Back in the UK

Hello!

So I'm back in England after a whole year away! It feels kinda strange, but lovely, and I'm really looking forward to having Christmas here with Tom and his family.

After all my stress and worry about travelling, everything worked out for the best with only a minor hiccup on my way over. My parents took me to the airport, which I insisted being at 3.5 hours early. Since I booked my ticked with the added "Option Plus" bonus, I got "priority check in," so didn't have to wait in line at all, and walked away with my boarding pass after 2 minutes. We sat down to have something to drink (gingerale for me!) and waited until about 4:30 before I went through security. I said goodbye to mama and papa, and breezed through security in no time. Surprisingly, they didn't even ask me to remove my liquids baggie, or bother to inspect my camera or laptop! Way to slack on safety, Pearson!
I made my way to the gate afterwards, stopping at Duty Free to get Tom some Canadian beer as requested. I think it was while I was there that I lost my brand-new, never-used, black and white polka dot neck pillow that I had literally opened the day before. I was quite upset when I discovered it was missing while in line to board the aircraft. :(
Boarding was a bit delayed because the check-in staff seemed to have a bit of a problem helping some elderly and disabled people board, but since I paid a little extra, I got priority boarding as well, which was nice. I sat beside a tiny Chinese lady, who was lovely, and needed some help filling out her Landing Card for immigration. Unfortunately, I had about a 12 year old boy sitting behind me, who really enjoyed playing Tap Tap Revolution on his iPod, so some seat kicking ensued.
The flight was fine otherwise, as I got lots of little perks (free Pringles!!), and they kept feeding us the whole time. It was actually remarkably fast as well. We took off late because of the boarding issue, so around 7:30, and by 12:30, the captain was telling us that he was preparing for descent. We arrived in Manchester at around 6:20, 45 minutes earlier than the original landing time after leaving late! Must have had some tailwind!
After landing, my anxiety mounted as I walked towards immigration, guided by the big, orange, "Non-EU Passport Holders" signs. The line was quite short for non-EU, so I didn't have too much time to fret before getting to the officers. I was made more nervous, however, when a few people in front of me were questioned, and then dug through their bags for paperwork. When it was my turn, I got the only male officer, who didn't seem too bothered about anything. He looked at my landing card, on which I had listed my profession as "Student," and asked if I was coming to the UK to study. I said no, that I was coming over on a YMS visa for a semester's break before graduating in June. He then looked at my visa, asked me what I was graduating in, said "Oh, lovely," and with a stampy-stampy, I was through with absolutely zero problem. Delightful.
I collected my suitcase with no problems, and before I knew it, was walking through the sliding doors to look for Tom. It's a good thing he's tall for location purposes, but I always forget how tall he actually is when I see him after being apart. Reunited!
We found his dad, and rapidly made our way outside, still dark at 7:30, and were on our way out of Manchester after some disagreement with the bossy instructions of the GPS.
It was a lovely car ride home, as the motorway from Manchester to Sheffield goes through part of the Peak District, and is very scenic. The pinks and greys of the sky added to it as well.
When we got in to Worksop, it was promptly time for a nap, and I've pretty much been relaxing ever since. It's so nice to see Tom's family again, and Monty who apparently remembers me from before and pays me lots of attention! It feels like I never left!
I'm going to Lincoln with Tom tomorrow, hopefully get some shopping in, and then this weekend is Tom's brother and sister-in-law's anniversary fancy dress party, so I'll get to see everyone and have a good time.
Til then,

Ta ta!

Ash.