For me departing from an air port has always filled me in trepidation and anxiety. For years I was flown around the globe by the magnificent RAF in a Hercules or other even older craft. arriving at an airport or just a camp and then to be loaded onto the aircraft not where it was headed, I am sure that the pilot knew and some of our upper echelon knew but you on the ground rarely did. The other reason I dislike airports and especially Ringway Lies in the past, When I was a little lad living in the centre of Manchester my elder brother peter would take us on day trips on our bikes Manchester airport or Ringway as it was then known was a particular favourite until one day having made our sauce butties filled our water bottles off we would trek . on one of these trips nearing the airport around Style I needed what most young boys needed a wee our Peter guided me towards the edge of the field, once started we noticed a wire and naturally as boys do Pete shouts first to hit the fence . now I was never any good at science in school so the theory of not mixing water of any kind with electric,, and this piece of wire was an electric fence I have never jumped that far since. as the electric shot ran through my body I swore that one day I would get my own back on our Pete. but never did. So that's another reason for not liking airports and Manchester in particular .
Now to the great annoyance of Noreen I always turn up early for appointments so in true style we arrived at Manchester international early, having parked the car in a secure car-park then caught the shuttle bus to terminal one as the bus was driving away Noreen realised that she had left her hand bag on the bus containing a substantial amount of Ause$ so with a few quick calls I got the bus company and in a few heart stopping moments the bus arrived with driver clinging to the handbag disaster averted. I had decided that waiting in long queues was not my greatest asset and I could become somewhat grumpy so I thought book in on line that's the forward which I did and arrived at the book in desk just to hand over the luggage I knew we were under weight so it should have been very simple but what I did not take into account was the fact that our bags were soft and not the rigid type that baggage handlers can throw around with great abandon it would seem that if they are soft and plyable such as a kit bag type it makes the throwing more difficult. This meant that the check in desk were not authorised to check in such difficult baggage and we would have to join another queue for the extreme luggage???? ours was the right size the right weight it was just too soft. As time was marching on I just bit the bullet and meekly joined another queue along with all the other transgressors of luggage hooligans. having deposited our baggage it was onwards to security, Now I am an advocate of security and believe we dont take it seriously enough I know I am going to be search I know that as soon as I go through the metal detector all the alarms are going to go off and accept it willingly I have quite a lot of metal holding this feeble frame together But honestly why do I need to take my belt and shoes off for to stand there stretch out being frisked and trying to keep ones trousers from falling down is no mean fete and quite embarrassing I know what would embarrass me would kill a Christian but never the less its still awkward . having made sure that I was not part of some great terrorist plot or part of some drug cartel I was allowed to get dressed and collect my bag that had gone through the scanner only to find that it had been flagged up as requiring special interest, Still trying to zip up and fasten my trousers I was led to a table and asked those immortal words "did you pack this yourself sir" my answer of no my Valet did it was not relieved in good heart, and I knew worse was to come. the search of my baggage almost complete he came across a denture box " is anything in here sir" no I am wearing them was my curt reply, " please open the box" as I did a great sigh of exclamation came from the security guard as if to say "got you" and what just is this sir? thats the blood paste that keeps my bloody teeth in (I was nearing the end of my most affable person) It was the explained to me that such items had to be laced in a plastic bag as with all other cosmetics, medicines and explosive devices remaining calm I asked does that include the 6 tablets a day for 80 days 480 tablets in total which were in the box on top of the offending tube of tooth glue no sir they are prescription drugs and don't count' I was going to ask how the hell he knew that but thought better of it. and stood there, accepted my reprimand (after all I have been reprimanded by experts these guys had nothing on a bad tempered drunken Sergeant Major Right we are now through and into departures everything from here was plane sailing or should I say flying, I am still astounded at the amount of luggage one can take onto an aircraft as hand luggage and why oh why do they go to such lengths to tell you the size and weight of cabin luggage then ignore what people actually take on board. It bothers me not a jot what they take on board only annoys me when I go to place my correct size bag in the overhead locker only to find that it is full of oversized bags. The air hostess asked if I would put it in a vacant space two rows away I refused and said that the person who had put THREE bags in there should remove one of theirs. As I explained that the locker above my seat was reserved for my bag three seats three bags easy not rocket science the problem was resolved and I had my correct allocated space. however the service for the rest of the flight was at best described as curt. that's what happens when you stand up for justice
The rest of the journey across the globe was very much un
