Ireland Trip: Day 20

apartment – 23 jun 2015

Heading home. As is my normal, I woke every twenty minutes to be sure I wouldn’t sleep too late. I finally just gave up on trying to sleep and worked a bit. The girls had claimed to be packed, but I kept coming across things that had not been packed. With their delays, we were in the car ten minutes late.

Then Rob had issues in getting the car out properly and scraped the side up a bit. So Camille and I went back up to the apartment for sponges to wipe the scratches off — thankfully the scuff marks came off with some soap and water, but we were then running behind.

None of Google’s directions were the way I had realized from experience was the right way out of town. But I followed my nose, and we got out and on our way properly and made Google readjust to the correct path — no crazy alleys with trucks blocking both sides! The problem was that we didn’t know where we were going. I had vague memories of the very offsite place we had picked up the car, but they had just moved there, so our maps and Google and their website weren’t helpful.

After a couple of wrong turns, we found it, to much joy. We unloaded our suitcases. I did the noble thing in reminding the agents that I needed to pay for Rob (to the tune of $225). Tony (not the same Tony) drove us over to the airport wishing that everyone was as easygoing as I was (heh). We checked in and were the front of the queue to check bags. Yup, we checked our bags against my better judgement. Too many books purchased on the trip.

The agent said “That’s all?” You guys didn’t buy much while here!!” She also said she loved the idea of Atlanta temps, so she must be a bit insane. We went through security (no use for Camille’s TSA PreCheck status). We were dumped into the Duty Free shop. Chloe lobbied for Kinder Eggs etc. As we checked out, the cashier told us that we could not buy Kinder Eggs to take to the US – customs would confiscate them. She sympathized with us but knew we’d lose out.

shannon – 23 jun 2015

Once done, we got to the cafe and got a late breakfast. I went to the Fexco line to reclaim my vat. Easy! We then got in line for US Customs and Immigration. Until we got to the front, we didn’t realize that our flight was on the list (check the freestanding – not overhead – board). Liquids were allowed. Chloe kept her shoes on (under 13). But We had to take out computers and scan bags and shoes.

Then through immigration where they showed us photos of our checked bags! Then into the secure area. A long wait, but the Delta flight attendants brought us water. So spoiled. On the flight to JFK, I watched “The Second Best Marigold Hotel”, “Begin Again” and “Interstellar”. Except that the video cut out for Interstellar as we landed and I missed the last 20 minutes. Bummer.

Our departure gate from JFK was just across the way from our arrival gate (and two over from the gate we left from for Shannon last month). We settled in for the duration. Camille did her math homework. Chloe did her texting. I tried to make my back and leg not hurt. Up, down, stretch. Our gate moved once, so we move. Finally time to go. I slept for the first halp of the flight, then realized “Interstellar” was available. By the time I had fast-forwarded through, I worried I wouldn’t finish. But I did. Great movie!

We got off. Baggage claim was as awful as ever (I hate checking). MARTA sucked. 17 minutes wait at the airport then announced a 37 minute wait at Five Points (reduced by 20 minutes, thankfully). A short walk home to an angry cat.

jfk – 23 jun 2015

Full listing of Ireland posts