Getting to the USA

Getting to Heathrow was not difficult and the flight set off on time - so .... all is good, and we arrive in Chicago for our transfer to San Fransisco - on time.

Then just a few problems, basically we arrived at Terminal 5 and had to get through immigration, collect bags, check the bags in again then get to Terminal 1 all within 1 1/2 hours

- not possible

Immigration takes ages, lots of questions and form filling and photos to be taken, as well as having our finger prints taken.

Waiting for bags is always a tedious waiting process, so the usual hanging about bit, but then simply to take them through customs, get them scanned and put back on the conveyor belt - hopefully to the correct plane, was just crazy.

Having gone through customs we then head off for terminal 1 - not very well signposted for a start, and on a connecting train, that goes in a loop - and of course terminal 1 is the last one on the loop.

When we arrive at Terminal 1 we realised that we had to go through security again as technically we were outside in the public area. We then found out that any duty free products we had bought and were carrying were not allowed through - perfumes, toiletries, spirits etc - so the options given were to check them into the hold - but we had no case - so that was out ...... or leave them - guess what we had to leave them - not very happy about that at all.

So through security again - shoes off, belts off etc, then find the departure gate, which of course was so far away and running did not help ...... 'cos the plane had gone without us.

So .... to find a helpful person - the first person I asked - nothing to do with me --- I just do ..whatever. Eventually a nice guy helps but we have to go on Standby for the next flight 3 hours later.

We then try to contact Farzin and Parisa who are due to meet us at San Fransisco - lots of fun with card phones and telephone numbers but eventually we get through.

Anyway back to Standby and it's a lottery - lots of asking and checking and standing around jostling for positions - the incoming plane is also late so that does not help and its further delayed 'cos one of the passengers getting off needs assistance and no wheelchair to be found - everybody around getting more and more stressed, fortunately we do get 2 standby seats and we are on the plane - it is full - overflowing in fact - bags every where and we set off. Some people did not get on - so we feel pretty lucky. I can tell you the woman allocating the standby seats was on a power / ego trip.

Once on we are in separate seats so we set about bartering our seats - Suri does this very well as I get a real good window seat near in the middle in exchange for my window seat at the very back. On this flight we have to buy the food for the 4.5 hour trip - and it was pretty poor the only option was a lunch box, basically crisp type snacks.

When we arrive it was straightforward but would Farzin and Parisa be there - fortunately yes - and we set off to their home in San Jose, where I am writing this from at the moment.