Terminal 5

When constructing Heathrow Terminal 5, the builders obviously had the dictionary's meaning 'a section or point that forms the end of something' in mind. We don't know who is more frustrated: people in transit who suddenly realise changing planes at T5 means missing several connections, or people who want to be in England, but not particularly on a runway at T5.
After having ample time to admire the new buildings sitting in a plane stuck on the runway, we are allowed in, but not out again for the time being. Getting booked on an alternate plane to Amsterdam is hampered by the fact that most BA-personal is dedicated to 'go to hell' (thanks, but we are already there) and Heathrow staff is as lost as we are. The signage is useless, and if you ask staff for directions, they'll friendly tell you they don't have a clue also.
Welcome to Europe. In the midst of a power cut, meaning the airfield is pitch dark, computers don't work, etcetera, OR Tambo in Johannesburg is still able to have all planes smoothly checked in and leaving, doing a lot of computer work by hand. The most advanced terminal in the world has planes circling in the air and standing on runways for hours for a number of 'reasons'. 'The firm guiding us over the airport is not available.' 'We found an air marshal, he's getting into his car now.' (From where, Paris, we passengers guess.) 'That small yellow jetty is in our way.' 'It's confirmed that the jetty can't move.' (Any idiot could have pushed it out of the way, we think.)


After a couple of lost hours we finally leave Heath Row, without Maud getting arrested for aggressive behaviour towards useless British No Air personal - that's two miracles in a row. The third wonder is Bram's uncle Haroen is still waiting at Schiphol, to bring us to a delicious Colombian very late lunch and at his house, and than to our Leiden home.