We had set the alarm for 07:00. We had asked for a debarkation time of 08:30 but had been allocated 08:00. We figured if we had to be off the ship by eight then realistically, we would have no time for breakfast. Once we were awake, I switched the TV on. They were going through the debarkation groups quickly. We got dressed and packed the last odds and ends into our hand luggage. I took our magnets down. Then we just waited. Our number was called at 07:25. We quickly said goodbye to our stateroom host and gave him a little extra tip. Then we headed out.
Debarkation was incredibly smooth. There was no line at all to get off the ship. When we got to the baggage hall, we were intercepted and asked what our number was. We were then directed to a baggage carousel. We had a short wait for our luggage to come out, but we had plenty of time. When we got to the taxi rank, we were directed to a taxi straightaway. We also had a clear run to the airport. We got there so early that check in was not open yet. We went to sit down near the check in desks. Once we saw that there was life, we headed over. Check in was quick and painless. We were offered paper boarding passes, which I accepted. Then we headed to security. The line for this looked pretty long but was moving swiftly. My backpack was intercepted again. Apparently, it was the box with the jewellery that caused interest and especially the necklace I had made for my 50th birthday.
I packed everything up again and then we were free to go. The next order of the day was finding some breakfast. I had a look at the Burger King what was right opposite security, but they had no breakfast menu. There was however a McDonalds round the corner, and they did offer breakfast. We both had a Sausage McMuffin and a pistachio donut. Graham had an Americano, and I had a salted caramel latte. Breakfast hit the spot.
I had spotted a souvenir shop close to the McDonalds. I wanted to get a little something for the colleague who had been looking after my team. I got a couple of magnets and a wallet showing various Gaudi landmarks for myself and a travel mug with the same design for my colleague. Graham had found a seat opposite and I joined him. I read for a while and kept half an eye on the airport website. At some stage, the gate area was updated. We headed in that direction as we still needed to clear passport control. This was interesting and I most certainly would not have fancied my chances if we had left it until the last minute. About two weeks after we travelled back, the new immigration process for travel to and from EU countries was due to start. They decided to do a soft opening of the e-gates. I have used e-gates in a number of countries, and they were easily the slowest e-gates have encountered. I was just waiting for the message to come up that I needed to go back when the gate finally opened. Graham had the same experience. Once we had been released from the e-gates, we then had to have our passports stamped, but that was really quick.
We quickly used the bathroom and then found some seats. There was a bigger show of the same company where I had bought some souvenirs earlier. I had a look at this as well, but there was nothing further that I wanted. Once I came out again, our gate was listed. This was just the other side of the shop. We moved across there and soon boarding commenced. This was a smooth process. The flight was pleasant, too. I read for the most part but had a short nap in the middle.
We had some fun and games on arrival in Manchester. We were parked about as far from the terminal as we could get. They also had issues attaching the portable stairs. They had to get another set of stairs and then we finally could get off. The buses were already waiting for us. As soon the bus was full, we headed over to the terminal. From there, it was smooth sailing. From where the bus dropped us off, it was not far to immigration. This was very quiet, too. Better still, the e-gates were on their best behaviour. We had a short wait for the luggage, but that was pretty speedy, too. Then we headed to station to get a train back to the city centre. The next train was leaving shortly after we got to the platform.
When we got to our local station, I needed to pick a repeat prescription at the chemist there. In the meantime, Graham picked up some milk and bread from the supermarket. Then we took the tram home and chilled out for the rest of the day.
Dolphingirl’s Travels 
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