Tuesday 29th May 2012

A straight forward day.  Car half way to airport collecting Andrew on the way so he could have the car.  With an early start packing had been completed the day before but then only a hand luggage case for a quick getaway at the other end.

Flight to Larnaca was not full and the two seats immediately to my left were empty.  I was amused on the way watching a young 'newly married' couple who were off to Cyprus on honeymoon.  They enjoyed very much the champagne that the air hostess kept bringing them and were clearly excited.  Usually I would 'complain' when others are getting drinks rather than me but I didn't begrudge them their moment.  Too early for lots of booze, although the one glass of wine just prior to arrival was nice even though it was warm.

With the travelling I do now I have different experiences and views of passport control in many countries.  The USA is the pits with long queues, frequently having to wait well over an hour and then 30 questions why I am entering the Unites States of America, as they always like to say, plus photo and finger prints.  I use Iris scan at Heathrow on the way back in from a trip so usually the wait is not long and the queues never m,ore than 6-10 people.  I watch UK passport holders, for which there are always much longer queues but at least their passport is scanned. Coming into Cyprus is a breeze.  Never a queue of more than two people and its as much as they can do to even look at your passport.  No computerisation, no check, nothing.  Nobody knows you are here!

Except Lillian who was there to meet me at the airport and within 10 minutes from the car park we are home!  My how the garden has grown.  The bougainvillaea in the leylandi hedge is all out in flower and a new tub has appeared on the patio.