Travels in a Tin Can

Birmingham. Going on an earlier first flight meant more time hanging around
in New York's airport, a relief given the lack of facilities at Miami airport.
Fortunately what we would not have to do at Newark was collect our bags and
check them in again, they were already checked through to Birmingham. This
seemed like magic, but then we are easily pleased. Before boarding we
grabbed a sandwich, as breakfast in the hotel had been inedible save for the
coffee.
The flight to Newark was brief, a relief given that Emma was sat next to
a snoring Scot with halitosis. It could have been worse; he could have stayed
awake and forced us to talk to him for the whole flight. Early indications
suggested that he would in fact do this as within minutes we knew the
following (too much) information: he was Scottish, he was tired as he had
driven from Key West overnight, he had been there refereeing a women's
football championship. The only other thing of note was the meal served on
the flight. Short journey equals mini food - tiny bag of crisps, snack-size
‘M&Ms’, and a minute turkey roll. Either that, or we were given child portions,
or these were normal sized foods and we had just habituated to the gigantic
food of Americans.
On arrival into Newark a surreal sight met us - snow. I know it explains
why all the old folk from the New England area were in RVs in Florida, but it
was still strange to think that a couple of hours on a plane could transport you
from summer to winter. We felt a little underdressed in the airport, but at least
had our big coats with us - something we could never manage to squeeze in
to the suitcases. While we waited for our flight we shopped, picking up some
duty free and making sure we spent our budget!