Day 9 of 8: Sunday 3rd July 2011

Woke at 0730. We had to use the earplugs overnight as there was a lot of noise from people in corridors, "cackling", and doors slamming.

Went over to breakfast in a large marquee with several waiters around to help us with the buffet. Notice in reception said that we were to be picked up at 1100 so we decided we would spend some time on the private beach fo a paddle and to get my front burnt to match the back.



1100 - The bus left on time and we got to the airport for 1130 where we all started to queue at the check in desk. The departure board suggested that the plane might be due to leave at 1400. There as some delay as there were 3 desks staffed but no bag were being loaded. Again, there was no explanation.
1215 - staff start processing bags
1235 - we go through security yet again to sit out our time in the departue lounge. Had  tins of Nestea ice tea @ €1.50 each.
1400 - gates open and we are loaded onto the buses which take us to the plane
1410 - everyone on board, but rear toilet out of use as it was not emptied overnight - but the rest of the plane is OK as we now have 2 engineers on board with us. There was another delay as we waited for ATC to give us the OK.
1500 - taxied to the end of the runway
1505 -wheels up! Cabin crew as relieved as the passengers. No sandwiches but crew were able to sell us hot meals and snacks, so we had a mixture of ginger ale and lemonade to wash down pringles and mini jammy dodgers in between taking pictures out of the plane window



1620 UK time - landed back at EMA to cheers from passengers and relieved smiles from the cabin crew.

To add to the joy of the journey home, my passport chip did not work and I had to be seen by a human being. The good thing was that the bags were picked up quickly and we were 2nd in the queue for taxis so we got home at 1745. Only 25 hours late.

We did not let the journey home spoil what was a wonderful holiday. treating it as an adventure rather than a "nightmare journey from hell", and appreciating that there was nothing the crew on the plane could do about the idiot who damaged the toilet door on the flight out that caused all the delay - though I would send them the bill for the buses and hotels.

There is a lot more of Sardinia to visit, and I expect that we will be back.