I am finding it difficult to believe that I am actually in Australia. Last time I was here was way back in 1973, just four months after the grand opening of the Sydney Opera House, and it has taken me all this time to return. I have tried, oh how I have tried, but things got in the way - marriage, children, divorce etc and it is only now that Kathryn is working here, that I have made it.
Journey was as good as a 24 hour plane flight can be which is not saying much. Travelled premium economy which I was not overly impressed with - ok the seats were a bit wider and we had a bit more leg room, but still, bit of a let down. We did have real cutlery though, no plastic stuff so I am assuming that Virgin thinks those of us who pay more are not dangerous nor likely to threaten staff with an airline spoon.
Heathrow, as ever, was a tip. Heaving mass of passengers all squashed into one space surrounded by shops and food halls selling rubbish food. For a premier airport it really is pretty poor. The contrast when we stopped off at Hong Kong for a couple of hours could not have been more marked. Wide spaces, airy ceilings, no noise, no music, all was serenity. The restaurants and cafes were immaculately clean and peaceful. Why can't we do the same?
Plane delayed so was panicking that Kathryn would have to leave the airport and go to work and I was way back in the queue to get through immigration. One family could see my agitation and when I explained that I might miss my daughter one by one everyone let me go up the queue to the front. I was so grateful I was almost in tears. Got through to the baggage reclaim and lo and behold up came my suitcase just as I arrived at the carousal, grabbed it and headed for the exit only to find a huge queue again as everyone had to hand in their embarkation cards to officials. By this stage I was in tears and up comes a strapping, gorgeous Aussie asking me 'Hey what's the matter darlin'?' Once again I explained and he just said Follow me and took me round another way thus missing the queue entirely, 'Here you go you'll be right' and he waved me through and there was Kathryn waiting for me. Hugs, shrieks and tears all round as you can imagine. Simply wonderful to see her and I am just so grateful to all those lovely passengers, just as tired and stressed as I, who let me through.
Thus endeth the first post.
Coming up - I return to the Opera house.
