"Je suis un rock star"

I’d just got myself comfortable, which wasn’t difficult considering I had 3 seats to myself. The plane had taxied to the start of the runway & I had put my book down. I like to give take off my full attention.

The aircraft starts down the runway & I feel myself being thrown backwards into my chair by the force of the plane’s rapid acceleration. On we go, getting faster & faster as the great metallic bird prepares to leap into the sky.

Then the brakes are slammed on!

For a split second, & it really was just a split second, I was as scared as I had ever been. Real tangible fear. I could feel all my muscles tensing, my eyes widening & my heart rate quickening.

It soon subsided down to mild concern as the plane slowed, my worry now was that we may overshoot the runway & things could get a bit bumpy.
My worry turned out to be unfounded as we headed back to the terminal.
The pilot informed us that there had been a minor problem with the fuel regulation equipment on one of the engines which had led him to abort take off. Then we disembarked & the plane was taken away to be tested.

I got back on the same plane an hour later & finally flew back to Lyon.

I fly again today. I’m going home for the festive season & I’m not coming back till January 3rd. I’m very happy with this state of affairs. It is lovely to come home at the weekends but it’s all very manic & not at all restful. I’m looking forward to chilling out.

I land at Heathrow at 13.50 today & get the train to Northampton. There my first task will be a visit to Toys R us so that I can finally buy my boy some prezzies.

I can’t wait! I love Lyon but I’ve had enough for this year.