't afford to live there now.
Not going back again, I had already made up my mind this is my last trip back. I'm glad I went though, just to confirm I made the right choice.

PS - forgot to say I stocked up on Birds Instant Custard, piccallili and Turkish Delight. Trouble was - BA managed to lose that case. Hoping it will turn up sometime this week.

Welcome back, startwin. Glad you enjoyed your trip (on balance).
x

Welcome home ....

Yes bluebells might be the only thing we will miss.