Day 93/94 NY – JHB

Wed 29/8  – Thurs 30/8
We left NY just in time. It was getting hotter!
The day started with final faffing and checking out. Then there were the taxi wars. The first yellow taxi in line outside the hotel was a sedan, the second a station wagon and the third a minivan type vehicle, the obvious choice for 4 large suitcases, a bike and 2 passengers. But we had to go through the process of packing and unpacking the station wagon to prove to the driver that it wouldn’t fit. Then the first driver came over to give the bellhop a hard time for not choosing him. Not the brightest! Finally we managed to pack it all in the minivan and set off for JFK. We left my bike behind to be collected (hopefully). Large tips all around.
The traffic was hectic, because we were on the same route as all those going to Flushing Meadow for the US Open. Eventually we arrived and went to check in. All went smoothly, so another stress point over. David sat and watched our hand luggage and I wandered around trying to spend the last coins, but I was not in a mood to shop. We boarded the plane and the external aircon was not coping. The flight was delayed and we sat baking. It was worse than being in a sauna for 45 minutes.
The rest of the flight was uneventful, but I was struck by the lack of hand cream and the used tissues lying on the floor in the restrooms, as well as most of the crew’s disinterest in being of service.  It was sad by comparison to the local flight of Delta airlines.
I did bump into a past pupil and that was wonderful. We chatted about our holiday and his life since school.
Sleep escaped me. After four movies and some lousy eggs we touched down at ORT. Luckily, we breezed through customs and were soon hugging Mike who had come to fetch us.
What I learnt: It is always wonderful to come home to family, friends and even dogs and to sleep in crisp white sheets in your own bed.