ful For me departing from an air port has always filled me in trepidation and anxiety. For years I was flown around the globe by the magnificent RAF in a Hercules or other even older craft. arriving at an airport or just a camp and then to be loaded onto the aircraft not where it was headed, I am sure that the pilot knew and some of our upper echelon knew but you on the ground rarely did. The other reason I dislike airports and especially Ringway Lies in the past, When I was a little lad living in the centre of Manchester my elder brother peter would take us on day trips on our bikes Manchester airport or Ringway as it was then known was a particular favourite until one day having made our sauce butties filled our water bottles off we would trek . on one of these trips nearing the airport around Style I needed what most young boys needed a wee our Peter guided me towards the edge of the field, once started we noticed a wire and naturally as boys do Pete shouts first to hit the fence . now I was never any good at science in school so the theory of not mixing water of any kind with electric,, and this piece of wire was an electric fence I have never jumped that far since. as the electric shot ran through my body I swore that one day I would get my own back on our Pete. but never did. So that's another reason for no liking airports and Manchester in particular .
Now to the great annoyance of Noreen I always turn up early for appointments so in true style we arrived at Manchester international early, having parked the car in a secure car-park then caught the shuttle bus to terminal one as the bus was driving away Noreen realised that she had left her hand bag on the bus containing a substantial amount of Ause$ so with a few quick calls I got the bus company and in a few heart stopping moments the bus arrived with driver clinging to the handbag disaster averted. I had decided that waiting in long queues was not my greatest asset and I could become somewhat grumpy so I thought book in on line that's the forward which I did and arrived at the book in desk just to hand over the luggage I knew we were under weight so it should have been very simple but what I did not take into account was the fact that our bags were soft and not the rigid type that baggage handlers can throw around with great abandon it would seem that if they are soft and plyable such as a kit bag type it makes the throwing more difficult. This meant that the check in desk were not authorised to check in such difficult baggage and we would have to join another queue for the extreme luggage???? ours was the right size the right weight it was just too soft. As time was marching on I just bit the bullet and meekly joined another queue along with all the other transgressors of luggage hooligans. having deposited our baggage it was onwards to security, Now I am an advocate of security and believe we dont take it seriously enough I know I am going to be search I know that as soon as I go through the metal detector all the alarms are going to go off and accept it willingly I have quite a lot of metal holding this feeble frame together But honestly why do I need to take my belt and shoes off for to stand there stretch out being frisked and trying to keep ones trousers from falling down is no mean fete and quite embarrassing I know what would embarrass me would kill a Christian but never the less its still awkward . having made sure that I was not part of some great terrorist plot or part of some drug cartel I was allowed to get dressed and collect my bag that had gone through the scanner only to find that it had been flagged up as requiring special interest, Still trying to zip up and fasten my trousers I was led to a table and asked those immortal words "did you pack this yourself sir" my answer of no my Valet did it was not relieved in good heart, and I knew worse was to come. the search of my baggage almost complete he came across a denture box " is anything in here sir" no I am wearing them was my curt reply, " please open the box" as I did a great sigh of exclamation came from the security guard as if to say "got you" and what just is this sir? thats the blood paste that keeps my bloody teeth in (I was nearing the end of my most affable person) It was the explained to me that such items had to be laced in a plastic bag as with all other cosmetics, medicines and explosive devices remaining calm I asked does that include the 6 tablets a day for 80 days 480 tablets in total which were in the box on top of the offending tube of tooth glue no sir they are prescription drugs and don't count' I was going to ask how the hell he knew that but thought better of it. and stood there, accepted my reprimand (after all I have been reprimanded by experts these guys had nothing on a bad tempered drunken Sergeant Major Right we are now through and into departures everything from here was plane sailing or should I say flying, I am still astounded at the amount of luggage one can take onto an aircraft as hand luggage and why oh why do they go to such lengths to tell you the size and weight of cabin luggage then ignore what people actually take on board. It bothers me not a jot what they take on board only annoys me when I go to place my correct size bag in the overhead locker only to find that it is full of oversized bags. The air hostess asked if I would put it in a vacant space two rows away I refused and said that the person who had put THREE bags in there should remove one of theirs. As I explained that the locker above my seat was reserved for my bag three seats three bags easy not rocket science the problem was resolved and I had my correct allocated space. however the service for the rest of the flight was at best described as curt. that's what happens when you stand up for justice
The rest of the journey across the globe was very much uneventful the first 9 hours to Dubai were at best dull the stop in Dubai was like any other international airport the word I use is clinical having spent three hours in Dubai eating drinking and walking we boarded the aircraft just as tired as when we got off the following 13 hrs were spent watching films, eating,drinking, and everything else but sleeping, By the time we reached Brisbane I had completed 27 hrs without sleep no fault of anyone but me I just cannot sleep on aircraft.
