Well, Toto, it looks like we're back in Kansas again. How do I know this? There are no more autumn trees, the temperature is quite a bit warmer than we've been experiencing, the accents are different and there are two puppies following us around the house.
The check in at Heathrow was fantastic. Because our plane was with British Airways we were able to check in via the internet and print our boarding pass while still at John's. That left only checking in the bags and going through security, both of which required no queuing and were very quick.
While in England, we have dispelled a few myths: the people are very polite and attentive in their service, the weather isn't always horrible, customs and security staff can have a sense of humour and Heathrow can operate quickly and efficiently. One customs officer, in response to queries from Michael, suggested that if she divulged the nature of what the ultraviolet light revealed, she would have to shoot him! Perhaps, she suggested, that should have been done at the beginning of the trip and it would have been much cheaper for Mum and Dad.
We had a good flight home via Bangkok. The only delay this time was when leaving Bangkok the pilot decided to wait for a tropical storm to blow throw, for which we were grateful. There was a bit of turbulence between Bangkok and Australia, but not as much as we experienced on the way out. We all had a few hours sleep between London and Bangkok and then only the adults dozed between Bangkok and Sydney. My head is now starting to feel a bit woozy, a bit like coming off the Manly ferry after a big swell.
Since landing at 7am we have unpacked the bags, done the washing (it never ceases to amaze me that despite keeping up to date while away, there is always 2-3 loads still to do!), checked the mail and done a quick shop. At the moment Andrew has gone to work to check his emails, Rachel is practicing for her school choir performance at the Opera House tonight and practicing her tuba, and Michael has fallen asleep in front of the TV.
Back to our own beds and normal routines. What an experience we all have had. I'm sure there will be many memories for years to come.
The check in at Heathrow was fantastic. Because our plane was with British Airways we were able to check in via the internet and print our boarding pass while still at John's. That left only checking in the bags and going through security, both of which required no queuing and were very quick.
While in England, we have dispelled a few myths: the people are very polite and attentive in their service, the weather isn't always horrible, customs and security staff can have a sense of humour and Heathrow can operate quickly and efficiently. One customs officer, in response to queries from Michael, suggested that if she divulged the nature of what the ultraviolet light revealed, she would have to shoot him! Perhaps, she suggested, that should have been done at the beginning of the trip and it would have been much cheaper for Mum and Dad.
We had a good flight home via Bangkok. The only delay this time was when leaving Bangkok the pilot decided to wait for a tropical storm to blow throw, for which we were grateful. There was a bit of turbulence between Bangkok and Australia, but not as much as we experienced on the way out. We all had a few hours sleep between London and Bangkok and then only the adults dozed between Bangkok and Sydney. My head is now starting to feel a bit woozy, a bit like coming off the Manly ferry after a big swell.
Since landing at 7am we have unpacked the bags, done the washing (it never ceases to amaze me that despite keeping up to date while away, there is always 2-3 loads still to do!), checked the mail and done a quick shop. At the moment Andrew has gone to work to check his emails, Rachel is practicing for her school choir performance at the Opera House tonight and practicing her tuba, and Michael has fallen asleep in front of the TV.
Back to our own beds and normal routines. What an experience we all have had. I'm sure there will be many memories for years to come.
