Well, I’m here in Heathrow T4 with a gin.  It was gin or coffee, and so after no thought at all I headed into Cafe Rouge for what I suspect will be the most expensive gin I’ve ever had this far out of London.

I’m trying to sip slowly – it’s only 1610 after all – and it might be hours until more people arrive for our 1750 meeting time, and I could really do without being completely wrecked before I get on the plane where the alcohol will at least be free.

I’m having a pre-meet-the-group drinkie for Dutch courage.  And because the bar is the only place to sit in the terminal besides the coffee shop.  I kid you not, T4 has fewer facilities than even the worst European airport.

I’m actually quite nervous.  The gin is helping.  I’m missing being here with George – last time as we both needed to fly from the Continent into Heathrow we stayed the night before at an airport hotel.  Meeting the group is definitely easier when you are with someone you already know.  I wonder if there is an age at which meeting new people gets easier?  The gin is definitely helping.

Oh! Someone just noticed my Discover Adventure bag and I waved.  They’re joining me at my table…. here goes!