Now you may consider that the flight to Australia was uncomfortable or not enjoyable. it wasn't the flight was great and the staff were kind and helpful our fellow travellers were also very affable. its just a long way and couped up for long periods is always a little tense.
But here we are in Australia enjoying the sun and friendship that Australia is famous for Mary and Rogers house is magnificent and we are having a ball please keep an eye on the blog as I am sure we will encounter lots more jolly tales
God Bless to All
Buggerlugs downunder the first 9 hours to Dubai were at best dull the stop in Dubai was like any other international airport the word I use is clinical having spent three hours in Dubai eating drinking and walking we boarded the aircraft just as tired as when we got off the following 13 hrs were spent watching films, eating,drinking, and everything else but sleeping, By the time we reached Brisbane I had completed 27 hrs without sleep no fault of anyone but me I just cannot sleep on aircraft.
Now you may consider that the flight to Australia was uncomfortable or not enjoyable. it wasn't the flight was great and the staff were kind and helpful our fellow travellers were also very affable. its just a long way and couped up for long periods is always a little tense.
But here we are in Australia enjoying the sun and friendship that Australia is famous for Mary and Rogers house is magnificent and we are having a ball please keep an eye on the blog as I am sure we will encounter lots more jolly tales
God Bless to All
Buggerlugs downunder
For me departing from an air port has always filled me in trepidation and anxiety. For years I was flown around the globe by the magnificent RAF in a Hercules or other even older craft. arriving at an airport or just a camp and then to be loaded onto the aircraft not where it was headed, I am sure that the pilot knew and some of our upper echelon knew but you on the ground rarely did. The other reason I dislike airports and especially Ringway Lies in the past, When I was a little lad living in the centre of Manchester my elder brother peter would take us on day trips on our bikes Manchester airport or Ringway as it was then known was a particular favourite until one day having made our sauce butties filled our water bottles off we would trek . on one of these trips nearing the airport around Style I needed what most young boys needed a wee our Peter guided me towards the edge of the field, once started we noticed a wire and naturally as boys do Pete shouts first to hit the fence . now I was never any good at science in school so the theory of not mixing water of any kind with electric,, and this piece of wire was an electric fence I have never jumped that far since. as the electric shot ran through my body I swore that one day I would get my own back on our Pete. but never did. So that's another reason for no liking airports and Manchester in particular .
