April 15, 0700hrs : Touchdown - London Heathrow
April 15, 0930hrs : Renaissance -> King's Cross (unaware of impending airport closure)
April 15, 1045hrs : Old Street - GPM reunited
[ day spent as if it were my last ]
April 15, 2300hrs : Decision to sleep out (still oblivious to already official shutdown)
April 16, 1000hrs : GPM / coffee / greasy chinese
April 16, 1400hrs : parting ways
April 16, 1430hrs : receives text message - Heathrow closed ?
April 16, 1530hrs : Gloucester Road tube announcement - No flights in, No flights out ?
April 16, 1645hrs : Hotel Reception - situation enquiry
April 16, 1646hrs : receives didn't-you-see-the-news look from receptionist
April 16, 1700hrs : " Yvonne, meet Eyjafjallajökull "
April 17, 0001hrs : " I'm callin' it a holiday ! "
[ resounds till April 22 ]
Yes, hundreds of thousands were stranded all over the North and West of Europe, Airlines were losing billions, the world was in a state of serious inconvenience.
Yes, weddings were missed, meetings were postponed, travelling plans foregone.
Yes, I understand, and I feel your pain.
But, speaking on a selfish note - it was a dream come true for me.
My relationship with the city of London was rekindled. I did and saw things I would never have, if given the usual time I get while there on the job. Interesting friendships were forged and the bond of existing friendships strengthened.
So, even with all the chaos this volcano has caused, I must say,
" to Eyja , thanks for everything . "
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