Day 1-2 Yay! We've arrived in the UK

We're Here!

It was a long, long trip. But it has to be said .... all went very smoothly.

Pam and Pat picked us up from home to take us to the Brisbane International airport. It was so lovely to be delivered straight there and with hours to spare, which Barb always likes, so she doesn't have to stress about missing the flight.

John waiting with our luggage at home

It was certainly a lot quieter at the airport than the last time we travelled, back in 2019. It might be because our flight was a late night departure but a lot of the shops and cafes were closed. It was surprisingly easy to check in ... helped along by the fact that the UK has recently lifted all Covid restrictions and requirements. We didn't have to have PCR or RAT tests or even present our vaccination certificate. Even Singapore didn't require one if you were just transiting through. This makes things a whole lot easier than we had expected when be originally booked the tickets.

Queuing up to check in at Brisbane International

Yay! We're through the border gates and waiting in the Departure lounge

Up and away! It's very real now...

Everyone at the airport was required to wear masks at all times, including the whole time we were on the plane (unless you were eating). This was enforced with frequent reminders. They even present you with a package of antibacterial wipes, hand wipes and mask along with single use earphones for the plane. Our flight was fully booked. Barely a spare seat anywhere. Looking around at everyone wearing their masks and noise-cancelling headphones (A surprising number of people - and the man next to me had the same rose coloured Special Edition as Barb. Very worrying!), we all resembled Dr Who Cybermen going off on holiday.

Barb at Changi airport

The first leg of the flight to Singapore was "only" eight hours.

We both manged to get a few of hours sleep, the beauty of a late night flight. Singapore airport was a bustling hive of activity. Considering it was only 5am (Singapore time) we were surprised how many Duty Free shops were actually open at this hour. Sadly the Butterfly gardens were not, but we had seen them before anyway.

Our flight to the UK was as packed as the first leg. No reprieve there. It was also delayed by an hour which meant that when we arrived in the UK we missed the bus to Stanstead Airport (which is closer to Susan and easier for her to pick us up) and had to wait until 8.35 pm for the next bus. Never mind. At least we're here!  And joy oh!  Oh rapture!  While waiting we were able to dine out at Cafe Nero, an experience not to be missed - wasn't too bad in truth.

Barb thrilled to be at Heathrow.

Central Bus station at Heathrow Airport

Luckily Barb was prepared for the cold weather. Beret scarf and coat!

Susan picked us up from Stanstead and drove us to her place at Great Chesterford. It was so good to finally see her after three years! Bella, her Golden retriever, seemed to remember us and raced to get her favourite toy to show us and snuggled up for lots of pats.

Susan and John....two peas in a pod!

Bella was very happy to see us!

We stayed up chatting for quite some time and when we finally did get to bed both John and Barb crashed out and slept through until Bella woke us with a lick a 6.30 the next morning.

Hooray .... the holiday has begun.