So anyway where were I. Those who know me, know that when I fly, my ears stay clogged for a week after the flight which is part of the reason I hate flying. But my family always makes me feel so welcomed, that it's hard not to want to fly.
Dad and I got to the airport and waited at our gate. Luckily, I noticed that our gate number changed. So I went to check and sure enough, I was right. Oh, and if being at the airport three hours earlier isn't bad enough, wait to you hear this! We were supposed to take off at 8:50pm. But the plane that was delayed. I was tired and when I get tired I get emotional. Trust me those who know me, know how I get. Partially my mom.
We finally boarded the plane. Just before we were getting ready to take off, this idiot decides to announce out loud that Trump was putting in a travel ban. Great job lady! Everyone started going on their phones to see if it's true. I started to have an anxiety attack where I got all emotional. Not to mention I was also exhausted. I almost got off the plane but my dad promised me that we would have a great time.
You can read about my trip to Ireland by clicking on the link displayed here: Ireland2020
The pilot made an announcement, "Good evening, this is your pilot speaking. Yes, what you heard is true. Anyone that wishes to get off the plane can do so. Also anyone flying out of London, I suggest you don't go."
All the American tourists who were going to Ireland for the first time, got off the plane. I felt bad for them because they couldn't live their dream. But I do hope they got a refund for their hotel and credit for their flight. Of course, the people who had family to stay with and the people who lived in Ireland stayed on the plane. Let's just say, forty people, including my dad and I, stayed on the plane.
All forty of us had to reboard and the suitcases had to be put back on the plane. On the plus side, we got the bulkhead seats. It was the best part of the delay. Finally, after a long delay, we were on our way.
On the plane, we got first-class meals. That was nice but let's face it, all airplane food, first-class or not is disgusting.
Lots of stores and restaurants were closing in Ireland. Even the Marshes, the mall was empty. I never seen it like that. Gloves were required to be worn in the little stores at the mall. My favorite book store was opened. I was very thankful for that.
Within a week of being in Ireland, I couldn't believe how quiet it was. Only take out was available. Thankful I was able to get my candy and gifts before they closed. Our hotel in Sligo was canceled as well.
We were supposed to go to England for a week but our plans got canceled by the virus.
American's were told to get home or stay in Ireland till the virus was over. Now I would've liked to stay there and would have liked to create history to tell later to my future grandchildren. But dad was in a rush to get home. Since direct flights were too expensive from Dublin, we had to get the cheapest flight we could find. Which was Dublin to Amsterdam then from Amsterdam to New York. That was a great description of what hell looked like.
Flying to Amsterdam was easy. The shortest flight I have ever been on in my life. Only took an hour and thirty minutes.
But when we boarded the plane and got ready for takeoff, we had to go back to the gate about three times. By the third time, we were delayed five hours because the plane wasn't safe to fly.
(To this day I think of what could've happened if we ended up flying on that plane)
We had to wait for a new flight crew and pilots to get to the airport before we could be on our way. Keep in mind, it was already an eight-hour flight to New York. No restaurants were opened. Not even bathrooms. It was a disaster. We were all hungry. Somebody shouted, "Feed us food!" They came around with small cookies and a small tin of water. It didn't really solve the problem.
Finally, we were on our way home. When we landed, I was so happy to be home. It was one of the worst flying experiences of my life.
