Coopersmith's Day Ten: On Our Own - A $250 Taxi Ride to Heathrow and Aer Lingus to Boston

August 24, 2015

We were out of the room and into our hired car at 6:50AM, ten minutes ahead of schedule. It was too early for breakfast at Corse Lawn House; we would eat in the Aer Lingus Lounge at Heathrow.

Jane dashed outside to say goodbye and ask for our written tour evaluations. We hadn't turned them in at the farewell dinner. I told her we needed time to fill them out properly and would mail them directly to Coopersmith. John thanked her and said we had enjoyed the gardens and the hotel, which was true. Still, I was glad when the car pulled away. I was ready to go home.

Photo: Traffic was heavy as we approached Heathrow. It took a full two hours to get from Course Lawn to the airport.

Photo: Inside the Aer Lingus Lounge at Heathrow

Photo: View from our seats inside the Aer Lingus Lounge

Photo: One of several types of chairs in the Lounge - all very comfortable.

Photo: Breakfast selections included pastries, cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, shortbread cookies, juices, beers, champagne, tea, and coffee.

Photo: Restroom facilities included a spacious private shower, dressing room, and changing table

We boarded the Airbus 320 for Dublin, feeling refreshed after several hours in the Aer Lingus Lounge.

Photo: I had booked aisle-aisle exit row seating which gave John plenty of legroom.

Photo: Tea service was part of our pre-purchased breakfast aboard the short flight from London to Dublin

Photo: A free newspaper came with our pre-purchased breakfast,

Photo: Aer Lingus's "Irish Breakfast" menu selection. Not the best.

We landed in Dublin and made an easy connection for the trip to Boston on an Airbus 330-300.

Photo: Exit row legroom on the Airbus 330-300 was ample.

Photo: Upgraded meal for an additional charge. The same meal is served in Business Class.

Photo: My entertainment center didn't work, but I didn't care. Legroom was more important to me than TV or movies.

Photo: In the clouds on our approach to Boston's Logan Airport.

And finally, on the ground at Boston Logan Airport, Terminal E.

John and I had been away for more than three weeks, and my next trip was less than two weeks away. We are still going through the hundreds of photos we took in Ireland and England.

The memories we made will last a lifetime. Cheers, everyone!