It was the rainbow lorikeets in our
backyard who saw us off on our travels this year. We’d said our farewells to
close-by family over Easter holiday weekend, and at the Baptism of our 8th
grandchild. Our far-flung grandchildren had to settle
with waves and kisses via FaceTime. Now that both daughters are close to the city we have no one to drive us to the airport, but the
consolation prize was to meet a nice Japanese driver for Bribie Limousines (at $130 still cheaper than local cab
companies who quoted $150-$180!!)
Check in at Emirates was painless after we had picked up more locks for the fancy new wheeled duffle bags we’d had to purchase. After careful measurements BoyRob had chosen the 80lt version over our old 90lt ones, to ensure they’ll still fit into the top box in the camper once unpacked. We departed Brisbane on time, comfortable in spite of a full plane. GirlRob chatted to a British woman beside her, whose partner managed “The Sheik's” racehorses - what a fascinating lifestyle! Watched a couple of current movies, dozed and ate when food appeared. After 14+ hours and two hot towels, were glad to get onto terra firma at Dubai (7am, already sunny). In the final days rush packing and cleaning the house, had forgotten to take our effervescent vitamins, so quickly dissolved one in the hope of warding off germs from Other People. Embarked on next leg, to Munich (a mere 5+ hours). T’was a bonus to see the final two episodes of the British drama Kiri (GirlRob does hate to go away for months without finding out how a TV series ends!) More thrilled though to see clear view of snowy Alps as we flew up over Bulgaria and Adriatic Coast.
Check in at Emirates was painless after we had picked up more locks for the fancy new wheeled duffle bags we’d had to purchase. After careful measurements BoyRob had chosen the 80lt version over our old 90lt ones, to ensure they’ll still fit into the top box in the camper once unpacked. We departed Brisbane on time, comfortable in spite of a full plane. GirlRob chatted to a British woman beside her, whose partner managed “The Sheik's” racehorses - what a fascinating lifestyle! Watched a couple of current movies, dozed and ate when food appeared. After 14+ hours and two hot towels, were glad to get onto terra firma at Dubai (7am, already sunny). In the final days rush packing and cleaning the house, had forgotten to take our effervescent vitamins, so quickly dissolved one in the hope of warding off germs from Other People. Embarked on next leg, to Munich (a mere 5+ hours). T’was a bonus to see the final two episodes of the British drama Kiri (GirlRob does hate to go away for months without finding out how a TV series ends!) More thrilled though to see clear view of snowy Alps as we flew up over Bulgaria and Adriatic Coast.
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| Did someone tell them we're going to Africa soon?? |
Arrived in Munich Saturday 1.30pm. At 26° Spring in Germany was the same
temperature as Autumn in Queensland! Delay at passport control - 4 lanes to
process EU and locals, but only 2 lanes for most of planeload of passengers.
Quick bag pick up, how pleasant not to be delayed further by
dogs/customs/police. Found luggage storage area in the terminals central area
and left our broken/strapped suitcase (with truck spare parts) for the days
we’ll be in and around Amsterdam. No shuttle buses in sight by then, so took
taxi with Turkish driver to hotel - roomy, comfortable, and breakfast
included. Free wifi - read emails. Heavenly shower, but had to go
down to restaurant for milk for cuppa (not everyone takes powdered
creamer!). Put knowroaming SIM card in BoyRob's phone, and put phones/ iPads/ Fitbit
on chargers. The “travellers pattern” has begun! Sorted folder with itinerary,
flights and car rental papers so tomorrow’s schedule is on top. As the duffle
bags will be over 23kg limit on smaller plane, lightened by carrying the
travel books.
GirlRob took her camera for a walk into Halbergmoos village, admiring pretty Spring flowers and beautiful trees in blossom. The tulips were overblown in the hotter conditions, but hopefully will still be plentiful and pristine in Lisse tomorrow.
Had dinner in garden restaurant, veal with button mushrooms. Ah, yes - a complimentary Swiss chocolate with the bill - we’d forgotten that tradition. Sweet-talked the restaurant into more teabags and milk for our room. Drooping eyelids won out (after all it WAS 3am at home!) Set alarm in case jet lag wins in early hours.
GirlRob took her camera for a walk into Halbergmoos village, admiring pretty Spring flowers and beautiful trees in blossom. The tulips were overblown in the hotter conditions, but hopefully will still be plentiful and pristine in Lisse tomorrow.
Had dinner in garden restaurant, veal with button mushrooms. Ah, yes - a complimentary Swiss chocolate with the bill - we’d forgotten that tradition. Sweet-talked the restaurant into more teabags and milk for our room. Drooping eyelids won out (after all it WAS 3am at home!) Set alarm in case jet lag wins in early hours.
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