I went to Brisbane on Wednesday to see Simon & Garfunkel play at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre as I would miss them when they hit Adelaide. They were awesome. If you get the chance you should see them.
Getting back to Adelaide on Thursday about 1100, I had about eight hours before I had to be at the airport for the first flight of my holiday. I had a few things to do, visiting a couple of clients and packing amongst them; my flight out of Adelaide was at 1950.
At 1600, I received a SMS from Qantas telling me my flight had been pushed back nearly an hour - I wouldn't leave now untill 2040. "Excellent!" I thought. I had a little bit more time. Until I realised that it would only give me a half hour before the flight to Hong Kong was scheduled to leave. So I ring them and they change me to a 1800 flight! Shafted!
I wasn't home. I hadn't packed.
Rushing home, I had about 45 minutes to get ready. But I did it and was at the airport with five minutes to spare.
Didn't get my upgrade to Premium Economy and it's a fully booked flight. Bugger.
Anyhoo, got to Hong Kong and after a little trouble, managed to find the Qantas lounge and drank about five 300ml bottles of water which was a mistake I know, but I was thirsty.
So we get back on the same plane again for the final leg to London. But of course there is trouble and we are held up a little bit while the engineers attempt to resolve a "refuelling issue." Whatever.
I dose off. Plane takes off.
I wake up because of a very loud "BANG." The overhead locker door springs open. I hear faint screams and scaredness.
Damn.
Time to die.
Which is typical. Couldn't have happened on the flight home after I had enjoyed the holiday.
As my head gets a little clearer, it seems we aren't crashing at all. The guy next to me suggests it was the landing gear freewheeling or some such thing. It really is quite amazing the thoughts you can think in the space of a few seconds.
Thankfully the rest of the 13 hour flight was uneventful.
Got to Immigration and the humorless, pained to be at work agent is asking me questions. "Is it just you? Do you know anyone in London?" I answer politely. I even smile at her.
I'm in.
I catch the Heathrow Express to Paddington station, it only takes 15 minutes. I realise I have forgotten my Oyster card and I have to purchase another to I can use the Tube. (I later cancel my old card sitting at home using the web and transfer the balance to my new card - technology is grand!)
At the hotel, I check in and fall asleep to wake 12 hours later.
I'm on Holiday.
Alright.
