Sitting in Stretham in bright winter sunshine writing this. Freezing cold outside but clear. Couldn't ask for better weather on our first day.
Journey was more of a 'mare than I was expecting or remembering! Mind you, it was only the expected stuff, based on it being so long. Not like the plane crashed or anything bad. There was quite a lot of turbulence which became trying for Chantelle. For me the lack of sleep was worst, I catnapped for a few hours on the Melbourne to Dubai stretch, but there was not a lot of room. Rest of time watched loads of tv - the inflight entertainment was good enough for 24 hours - easy even for my weird tastes. Kept the boys busy too, endless films and Simpsons cartoons - that and lots of food. What more could 8,11 and 12 year old boys ask for?
We were delayed for a couple of hours on the tarmac at Dubai and it looked like we might have had to get off at one point,so Chan and I were mighty relieved when the plane took off. Taxied up to the runway just as Uncle Richard flew in on a Quatar flight. The views on the first part of that flight were stupendous. Not entirely sure of the countries we were flying over so will be going back on Google earth to check. Some interesting geological features including the pic shown which looks like a meteorite crater.
I shall post some pictures up and maybe do another update later. We are being put up in royal fashion in Stretham by Ian and Margaret. Chantelle and I stayed with Nick and Carla last night in their beautiful house. I swear I was asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.
