The Journey to Athens
Family Farewell
After weeks of preparation and all the anticipation, the time had come to hug all in the line of well wishers at Wanganui airport and board the little pencil plane bound for Auckland, taking up the last remaining vacant seat.
In Auckland, all checked in, phone call to family, freshen up in ladies room then with 90 minutes to spare, enjoyed a couple of Riverstone Merlot’s at the bar in honour of my workmates so as not to let them down with regards to our Friday night ritual. Surrounded by businessmen phoning their wives and girlfriends telling them what duty free booze they’ve bought and ETA home.
Boarding at Gate 2 1700 hours (get used to it, we have an international audience here). Breastfeeding mums and sombre souls. Man with billabong bag eyeing me up, doesn’t he know I’m not interested. Lady filing her nails – I could use an emery board right now! Final telephone call to dear Mum and Dave – so emotional! We four family members WILL meet again in six months’ time and will be looking forward to it!
Four hours travelling time to Melbourne. Window seat 28A, travelling companion Simon – 30’ish and totally engrossed in his movie but heh, I cashed in on the opportunity to read the Greek subtitles and polish up on the language. Gave Simon my card – said he would send me an email. Dinner about as good as it gets on an aeroplane in economy class, smoked salmon followed by lamb. Plastic knife, stainless steel fork, could the latter not inflict an equal amount of harm?
Offloaded, security checked, exchanged some Aussie $’s I had to Euro, two hours later back on the plane to commence the 14+ hours flight to Dubai. There was a gentleman sitting next to me, however, barely worth a mention. Another meal – shrimps, pasta, dessert then nothing else for it but to settle in for THE LONGEST NIGHT EVER – truly, history in the making. For me no sleep, only dozing at best and dreaming of lying down. Then came breakfast of scrambled egg, croissant and fresh fruit.
Arrived in Dubai 0600 hours (local time) and 30 degrees C outside. Four hour wait until the final leg of my journey to Athens. So, so terribly tired but otherwise feeling well. Flying time 4hrs 27min. My last aeroplane meal for now – brunch – chicken, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, choc mousse.
I did say I would give Katmandu clothing a plug for the wonderful customer service I received at their Wanganui store. After several weeks of getting up early to walk around the bridges (Kathy S you were a great support) and watching dietary intake, the size 12 garments purchased were too big, however, after some 3 months KATMANDU were more than happy to exchange the items for size 10, which was possible in all cases bar one. I can add, the clothing I travelled in was oh so comfortable.