Now to the great annoyance of Noreen I always turn up early for appointments so in true style we arrived at Manchester international early, having parked the car in a secure car-park then caught the shuttle bus to terminal one as the bus was driving away Noreen realised that she had left her hand bag on the bus containing a substantial amount of Ause$ so with a few quick calls I got the bus company and in a few heart stopping moments the bus arrived with driver clinging to the handbag disaster averted. I had decided that waiting in long queues was not my greatest asset and I could become somewhat grumpy so I thought book in on line that's the forward which I did and arrived at the book in desk just to hand over the luggage I knew we were under weight so it should have been very simple but what I did not take into account was the fact that our bags were soft and not the rigid type that baggage handlers can throw around with great abandon it would seem that if they are soft and plyable such as a kit bag type it makes the throwing more difficult. This meant that the check in desk were not authorised to check in such difficult baggage and we would have to join another queue for the extreme luggage???? ours was the right size the right weight it was just too soft. As time was marching on I just bit the bullet and meekly joined another queue along with all the other transgressors of luggage hooligans. having deposited our baggage it was onwards to security, Now I am an advocate of security and believe we dont take it seriously enough I know I am going to be search I know that as soon as I go through the metal detector all the alarms are going to go off and accept it willingly I have quite a lot of metal holding this feeble frame together But honestly why do I need to take my belt and shoes off for to stand there stretch out being frisked and trying to keep ones trousers from falling down is no mean fete and quite embarrassing I know what would embarrass me would kill a Christian but never the less its still awkward . having made sure that I was not part of some great terrorist plot or part of some drug cartel I was allowed to get dressed and collect my bag that had gone through the scanner only to find that it had been flagged up as requiring special interest, Still trying to zip up and fasten my trousers I was led to a table and asked those immortal words "did you pack this yourself sir" my answer of no my Valet did it was not relieved in good heart, and I knew worse was to come. the search of my baggage almost complete he came across a denture box " is anything in here sir" no I am wearing them was my curt reply, " please open the box" as I did a great sigh of exclamation came from the security guard as if to say "got you" and what just is this sir? thats the blood paste that keeps my bloody teeth in (I was nearing the end of my most affable person) It was the explained to me that such items had to be laced in a plastic bag as with all other cosmetics, medicines and explosive devices remaining calm I asked does that include the 6 tablets a day for 80 days 480 tablets in total which were in the box on top of the offending tube of tooth glue no sir they are prescription drugs and don't count' I was going to ask how the hell he knew that but thought better of it. and stood there, accepted my reprimand (after all I have been reprimanded by experts these guys had nothing on a bad tempered drunken Sergeant Major Right we are now through and into departures everything from here was plane sailing or should I say flying, I am still astounded at the amount of luggage one can take onto an aircraft as hand luggage and why oh why do they go to such lengths to tell you the size and weight of cabin luggage then ignore what people actually take on board. It bothers me not a jot what they take on board only annoys me when I go to place my correct size bag in the overhead locker only to find that it is full of oversized bags. The air hostess asked if I would put it in a vacant space two rows away I refused and said that the person who had put THREE bags in there should remove one of theirs. As I explained that the locker above my seat was reserved for my bag three seats three bags easy not rocket science the problem was resolved and I had my correct allocated space. however the service for the rest of the flight was at best described as curt. that's what happens when you stand up for justice
The rest of the journey across the globe was very much uneventful the first 9 hours to Dubai were at best dull the stop in Dubai was like any other international airport the word I use is clinical having spent three hours in Dubai eating drinking and walking we boarded the aircraft just as tired as when we got off the following 13 hrs were spent watching films, eating,drinking, and everything else but sleeping, By the time we reached Brisbane I had completed 27 hrs without sleep no fault of anyone but me I just cannot sleep on aircraft.
Now you may consider that the flight to Australia was uncomfortable or not enjoyable. it wasn't the flight was great and the staff were kind and helpful our fellow travellers were also very affable. its just a long way and couped up for long periods is always a little tense.
