I think I should cover the end of the Singapore trip and coming into Perth …

We got up when the alarm went off (at 5:45 blerg!) and then the wake up call arrived (“Have a great day!”) and had a fab shower. The transport was to pick us up at 6:50, but we had to let the front desk know so that they could call them. We had tonnes of time, so checked out we had decided to skip the S$30 breakfast and grab a McDs in the airport, but while they were trying to figure out who needed to know about our transport (nobody, they just arrive) we were treated to a coffee and croissant (she made us lattes rather than white coffee, yum!) And then another one and some chocolates.

I love Singapore! I dont know whether we would have got similar treatment at another hotel, or just because it was the Ritz Carlton, but it was just amazing.

We got to skip check in because we had already done it in Heathrow, and didnt have to worry about our hold luggage either – it went straight through. Singapore Airport is ginormous, you can walk, or they have shuttle trains to get you to your gate. We wandered into Departures and got nabbed by security to put our rucksacks onto the scanner (not everyone did, I think its coz Ian looks shifty), then through passport control and into the departure lounge which was again clean and full of stuff, water features, art displays and shops.

The actual gate was were the security was – they seem to have one for each gate. So, through the scanners and the xray machines (just like being back at work but with a less restrictive list of banned items!). This flight wasnt as good as the long haul stretch, but thats not to say it was bad! It far surpassed any sleazyjet flight, and a million times better than that shitey Thomson flight to Cyprus. More space, more entertainment (it was an older version of the system on the A380 – good, but slower and not as wide a selection) Less in the way of snacks and drinks, but it was a far shorter flight. I would definately still recommend Singapore Airlines.

Then we arrived in Perth! By god by the customs and quarantine people are paranoid! It was so intimidating I ended up convinced I was going to get caught with something. They fine you for carrying food, feathers, dirt, all sorts of stuff! As it happens, we were fine. But it was an intimidating experience. They scan you again coming into the country!

The flat we are in is nice, good views, comfy bed. It has its downsides though – it someones basement, and as well as the two patio door entrances, there are stairs up to their house that they lock. The guy that owns the place very nicely brought us in some juice and bread and butter. The layout is a little awkward, but nothing to worry about, but the kitchen is really small. Never mind, we are only here two weeks, and we dealt with an even smaller kitchen in Cyprus!

We picked up a chinese takeaway last night, and it was strange. Carrots, brocolli, cauliflower and chicken thigh meat…. the kung po had at least a handful of dried chillis in it! It lasted us two nights though as we ordered wrong and ended up with 4 meals rather than 2 and 2 sides. Heh.

We have been looking around for accommodation today – thats hard work I tell you when you have no idea about the areas! But we are already figuring out where abouts we are in relation to the major roads around here.

Ian reckoned we would be adjusted to the time zone. Hah! We went to bed at the back of 8, and I was up at 00:30 and Ian was up around 3:00. We finally got back to sleep around 5am, till about 8. Its now 22:15, so this time, we might be adjusted 😉

Oh, and the only beasties we have seen so far beyond some flies is ants. All over the kitchen.

Ants, why does it always have to be Ants!

Well, after a five hour flight from Singapore we landed in Perth and picked up the hire car. Our apartment is pretty cool (and then my new boss swung by with some bread and milk etc).

It’s a little intimidating driving here – they have some nasty junction merges and for some reason Sat Nav that quite seriously sucks!

still, we are finding our way around, and starting the search for an apartment. It’s 8:20 and we are starting to get sleepy. not too bad though – we will probably be adjusted to the time zone by tomorrow. 🙂

here we are in heathrow terminal 3 with an hour before the gate opens.

we got a taxi from the hotel to here, scooted through check in in only a few minutes but got caught in security when we totally forgot about a bottle of water we had picked up yesterday. so we got pulled over and everything checked and tested for explosives. didn’t take too long though.

now we are waiting as we don’t actually fly for another 2 hours. bur I am happier killing time here than being late.

…

doing this from my phone and its not the greatest as I can only see 1 chacter on screen. I will fix up the text later 🙂

Too tired to do anything other than take their complimentary beer, wine and juice, we didnt go far last night.

Bed at 8, yes, we were that tired.

Today, we are up early again and about to go try the complimentary breakfast, see if its any good. Then off to check in to the uber flight. We will probably do that early, what with my “flight missing paranoia”, there are “pure hunners” of people getting on this plane, so we dont want to get caught up in a huge queue and miss it.

We did indeed manage to get this far without any incidents other than me blubbering at my mum and dads and then again (and again and again) at the airport.

We had plans to try and get into London itself and see some stuff, but we really are just too knackered. I can see us asleep in the next few hours. Its been a long week…..

Just had my first actual meal of the day – nerves have been keeping me from eating. Thats such a rare occurrence, it needs special mention!

The bed, it has to be said, is extra comfy and its bedgravity is extra strong.

Well, after a teary farewell at Glasgow Airport (and some scrambled egg on toast!) we had a pretty pleasant flight down to heathrow.

we arrived on time, and settled into our executive room (oh yeah) at the Sheraton Heathrow. I’m now uploading some photos and the video of the empty house using the super fast internet connection.

now the biggest decision we face – do we enjoy the club lounge here at the hotel and just relax the day away, or do we scoot into London and do the tourist thing..

sounds tempting, but then so does the mini bar 😀

Just up, got to get to the airport and get on a plane.
Lets see if we can manage that without any incidents!

The last few days have been mental!

After the lorry took all our worldly goods away:

the house looked pretty empty. But you wouldn’t believe how long it takes to clean an
empty house! We have been sleeping at my folks and driving up and down from greenock to the house.

Ians mum and sister and her husband and anns russian lodger gave us a huge help with cleaning and touching up all the painting.

Yesterday was finishing the garden. It looks great now, but it was hard work..

Many skips runs were involved and hefting huge bags of gravel. We are officially knackered.

Last night was a family meal at my sisters which was good fun 🙂 much food, much drink.

Today is last minute running around with customs declarations and getting a replacement battery charger for the camera as ours is on a boat to perth now. Along with so many things we could be doing with.

I don’t expect to get much sleep tonight with nerves!