"Some people will be very lucky. Others will be incredibly jealous." - Just quoting Raa. I'll be framing the reason for this soon enough.
Since Meinos started this and Eagle posted the content, I'll be the one providing the story of our last adventure on British soil.
08:30 - Stanmore station.
We parted ways with our British member. With the risk of ruining his reputation, Raa's skills as a host? Over 9000!
08:45 - Somewhere in transition.
I start looking at my passport. My flight leaves at 11:00, baggage drop ends at 10:15, last entry at the gate is at 10:40 and there's something that just tickles me the wrong way. There's plenty of time I tell myself, the trip after our arrival didn't take that long, did it?
09:00 - Green Park
We switch lines, I'm still somewhat calm about it, I mean, half a hour should be enough, right? Right?
Poor naive bastard.
09:30 - Beginning the Trail of Stress
I keep looking at my boarding pass. Last hour for checking my luggage? 10:15.
09:40 - Middle of the Trail of Stress
The stations keep coming, I'm starting to pace around.
"Guys, I don't think I'm going to make it."
"We'll make it, we'll be cutting the line, but we'll make it," Eagle's one chill bro'. Meinos keeps looking at the panel with the stations.
09:50 - Trail of Stress - The Peak!
By now I'm starting to accept I'm going to miss my flight, start calling Raa so he can help me look for another flight (no internet available).
Eagle's like "Chill bro', we'll catch it."
At this point Meinos's train travelling experience comes into good use. "I think we have to get down at the next station," he says, very confident (for good reason I might add). "This train goes through terminal 4, it can delay there up to 8 minutes," he points out on the panel.
"OK," we get out at 09:52.
09:56 - Next train.
We jump right into the next train. It's heading straight towards the terminal 1,2,3 station!
10:00 - Hole in the Floor!
Time stretches, every second is like an infinity bottled up and unleashed upon my nerves.
10:04 - Terminal 1,2,3
We're at the station! But it's a long road towards the ckeck-in office, I'm starting to thing about alternatives. We start running like men possessed. Meinos goes ahead and opens the path.
10:09 - Following the arrows.
I stumble, Eagle grabs my baggage and pushes me forward "Go, go, go!" I have to reach the office before it closes!
10:11 - The promised land.
It's Meinos that finds the terminal (between us, the Italian's the fastest). "Mosh! It's here!" He all but drags me and throws me towards the lady at the office.
10:11 ¬ 10:12 - Destination.
I'm here! I made it!
"I'd like to leave my luggage for the flight to Bucharest!" I'm out of breath, but I made it!
"I'm sorry, but that's been closed..."
10:12 - Ummmm.... yah...
I waste a second, not knowing what to say, but then I spot the watch on the wall.
"Shouldn't it close at 10:15? There's still 3 minutes left," she looks at the watch and then consults with the supervisor. I'm not stressed any more, whatever happens, happens.
"You can still check in," glorious words! "Do you have any luggage?" and back to the pit I go. I start looking around.
"Yes," I finally manage to reply. I start looking around for Eagle.
"Sir," she's extremely polite, but I really don't like her message "Do you want to fly, or nor?"
Oh boy!
10:12 and ¬ 40 seconds!
Around the corner, like the cavalry of Rohan! There he was! Eagle, carrying my bag and his like a boss. The airport employee takes my luggage herself! We made it!
Or have I?
10:15 Heathrow
I take my goodbyes from the guys. Meinos, I haven't forgotten my promise for next year!
Eagle, keep on rolling mate! Everything is fine, but!
...I still have to make it through security.
10:30 - Security
Raa's on the phone.
"I almost missed my flight," not a bad way to start a conversation, "Still might!"
"Well, let me know," limiter's broken already Raa! "Just let me know if you'll come back."
10:29 - Security
I finally make it through security! I don't even have time to buckle my belt back as I rush towards my gate.
10:34 - A sign!
Finally, a sign! It points the way towards my gate. I'm close!
"Gate 24 - 10 minutes" Oh no, you're not! I've got my second wind and keep running, bags handing from my throat and the laptop dangling on my back.
10:38 - Gate 24
Gate 24 - A,B,C,D,E...
Flight at 11:00? Gate E. I rush there like a man possessed.
"Flight for Bucharest?" I ask, between wheezing breaths.
"Oh, no, that's the one at 24D!"
10:39 - Gate 24D
"Flight towards Bucharest?" I'm a sweaty mess of a man, as my four layers of clothing did a lot to help with the effort, mostly by making me feel like I was running in the Sahara.
"Yes sir, last one boarding."
