We are off on an adventure. Into times past and the olden days. Medieval times, history, ancient ruins, heritage buildings, and old pubs. For Pete’s sixty fifth birthday we climbed on board the long haul flight for a full day in the air. Bustling Brisbane airport where we had our passports scanned, our luggage checked and boarded the huge plane. I didn’t have to have an extra scan for my bionic knee, a first I think, since 2016 when I was gifted with a metal patella and associated metal ware.

During those first fourteen hours in the air, neither of us slept. Pete’s back, neck, stomach, and other aches and pains kept him awake. I played some of the card games and puzzle games on the computer monitor. Sleep eluded me. We were well fed, and the toilet was only a short distance from our seats.

The stop off at Dubai was less challenging than last time. We knew what to expect. A long walk around to where we changed planes. I had to take off my compression socks; my ankles were so swollen. Lack of sleep isn’t my friend either. When we land in London I am going in search of a green juice – spinach, kale, ginger, pineapple, apple, spirulina, the works. On the first flight every second person was coughing or sneezing. The trip last year, even in the snowy weather, I don’t remember getting sick and I’m not planning on doing so this time.

On the first flight I watched the Barbie Movie and I have to say it was hilarious. Maybe due to lack of sleep, but gee it was funny.

Tips for next time; wear trackies or leggings instead of jeans for the long flight. Layer, but keep your thick jacket in the stowed luggage, you can grab it easily after landing. You have to carry your carry on for a long way, don’t make it heavier than you have to.

We left at approximately nine pm on Sunday Australian time. Dubai time when we landed was five am, leaving two hours later. I think that equates to about three in the afternoon at home and three in the morning in London. Is anyone else as confused as me?

After we land, which will be at around eleven in the morning in London, we clear customs, pick up the hire car, book into the hotel. Pete will probably have a beer and fingers crossed I get a real coffee. Then we will take a taxi to the shops to get our phone sim cards, and toiletries, maybe some snacks.

I’ll fill you in on our trip each day along the way.

Edit we landed and sorted all those tasks. Daffodils are blooming everywhere here, and it is sunny but freezing – that lazy wind blows straight through. Nothing a good night’s sleep wont fix.

Apologies for any errors in this story.

Pic in the story is from last year, I haven’t taken many pics yet.