But here we are in Australia enjoying the sun and friendship that Australia is famous for Mary and Rogers house is magnificent and we are having a ball please keep an eye on the blog as I am sure we will encounter lots more jolly tales
God Bless to All
Buggerlugs downunder
Now to the great annoyance of Noreen I always turn up early for appointments so in true style we arrived at Manchester international early, having parked the car in a secure car-park then caught the shuttle bus to terminal one as the bus was driving away Noreen realised that she had left her hand bag on the bus containing a substantial amount of Ause$ so with a few quick calls I got the bus company and in a few heart stopping moments the bus arrived with driver clinging to the handbag disaster averted. I had decided that waiting in long queues was not my greatest asset and I could become somewhat grumpy so I thought book in on line that's the forward which I did and arrived at the book in desk just to hand over the luggage I knew we were under weight so it should have been very simple but what I did not take into account was the fact that our bags were soft and not the rigid type that baggage handlers can throw around with great abandon it would seem that if they are soft and plyable such as a kit bag type it makes the throwing more difficult. This meant that the check in desk were not authorised to check in such difficult baggage and we would have to join another queue for the extreme luggage???? ours was the right size the right weight it was just too soft. As time was marching on I just bit the bullet and meekly joined another queue along with all the other transgressors of luggage hooligans. having deposited our baggage it was onwards to security, Now I am an advocate of security and believe we dont take it seriously enough I know I am going to be search I know that as soon as I go through the metal detector all the alarms are going to go off and accept it willingly I have quite a lot of metal holding this feeble frame together But honestly why do I need to take my belt and shoes off for to stand there stretch out being frisked and trying to keep ones trousers from falling down is no mean fete and quite embarrassing I know what would embarrass me would kill a Christian but never the less its still awkward . having made sure that I was not part of some great terrorist plot or part of some drug cartel I was allowed to get dressed and collect my bag that had gone through the scanner only to find that it had been flagged up as requiring special interest, Still trying to zip up and fasten my trousers I was led to a table and asked those immortal words "did you pack this yourself sir" my answer of no my Valet did it was not relieved in good heart, and I knew worse was to come. the search of my baggage almost complete he came across a denture box " is anything in here sir" no I am wearing them was my curt reply, " please open the box" as I did a great sigh of exclamation came from the security guard as if to say "got you" and what just is this sir? thats the blood paste that keeps my bloody teeth in (I was nearing the end of my most affable person) It was the explained to me that such items had to be laced in a plastic bag as with all other cosmetics, medicines and explosive devices remaining calm I asked does that include the 6 tablets a day for 80 days 480 tablets in total which were in the box on top of the offending tube of tooth glue no sir they are prescription drugs and don't count' I was going to ask how the hell he knew that but thought better of it. and stood there, accepted my reprimand (after all I have been reprimanded by experts these guys had nothing on a bad tempered drunken Sergeant Major Right we are now through and into departures everything from here was plane sailing or should I say flying, I am still astounded at the amount of luggage one can take onto an aircraft as hand luggage and why oh why do they go to such lengths to tell you the size and weight of cabin luggage then ignore what people actually take on board. It bothers me not a jot what they take on board only annoys me when I go to place my correct size bag in the overhead locker only to find that it is full of oversized bags. The air hostess asked if I would put it in a vacant space two rows away I refused and said that the person who had put THREE bags in there should remove one of theirs. As I explained that the locker above my seat was reserved for my bag three seats three bags easy not rocket science the problem was resolved and I had my correct allocated space. however the service for the rest of the flight was at best described as curt. that's what happens when you stand up for justice
The rest of the journey across the globe was very much un
