We had for me an unprecedented long wait in the plane before taking off at Heathrow. A 10cm pin used in the cargo doors was defective. It took three hours to find a spare pin, install it and do the paperwork.
When we did take off, I realised I had forgotten how long a 10.5 hour flight is! During the flight, I watched the final episode of Game of Thrones and finished off season 4 of Line of Duty.
Some fans have criticised the final season of Game of Thrones and there has even been a petition signed by a million people to have the final season remade with “proper writers”! A common niggle has been that the season has been rushed. It is alarming to see some characters that you’ve grown accustomed to over several years die without ceremony. I was surprised at the number of major characters who did make it through to the end.
Line of Duty season four lived up to the previous three seasons. Having only started watching the series, I like the way every season introduces new elements whilst simultaneously developing a story that connects all the seasons. Roll on season five!
Just before landing, I also watched the last 90 minutes of Crazy Rich Asians. It always makes me feel good and was just the pick-me-up I needed after a gruelling flight.
Upon arriving at San Fransisco, we had a long wait clearing customs, which I hear is normal nowadays although I’m not sure why since the customs person only took my fingerprints and photo before letting me through. I had to wait almost an hour for the privilege.
We took the train from the airport to our hostel and, after a quick turnaround, hit an adjacent 24-hour diner. I had the Portobello mushroom burger with avocado and chips. Although a single plate, it could have fed another person.
It had been a long day. I’ll be able to get a few hours sleep before a 4.30am start the following morning.
