PART 2: Arriving London
From Airport to Accommodation to WLAC
My flight CX251 from Hong Kong touched down on London Heathrow at the crisp hour of 5:30 am local time, reality unfurled before me. This wasn’t a holiday, this was an ambitious quest. And there was Calvin, flashed a welcoming smile outside Terminal 3.
A 30-minute drive was all that separated us from our temporary home, Athena Court by House of Fisher. The check-in time at Athena Court is 2 pm, fortunately, we could unload our luggages in a room occupied by a fellow student who had opted for the 3-week package.
Since the clock was still ticking shy of the afternoon, Calvin whisked us away to West London Aero Club (WLAC) at White Waltham Airfield (EGLM). Imagine walking into a place that you’ve only dreamt about! Over a cuppa, we listened intently to Calvin’s prep talk then we were given a quick tour and then escorted back to the apartment to get some rest.
Athena Court our Temporary Home
1:30 pm rolled around, and the moment had arrived to officially check into our apartment. The apartment features two rooms — one of which is an ensuite — a living room, a bathroom and an open-plan kitchen.
We’re talking high-speed Wi-Fi, a fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, an oven, stoves, a microwave, a coffee machine, all sorts of utensils, and a washer/dryer. A cleaning service appeared like clockwork once a week, freshening up our living space by changing bed sheets, duvet covers, and towels. Though, it’s worth noting that just because we stayed in this particular apartment, future trips may differ in accommodation.
However, it wasn’t all perfect. The bed sheets were distractingly scratchy cos of low thread counts, prompting me to purchase a softer set from Sainsbury’s. And the anti-theft hangers were cumbersome, making me wish I’d brought my own.
For those who prioritise convenience, you’ll be pleased to know that two major supermarkets, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s are within minutes’ walking distance from the apartment, along with a handful of restaurants and convenience stores, making it easy to keep the pantry stocked or grab a quick meal.