Now to the great annoyance of Noreen I always turn up early for appointments so in true style we arrived at Manchester international early, having parked the car in a secure car-park then caught the shuttle bus to terminal one as the bus was driving away Noreen realised that she had left her hand bag on the bus containing a substantial amount of Ause$ so with a few quick calls I got the bus company and in a few heart stopping moments the bus arrived with driver clinging to the handbag disaster averted. I had decided that waiting in long queues was not my greatest asset and I could become somewhat grumpy so I thought book in on line that's the forward which I did and arrived at the book in desk just to hand over the luggage I knew we were under weight so it should have been very simple but what I did not take into account was the fact that our bags were soft and not the rigid type that baggage handlers can throw around with great abandon it would seem that if they are soft and plyable such as a kit bag type it makes the throwing more difficult. This meant that the check in desk were not authorised to check in such difficult baggage and we would have to join another queue for the extreme luggage???? ours was the right size the right weight it was just too soft. As time was marching on I just bit the bullet and meekly joined another queue along with all the other transgressors of luggage hooligans. having deposited our baggage it was onwards to security, Now I am an advocate of security and believe we dont take it seriously enough I know I am going to be search I know that as soon as I go through the metal detector all the alarms are going to go off and accept it willingly I have quite a lot of metal holding this feeble frame together But honestly why do I need to take my belt and shoes off for to stand there stretch out being frisked and trying to keep ones trousers from falling down is no mean fete and quite embarrassing I know what would embarrass me would kill a Christian but never the less its still awkward . having made sure that I was not part of some great terrorist plot or part of some drug cartel I was allowed to get dressed and collect my bag that had gone through the scanner only to find that it had been flagged up as requiring special interest, Still trying to zip up and fasten my trousers I was led to a table and asked those immortal words "did you pack this yourself sir" my answer of no my Valet did it was not relieved in good heart, and I knew worse was to come. the search of my baggage almost complete he came across a denture box " is anything in here sir" no I am wearing them was my curt reply, " please open the box" as I did a great sigh of exclamation came from the security guard as if to say "got you" and what just is this sir? thats the blood paste that keeps my bloody teeth in (I was nearing the end of my most affable person) It was the explained to me that such items had to be laced in a plastic bag as with all other cosmetics, medicines and explosive devices remaining calm I asked does that include the 6 tablets a day for 80 days 480 tablets in total which were in the box on top of the offending tube of tooth glue no sir they are prescription drugs and don't count' I was going to ask how the hell he knew that but thought better of it. and stood there, accepted my reprimand (after all I have been reprimanded by experts these guys had nothing on a bad tempered drunken Sergeant Major Right we are now through and into departures everything from here was plane sailing or should I say flying, I am still astounded at the amount of luggage one can take onto an aircraft as hand luggage and why oh why do they go to such lengths to tell you the size and weight of cabin luggage then ignore what people actually take on board. It bothers me not a jot what they take on board only annoys me when I go to place my correct size bag in the overhead locker only to find that it is full of oversized bags. The air hostess asked if I would put it in a vacant space two rows away I refused and said that the person who had put THREE bags in there should remove one of theirs. As I explained that the locker above my seat was reserved for my bag three seats three bags easy not rocket science the problem was resolved and I had my correct allocated space. however the service for the rest of the flight was at best described as curt. that's what happens when you stand up for justice
The rest of the journey across the globe was very much uneventful the first 9 hours to Dubai were at best dull the stop in Dubai was like any other international airport the word I use is clinical having spent three hours in Dubai eating drinking and walking we boarded the aircraft just as tired as when we got off the following 13 hrs were spent watching films, eating,drinking, and everything else but sleeping, By the time we reached Brisbane I had completed 27 hrs without sleep no fault of anyone but me I just cannot sleep on aircraft.
Now you may consider that the flight to Australia was uncomfortable or not enjoyable. it wasn't the flight was great and the staff were kind and helpful our fellow travellers were also very affable. its just a long way and couped up for long periods is always a little tense.
But here we are in Australia enjoying the sun and friendship that Australia is famous for Mary and Rogers house is magnificent and we are having a ball please keep an eye on the blog as I am sure we will encounter lots more jolly tales
God Bless to All
Buggerlugs downunder the first 9 hours to Dubai were at best dull the stop in Dubai was like any other international airport the word I use is clinical having spent three hours in Dubai eating drinking and walking we boarded the aircraft just as tired as when we got off the following 13 hrs were spent watching films, eating,drinking, and everything else but sleeping, By the time we reached Brisbane I had completed 27 hrs without sleep no fault of anyone but me I just cannot sleep on aircraft.
Now you may consider that the flight to Australia was uncomfortable or not enjoyable. it wasn't the flight was great and the staff were kind and helpful our fellow travellers were also very affable. its just a long way and couped up for long periods is always a little tense.
