Superb flight over the Atlantic, two good meals and some fine wine and landed on time at Tampa. Tampa is a lovely airport to fly to and from. Interesting shops, restaurants and people from all walks of life and all going to and from amazing places. The car park levels are all named after space missions and astronauts.
The departure/arrivals terminals are all connected by monorail and the trains run autmatically with no driver, shuttling
backwards and forwards every few minutes. Interested to note that the Airport has decided to reduce one shuttle line each day at certain times to conserve energy. No inconvenience at all, so hope it is working for them.Exiting the aircraft you immediately feel the heat, before quickly coming into air-conditioned halls again and there is that distinct Florida smell - can't describe it but it's there. Customs is quiet, calm, CLEAN and TIDY and everyone lines up. Photos and
fingerprints done, Visa waiver cards handed in, passports checked and stamped and the smart-looking staff quickly wave you on your way.I have to say, you know you have arrived in the USA. The flag is central, staff are smart, the place is immaculate and evryone talks in hushed tones. British Airports take note - if the Americans can do it, why can't we? Ok, I know why......
Now to pick up the car. We usually use Hertz or Budget and they can be found straight across from the baggage carousel. Car is waiting, quick bit of form filling, directions map provided and off we go. I want to get across the Sunshine Parkway Bridge before sunset.
