I could not really see my surroundings on my journey from the airport. (but even in the dark things looked different to the UK, the roads seemed different, the sign posts were definitely different even the air smelt different .  I was still tired from the flight, but really excited as I was in a new country with lots of new cultures and sights to experience, I was like a child on Christmas Eve wanting the morning to arrive so I could start the exciting new day. (Life’s an adventure!)

I put my suit cases into my room, this was going to be my home for the next 3 weeks (very nice, a large spacious Double room with an en-suite off the bedroom this was down stairs so it was nice and private where I could relax!! I wish. I reminded myself that I was there to work! I noticed the window was large taking up the whole wall in the room with white wooden fixed blinds going across the window, they didn’t go up and down as they do in the UK but, were fixed not quite shut, I left them as they were as didn’t want to break any thing on my first night! ) I had heard of all the dangerous spiders to be aware of (I have a spider phobia! For those who don’t know me) and snakes (dependant on the size I’m not too bad with snakes, not that I ever encounter them on a day to day basis) I had previously watched some of the Steve Urwin programmes, so that I could get a feel for where I was going and check out any creatures I should be aware of.  The Steve Urwin Zoo is in Queensland not too far from where I was staying in the Gold Coast.  On the shows it showed their rescue ventures capturing stray snakes in people’s houses!

Taking no precautions I did a spider and snake patrol of my room and en-suite just to be on the safe side, with my finger over my lip in a pondering pose, going through my mind I wondered hmmmm! Would it be safer to leave my clothes in the suitcase or hang them up? Decided that this was Sharon and Lance’s home, all their clothes would be in wardrobes and drawers so, spoke to myself saying I am a 46 year old mother & grandma with a 21 year old married daughter and 4 month grandson (Harry Jnr) and my “Wee Jordi” who is my 9 year old son (Jordan), be professional and don’t  over react I told myself (those who know me in business I am Miss Cool nothing phases me handle everything with calmness can see solutions in everything nothing is a problem am very organised, on the other hand in my personal life, very Bridget Jones).

 On seeing this film with my best friend many years ago I might add, she commented with in the first 5 minutes of the film, as she spurted out a mouthful of coke with laughter and  strange noises uncontrollably gasping for air, me patting her on her back saying its not that funny that you have to die for it. She finally blurted the words out, in the split seconds where there was a quieter part for all to hear “ I swear to god she is just like you” that was the bit where she was hovering with the knickers stuck to her leg! Not that, this has ever happened to me. Honest! I personally have never viewed myself in that way.) I quickly unpacked. Was this jet lag (not knowing what jet lag is?, setting in making me have no sense or reasoning?)

I was taking no precautions better to be on the safe side so checked the bed and under before I got in, checked the shower, when I was fully satisfied that there was nothing lurking about in my room I climbed into bed exhausted! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Next chapter Long weekend (Friday to Sunday) Fun Fun Fun!!!

My flight took of at 9.50am, on the 10th June 2009 (I had a whole 3 seats to myself, fantastic!) I watched a couple of films, the airhostesses kept feeding me and bringing drinks. I read a magazine, walked up and down the plane a few times and had a chat to other travellers getting to know their stories by this time it was 4pm (6 hours into flight) suddenly I started thinking I had until 11pm to go before I landed in Singapore! (Could I cope with the drumming noise of the plane what else could I do to keep myself occupied?) That’s when it hit me, suddenly I visualised the world globe me at the bottom and my family at the top, me going to a country I had never been to before! (looked like in the film “sleepless in Seattle” where there was a red line showing you the flight path across America only mine was around the world) 7 hours before I could have a cigarette!! Ahhhh!! That’s when I started to be sick, filled 3 bags!! Hueeee!! Trying to keep a low profile, I had 3 stewardesses around me, I had to fill my details on a card, they kept taking my temperature, told me that they might not let me on the next flight(my eyes went wide like saucers started to panic!) because they were very strict letting you into Australia I realised they thought I may have Swine flu!! (felt relieved I was just a big whimp and this was the first long flight I had ever done! Being sick is normal to me when I get nervous, just a normal part of everyday life! I’m professional I can handle this!)

When I landed in Singapore was escorted of the plane, I was glad!! Singapore is a huge airport, I would not have known where to go, (now fully appreciate the confusion & disorientation experienced with dementia) was taken to a small office/clinic where I had to see a doctor (it was 11pm our time 6am Singapore time). The Doctor was not available till 8am so I went and got showered (had a cigarette! Ahhhh! Calm and relaxed! Checked out my text messages, Zoe sent me a lovely text. How proud she was of me and didn’t know if she could do what I have done, smiled and thought if only she knew the drama! ) had a cup of tea, checked out where my flight gate was then went back to see doctor, explained first long flight I had done and was air sick, he gave me the all clear and I was ready for my next leg!!!

Only 7 hours!!! (watched yet another film, kept an eye out over Australia where the water holes were just in case the plane went down, I would know which direction to walk in!!) Australia is so vast, hard to take in!

I finally Arrived in Australia at 7pm at night, their time! 11th June 2009, I Was so glad to see Sharon & Lance at the airport, (I think they were glad to see me judging by the smiles on their faces, they were pleased I had arrive safely, they knew it was a long flight, I had not even tried to comprehend the length of time, till I had experienced it) as we drove out of the airport, the first thing I saw was a huge sign of Steve Urwin with the word’s Criiiicccccckey mate welcome to Australia. (ahhh! Friendly familiar face) I had arrived in Australia (was very pleased with myself! I had successfully travelled to the other side of the world all on my own without too much fuss!!!)…………….. to be continued:

Next chapter, The Spider & snake patrol!