Day 29

The final day had come to leave Northern Beeches, New South Wales, Australia. I packed my things up and went with My daughter to take My grandson to his singing lesson. In the car we did spelling with The other grandson while we waited. Then we went for a last meal at Curly's in North Curl Curl. It actually wasn't raining then. The pavement was still up from the uprooted gum tree. We had a great final meal and then Dan drove Sam and I to Manly ferry. Paolo and Dan said goodbye and we headed off for me the last time across Sydney Harbour to Central Quays in the Fast Ferry. It was very choppy. We took the airport train to Sydney International at Mascot and as I had checked in online it was easy to give over my luggage and spend a few precious hours with Sam at the airport.

We said our farewells as I entered the security check in. Again all the water is emptied from your flasks or bottles, liquids aerosols and lotions checked and electrical items have to be shown as you go through the check. I moved on to the transit lounge with its airport tax free shops largely things I'm not interested in buying like perfume and alcohol. I had a sandwich And made the 20 minute walk to the Gate check in. We boarded over half an hour late which was a worry as I only had 50 minutes in Singapore for my transfer. But as soon as we left the pilot announce they were asking flight control in Singapore to give them a different route to speed up the journey. 

I sat between a student going back to Switzerland and a mane going to visit relatives in India. I read most of the journey and had very little to eat as it was nighttime in my body. We arrived at Singapore 8 hours later and quickly rushed to the London plane. This time I was squeezed between a oouple who didn't want to sit together and didn't read but watched endless movies. As we entered the Bay of Biscay the plane went into an air pocket and dropped about 6 feet. I was shaking with fear. But that was the worst we experienced apart from turbulence. But as we approached Heathrow we landed to immediately take off again. No reason was given. Some 10 minutes later we landed again permanently. It took some time to go through security catch the u dee ground and a train back to Birmigham. I was struck by the greenness of the country side and the colour. And by the weather which though cooler was sunny. It was good to be met by Becky in Brum and to be reunited with the cat, and granddaughters who woke me from a deep nap. 

Farewell Australia...

But what will May bring? Watch this space.