first days...

ok ok not a setting a good precedent not putting my second post until 5 days later but let me explain why this is... we lost a day… the 26th December 2009 doesn't exist for both Dan and I… Whilst you were all enjoying Boxing Day we were standing in one the many queues that punctuated our travel to the other side of the world so really its only 4 days late and two of those we were travelling so really it's only two days late but I'm still at the beginnings of the 29th so really it's only one day late! But seriously the journey was ok... the first flight from Heathrow to Beijing was uneventful, comfortable and quiet (8hours). Then the pleasures of Beijing airport and Chinese border control... more interested in the illnesses you might be bringing through then anything else...nothing is more welcoming then seeing a row of passport control offices in face masks!

The wait in Beijing airport was ok (4 hours) it’s very clean very big and very cold… stepping outside to eventually board the shuttle to the plane the cold physically made me take a sharp in take of breath… As the air hostess quite gleefully pointed out the temperature outside today is -10 oh yes and that was during the day! Anyway a short hop skip and a jump (1 hour) and we were in Shanghai where yes we were told to get off the plane... walk across the airport to another queue through another row of passport control… just in case we had managed to change our identify on the way! Then through the departure lounge and back to the same plane! Finally onto the final leg of our journey and wow what a journey… unfortunately within about 2 hours into the 11 hour flight I develop the headache from hell and the worst travel sickness you can think about… not a happy bunny!

Spent the next half day squirming in my seat trying hard not to disturb the man sitting next to me (oh yes the check in desk attendant didn’t managed to get us sitting together although she said she did! = [ at least the flight was quiet and peaceful. Yes we got served Chinese food but you also had the choice of “western” food didn’t eat much but don’t worry didn’t go to waste, Dan ate his and mine! So the last half hour of the flight just fly’s by (see what I did there!) and we reach Australian soil…well so much for border security damn you TV program! We go through passport control without a hitch or a queue straight through to baggage claim no worries.., then through to customs where there was a gentleman standing with a stamp in hand… he looked at our arrival cards asked if we had anything to declare which we said we didn’t (we really didn’t!) And straight through out the door… 5 mins tops! If only we had known! No kidding that was definitely the most enjoyable part of the journey apart from seeing Lisa standing at the arrivals gate waiting to whisk us off to her lovely home and the best shower in the world! Yes friends and all who had showered at Cromwell Road it is even better then that one!

So first day in arrived at 10 am… stayed up quite well went to the supermarket (more on the wonders of food another time) for a few things a nap then just chilled, yesterday was a little more active but still taking it slow as I’m still getting dizzy episodes, the last thing I will say is that we got taken to the cinema sorry Lisa MOVIES... last night yes those who know Dan and I can guess the film we went to see! For those who can’t guess it’s AVATAR! In 3d in the best cinema screen I have ever been in! one word AMAZING! Cuddle seat (no middle arm rest!) the best sound system in the world and the largest screen in the state possibly the country! Ok enough gushing… I know have to get some coffee and some breakfast whilst you at this time just squaring away some dinner yes that’s right we are 11 hours in front! Catch you soon! =] lots of love XXX

p.s who has counted how many hours we were travelling for.. dont forget the journeys to and from the airports (2.5 hours collectively)

t-minus 29 hours

hey everyone as the title suggests it is just over 24 hours to go ... to start the journey, just incase any of you haven't heard we will be leaving Heathrow on Christmas day but will not be arriving at Sydney until the day afte boxing day!! S'ok got plenty of things to keep occupied with and going to keep positive. We will try and keep you up to date through this blog rather then relying on emails etc. But I will still be checking facebook and hotmail without fail. Right off now to sort out all my entertainment.

check back soon
XX

ps. If the title still doesn't make sense say it out loud! =]