Our Journey begins

 After enduring a very long week we are more than ready to start our cruise. Daniel picked us up just after ten and in drizzling rain we head off to the airport. Packing went well and we are just under 23 kgs in each suitcase. Everything we wanted to take fitted with a little room to spare. Not too bad considering we have everything in one suitcase and one carry on bag each. Scary thing was the amount of medication 💊 we are forced to take. A close examination and we could look like drug smugglers. At least on the return journey we should have more space and less weight.

It was a smooth ride to the airport despite the rain along the way. Arrival was just after 11 am so it was a good run. Now we have to get the luggage tags, place them on our suitcases and place them in the luggage loading area. Usually we are not good with this technology and sure enough the first try it states unable to read and seek assistance. I try to keep my cool and reverse the way I placed the case onto the loading area - success. Our bags are just under 23kg. 

Proceed through bag screening and sit down for a cup of coffee and a shared ham cheese and tomato toastie. It is 11.30 and boarding is not until 12.40. After coffees announcement flight has been delayed not boarding now until 1.15. Turns out Sydney had heavy fog this morning and all flights delayed. Eventually get away just before 2 pm. Did not have an issue with the overhead lockers despite a full plane, but made sure we got on early. Flight was smooth and not being in a hurry we were last off the plane. As we moved down the aisle we were being followed by the cleaners. 

Picked up luggage almost as we arrived at the carousel. Travelled down the elevator to the train station only to be prevented from proceeding through the gates as insufficient funds on our opal cards! Was able to top them up at the office besides the gate and we boarded the train to central. Leaving the station we walk 150 metres to the hotel and we are in our room by 4 pm. Now it is time for a couple of beers.