Day 1 – Step 1… 5.20am up.  

Step 2… 6.50… lugging three extremely heavy suitcases downstairs to the waiting minicab which can barely squeeze them in.  The elderly driver is friendly and has a smoker’s cough.

Lots of traffic which then loosens up – like the driver’s cough.

At terminal 5, he helps me pile the three cases, a tatami mat, a silver case and my rucksack onto a pathetically small trolley.  He is again friendly on saying goodbye.

Step 3 … trying to check in all these cases with BA. And pay for the extra baggage.  As I was unable to get the cheaper rate for doing this online (a complaint many users have voiced through Tripadvisor etc) and am a bit perplexed now by the self-checking-in system at the airport, a business-like and efficient BA official offers to check the bags in for me and sort payment.  I thank her more than once for her assistance. First extra bag – £75.  Second extra bag £155.  Okay, I’d budgeted for this. She takes payment for the first bag.  

I thank her again for her help. She then says she will waive the charge on the second bag. What?!  She has softened a little – there’s even a hint of a smile. I thank her again – profusely.  And realise I have just encountered the first angel of this six week adventure.