Wednesday 16th September 2026

Alarm at 0700. Woke with a bit of a sore throat. Got up, packed and abluted before wolfing down some breakfast. Left Gabriella a €10 tip and said our farewells…she gave us a hug and insisted on a selfie before we headed for the bus stop. Bit of a queue to get on the airport shuttle, but we made it. They even managed to pack about ten more on behind us at the next stop! It made for an uncomfortable journey. 

Etna looked calm in the distance and we spotted a plane in the air…so fingers crossed! Sat about for a bit to let the queues die down before going through security. Our flight was listed on the departures board. Wandered about…watched some planes take off, a further encouraging development. Had to queue for 20 minutes to get through Border Control. But the flight took off on time, and we headed for home. Landed at Luton on schedule, and took the train in to St Pancras, then a bus to Holloway. Got in around 1600. Unpacked and went in search of some supplies. Glad to be home...it was a tiring trip. The sore throat developed into a hacking cough and runny nose. Watched a bit of telly after dinner, and took an early bath...