Arriving at the Airport

My plane has just landed. It is nine in the evening and I am tired after a long flight. The flight was four hours from London. I sat in a window seat and watched the clouds below me for most of the journey. Now I need to get my luggage, go through customs, and find a way to get to my hotel. The airport is big and modern with bright lights and signs everywhere. I follow the signs that say "Baggage Claim" and walk through a long corridor. There are shops selling perfume, chocolate, and souvenirs, but they are closing now because it is late. I arrive at the baggage carousel and wait for my suitcase. There are about fifty other passengers from my flight waiting too. The carousel starts moving and bags begin to appear. I watch carefully for my blue suitcase.

After about ten minutes, I see my blue suitcase coming around the carousel. I grab it and check the name tag to make sure it is mine. Yes, it says "Sophie Brown" with my address in London. Good. I also have a small backpack with my passport, wallet, phone, and a book. Now I need to go through customs. I walk to the green channel because I have nothing to declare. A customs officer looks at me and says, "Good evening. Where are you coming from?" I say, "London, England." He says, "How long will you be staying?" I say, "One week." He says, "Business or pleasure?" I say, "Pleasure. I am on holiday." He nods and says, "Welcome. Enjoy your stay." I say, "Thank you." I walk through the doors and I am now in the arrivals hall. I can see people waiting with signs and flowers for arriving passengers.

I need to get to my hotel. I have three options: a taxi, a bus, or the airport train. I look at the information board. The airport bus goes to the city centre every twenty minutes and costs eight euros. The train goes to the main station every fifteen minutes and costs twelve euros. A taxi will cost about thirty euros but will take me directly to my hotel. I am tired and I have heavy luggage, so I decide to take a taxi. It is more expensive but it is the easiest option at this time of night. I follow the signs that say "Taxis" and walk outside. The air is warm and pleasant. There is a long line of taxis waiting. A man in a uniform says, "Taxi, madam?" I say, "Yes, please. I need to go to the Park Hotel on River Street."

The taxi driver takes my suitcase and puts it in the boot of the car. I get in the back seat. The car is clean and comfortable with leather seats. The driver says, "The Park Hotel on River Street. That is about twenty-five minutes from here, depending on traffic." I say, "That is fine. How much will it cost?" He says, "It will be about twenty-eight euros." I say, "Do you accept credit cards?" He says, "Yes, I accept cards and cash." I say, "Good. Thank you." He starts driving and we leave the airport. The road is wide and well-lit. I can see the city lights in the distance. The driver is friendly. He says, "Is this your first time here?" I say, "Yes, it is. I am very excited." He says, "You will love it. It is a beautiful city. The old town is especially nice."

The driver tells me about the city as we drive. He says, "The best area for tourists is the old town. It has the cathedral, the market square, and many good restaurants. The river area is also very popular, especially in the evening." I say, "Thank you for the information. That is very helpful." He says, "If you need a taxi during your stay, here is my card. You can call me directly and I will give you a good price." I take his card and put it in my wallet. He says, "My name is Marco. I have been a taxi driver for fifteen years. I know every street in this city." I say, "Thank you, Marco. I might need a taxi to the airport next Sunday for my flight home." He says, "Just call me the day before and I will be here." We are now entering the city centre. I can see old buildings, narrow streets, and people walking.

After twenty-five minutes, the taxi stops in front of the Park Hotel. It is a beautiful old building with a green awning over the entrance and flower boxes in the windows. The driver says, "Here we are. The Park Hotel." I look at the meter. It says twenty-seven euros. I give him thirty euros and say, "Keep the change. Thank you for the ride and for all the information about the city." He says, "Thank you, madam. Have a wonderful holiday. And remember, call me if you need a taxi!" He gets my suitcase from the boot and puts it on the pavement. I say, "Goodbye, Marco!" He waves and drives away. I take my suitcase and walk through the hotel entrance. The lobby is warm and welcoming with soft lighting and comfortable armchairs.

I go to the reception desk. A young woman with a friendly smile says, "Good evening! Welcome to the Park Hotel. Do you have a reservation?" I say, "Good evening. Yes, I have a reservation. My name is Sophie Brown. I booked a double room for seven nights." She types my name into her computer and says, "Yes, here it is. Sophie Brown, double room, seven nights, checking in today and checking out next Sunday." I say, "That is correct." She says, "May I see your passport, please?" I give her my passport. She copies some information and gives it back. She says, "Your room is number 208, on the second floor. It is a lovely room with a view of the river." I say, "That sounds wonderful. Is wifi free in the room?" She says, "Yes, completely free. The password is on the card in your room."

The receptionist gives me a key card and a small folder with information about the hotel. She says, "Breakfast is served from six thirty to ten in the morning in the restaurant on the ground floor. The fitness centre and swimming pool are in the basement. They are open from six am to ten pm. If you need anything at all, please call reception. We are available twenty-four hours a day." I say, "Thank you. What time is checkout on Sunday?" She says, "Checkout is at twelve noon. But if you need a late checkout, just let us know the day before and we can usually arrange it." I say, "That is very helpful. One more question: can I get a wake-up call tomorrow morning at seven thirty?" She says, "Of course. Seven thirty. I will set that up for you right now." I say, "Thank you very much. Good night!"

I take the elevator to the second floor and find room 208. I put the key card in the slot and the door opens. The room is beautiful! It is spacious and clean with a large double bed, a desk, a wardrobe, a television, and a comfortable armchair by the window. The bathroom has a bathtub and a separate shower, with fluffy white towels and small bottles of shampoo and soap. I go to the window and open the curtains. The receptionist was right. I can see the river from here! The water is dark now but I can see the lights from the buildings on the other side reflected in it. There is a bridge with lights too. It is a beautiful view. I will enjoy looking at this every morning. I unpack my suitcase and put my clothes in the wardrobe.

I am very tired after my long day of travelling. I take a hot shower and put on my pyjamas. The bed looks so comfortable and inviting. I check my phone and send a message to my husband Thomas, who will join me here on Wednesday. I write, "Arrived safely! The hotel is lovely. Room has a river view! See you in three days. Love you." He replies, "So glad you arrived safely! Cannot wait to join you. Sleep well!" I brush my teeth, turn off the lights, and get into bed. The sheets are soft and cool. I can hear the faint sound of the river outside my window. It is very peaceful. Tomorrow I will explore the city. But now, I need to sleep. It is half past ten and I have had a very long day. Good night! My holiday has officially begun.