UK/USA 2010 Day 4

020310 1641 local time (GMT)
N26123 over the United Kingdom

It's good to be flying again, I must say.

This morning I headed back down to Piccadilly to buy stuff at my regular HMV. Of course, I utilised the London Underground. My impressions of their subway system are that it is rather messy. Stations are more like mazes, and changing lines is tough. To be expected from a system that grew rather than one that was planned, I guess.

Headed to the airport after a good lunch of stew. The airport, like the subway, is quite messy and we had to navigate our way to Terminal 4. We checked in and proceeded through security, where my mum once again got caught for liquids.

My usage of the net once in the terminal caused me to miss some good photo ops, including the Emirates A380. I did manage some shots of interesting aircraft though, such as an Amiri 747 I think of the UAE.

Soon our flight was called and we boarded the 757. Interestingly we were subjected to a full patdown and bag search halfway down the jetway. The plane's half empty, so I expect the rest of the flight to be quite comfortable.

We pushed back for quite a long time, one of the longest pushbacks I've experienced, before taxiing to runway 9R for takeoff. There was a long queue for takeoff including a BA 772 with GE90s. I love the way BA registers their 777s.

Our off time was 1607 local time, and the plane did a right bank over Heathrow that afforded me some good views. The takeoff was supremely powerful, and I was pressed backwards into my seat throughout. The 757's climb was like a bat out of hell too. I admire this aircraft and its diversity and capability. I also like its feel. You can hear its every movement, unlike the newer planes. Sounds like the flaps and gear give it a very organic, almost human feel, to quote Jeremy Clarkson. Speaking of which, I'm listening to Born in the USA on the IFE

Continental seems like a good airline so far, though the flight's just begun. Hope it keeps up.


1745 local time (GMT -1)
N26123 over the North Atlantic

So far so good, grilled chicken dinner was pretty nice. Just watched Planet 51, corny but good entertainment. Mozart Symphony no. 40 playing now.

I love flying. Most people just see it as a mode of travel but I always find it something more. Looking down at the clouds and the ocean is really nice, and I find myself at peace up here.

1921 local time (GMT)
N26123 taxiing in Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, USA

Finally back in the United States of America.

I used the IFE a lot on this flight, watching The Wizard of Oz and Ratatouille. Nice that the airline gives you the earphones to keep.

We came in over Canada, then headed inland for a while before turning to land on runway 04R at 1917. Our gate, 120, is a tow-in gate, meaning that the engines are shut down and the aircraft is towed in to prevent the engines from damaging baggage carts and stuff in the gate. At the moment we're waiting for the tow.

2300 local time (GMT -5)
New York, New York, USA

Not much happened after deplaning. The pilot was kind enough to tell me the registration of the plane on arrival. Smooth pass through immigration and customs, then we headed for my aunt's house.

The UK was good, but I'm happy to be back in the USA. Also, I was very happy with Continental Airlines. Their service standards are far above the standards one expects from a US Airline.

Flying for me tends to be a time for personal reflection, this was no different, but probably not such a good idea.
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