Flight to Oz: Leg 3

Singapore-Perth

Alas had no time at all to upload my blog stories in Singapore. Remainder of the flight to Singapore had some more severe turbulence. But it was still not too bad, the mighty A380 protected us well. Landing seemed a little rushed. Pilot just seemed to plant the entire plane on the ground at once (it was clearly not as carefully done as take-off in London).

Upon arriving in Singapore, we still had a slight delay (caused by the traffic jam on the runway in London Heathrow). Originally, I was supposed to have 60 minutes to change planes. Now I had about 40. Rushed to the plane, went through security again and boarded immediately.

We were supposed to live within 20 minutes. Supposed. All kinds of problems with loading the plane (lugagge problems alas, so I really hope that my suitcase was not left behind in Singapore). Delayed by more than an hour. Finally, our plane –an A330 (so small compared to the A380)- got the all clear. Take-off was smooth. Beautiful view of Singapore (and its surrounding islands).

We just passed the equator and there is quite a bit of turbulence. On the way to Australia, only 4 hours left!! And I am feeling ok. A little groggy. I will try to sleep a little bit more after lunch.

Yay, only 1 hour and 15 minutes left!!! I should be seeing the first part of Australian mainland very very soon. Cannot wait to set foot to Australian soil for the first time in 17 years. Yes, and I am yearning for a nice hot shower. Even though the three flights weren’t as awful and tiring as I thought they would be, you cannot exactly say that I am 100% fit. I did get some sleep after lunch. But I can feel that my body is a little confused. My butt hurts. Should have grown more flesh before I left ;). My stomac is a little upset. The meals were good. But my stomac (along with the rest of my body) is still living on European time. So when my stomac/body wants breakfast it gets lunch. And when it wants lunch, it gets dinner.

Another island, this one is a lot bigger. Don’t think this can be Rottnest Island already. Alas, the map on my personal TV screen doesn’t say what it is called. Ok, I just realized that this big islandt is actually Australia's mainland. Took me a while to realize that, blame it on the jetlag :D.

A little more about the plane that is flying me from Singapore to Perth, the A330. Although this A330 is a nice plane, it is not that fancy. It does provide private tv screens for every customer. But these screens are much smaller (and they don’t offer as much entertainment) as big private touchscreen in the A380. Also there is a limited amount of legroom and the seats are quite small, even for a person of my height and size. And the toilets are just so tiny. The A380 has made me even more spoiled than I already am lol ;).

Cabinet personnel is passing through the cabin with water, I am going to get myself a cup. Onto Perth it is!!
After passing through thick clouds (fortunately the clouds seemed to have lifted around Perth), we arrived in Perth one hour behind schedule. I was happy that I did make it through customs quickly. And yahooo, there it was, already waiting for me: my suitcase!!! A little battered from the long flight like me, but overall just fine. Before I exited the airport terminal, my lugage was sniffed by a very cute beagle. This beagle had to check if I wasn't taking any illegal foods into Australia. Fortunately I passed and got to the Shuttle which dropped me of right in front of my hostel.

After resting a bit and taking a quick shower, I managed to find a McDonald's in no-time (my hostel doesn't offer free internet). From this spot I am now writing my blogs. More in the next couple of days. Now I am going to take some very well deserved rest :D.