Train from St Pancras - and somebody's plan B going into effect on the opposite platform as there is an announcement that one of the trains going north will be approximately forty-two minutes late (only the Germans can match the precision of the British). There's even an explanation, though we don't quite catch it. The advantages of going on a Saturday are clear even before we board. We're not competing with the commuters for standing room only - the train is nearly empty. As evidenced by the animated graphics on a screen inside the car showing our location, number of cars, how empty or crowded each carriage is, and the location of each toilet (as well as whether it is occupied and in working order!). Does lead us to some speculation on what VIA Rail's top brass would make of it and whether they have ever travelled on trains outside North America.
Longish wait, self inflicted, at Gatwick, though EasyJet check in surprisingly efficient, including fully automated baggage drop which actually recognises that we are travelling together and that my 18 kilo case more than balances J's 20.5 kilo one. It allows us 40k jointly rather than 20 each.
Gatwick itself not UK send off at its best. Endless shiny pathway snaking hypnotically through glitzy duty free before reaching departure seating. Ninety minutes free wifi but no charging points in evidence. Water bottles fillable only from fountain immediately after security (water in loos hot), so back through duty free, snaking against pedestrian traffic this time, to fill ours. Obvious that locating free drinking water near passenger seating would be considered a hostile move by shops selling it in plastic bottles.
Flight about four and a half hours and fine, although we're startled to be met by wet tarmac and lightning. Arrivals in Cyprus have always meant descending through clouds into sunlight and citrus and birdsong. Though at eight pm we weren't really expecting sunshine. Jane and Bill looking sunny enough though. They collect us and take us home with them for g&t and a lovely steak and kidney stew that's been in the slow cooker for hours, and a good night's sleep.