But here we are in Australia enjoying the sun and friendship that Australia is famous for Mary and Rogers house is magnificent and we are having a ball please keep an eye on the blog as I am sure we will encounter lots more jolly tales
God Bless to All
Buggerlugs downunder
Now to the great annoyance of Noreen I always turn up early for appointments so in true style we arrived at Manchester international early, having parked the car in a secure car-park then caught the shuttle bus to terminal one as the bus was driving away Noreen realised that she had left her hand bag on the bus containing a substantial amount of Ause$ so with a few quick calls I got the bus company and in a few heart stopping moments the bus arrived with driver clinging to the handbag disaster averted. I had decided that waiting in long queues was not my greatest asset and I could become somewhat grumpy so I thought book in on line that's the forward which I did and arrived at the book in desk just to hand over the luggage I knew we were under weight so it should have been very simple but what I did not take into account was the fact that our bags were soft and not the rigid type that baggage handlers can throw around with great abandon it would seem that if they are soft and plyable such as a kit bag type it makes the throwing more difficult. This meant that the check in desk were not authorised to check in such difficult baggage and we would have to join another queue for the extreme luggage???? ours was the right size the right weight it was just too soft. As time was marching on I just bit the bullet and meekly joined another queue along with all the other transgressors of luggage hooligans. having deposited our baggage it was onwards to security, Now I am an advocate of security and believe we dont take it seriously enough I know I am going to be search I know that as soon as I go through the metal detector all the alarms are going to go off and accept it willingly I have quite a lot of metal holding this feeble frame together But honestly why do I need to take my belt and shoes off for to stand there stretch out being frisked and trying to keep ones trousers from falling down is no mean fete and quite embarrassing I know what would embarrass me would kill a Christian but never the less its still awkward . having made sure that I was not part of some great terrorist plot or part of some drug cartel I was allowed to get dressed and collect my bag that had gone through the scanner only to find that it had been flagged up as requiring special interest, Still trying to zip up and fasten my trousers I was led to a table and asked those immortal words "did you pack this yourself sir" my answer of no my Valet did it was not relieved in good heart, and I knew worse was to come. the search of my baggage almost complete he came across a denture box " is anything in here sir" no I am wearing them was my curt reply, " please open the box" as I did a great sigh of exclamation came from the security guard as if to say "got you" and what just is this sir? thats the blood paste that keeps my bloody teeth in (I was nearing the end of my most affable person) It was the explained to me that such items had to be laced in a plastic bag as with all other cosmetics, medicines and explosive devices remaining calm I asked does that include the 6 tablets a day for 80 days 480 tablets in total which were in the box on top of the offending tube of tooth glue no sir they are prescription drugs and don't count' I was going to ask how the hell he knew that but thought better of it. and stood there, accepted my reprimand (after all I have been reprimanded by experts these guys had nothing on a bad tempered drunken Sergeant Major Right we are now through and into departures everything from here was plane sailing or should I say flying, I am still astounded at the amount of luggage one can take onto an aircraft as hand luggage and why oh why do they go to such lengths to tell you the size and weight of cabin luggage then ignore what people actually take on board. It bothers me not a jot what they take on board only annoys me when I go to place my correct size bag in the overhead locker only to find that it is full of oversized bags. The air hostess asked if I would put it in a vacant space two rows away I refused and said that the person who had put THREE bags in there should remove one of theirs. As I explained that the locker above my seat was reserved for my bag three seats three bags easy not rocket science the problem was resolved and I had my correct allocated space. however the service for the rest of the flight was at best described as curt. that's what happens when you stand up for justice
The rest of the journey across the globe was very much uneventful the first 9 hours to Dubai were at best dull the stop in Dubai was like any other international airport the word I use is clinical having spent three hours in Dubai eating drinking and walking we boarded the aircraft just as tired as when we got off the following 13 hrs were spent watching films, eating,drinking, and everything else but sleeping, By the time we reached Brisbane I had completed 27 hrs without sleep no fault of anyone but me I just cannot sleep on aircraft.
Now you may consider that the flight to Australia was uncomfortable or not enjoyable. it wasn't the flight was great and the staff were kind and helpful our fellow travellers were also very affable. its just a long way and couped up for long periods is always a little tense.
But here we are in Australia enjoying the sun and friendship that Australia is famous for Mary and Rogers house is magnificent and we are having a ball please keep an eye on the blog as I am sure we will encounter lots more jolly tales
God Bless to All
Buggerlugs downunder
The Canal (thats what they call it)
The House
the fishing boat
Noreen after a long long journey
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