DUBAI to SYDNEY – nearly back down under

My flight is announced ‘EK414 to Sydney is ready for boarding’.  Boarding from the Lounge is certainly the way to go.  There are lifts that take me down to the gate and then unshoved I proceed through to the plane where once again, I am greeted with smiles at the doorway and escorted to my seat – 9K.

Once settled and carry-ons stowed in the more than ample space it is time to sit back, relax and enjoy an orange juice before take-off – then it’s time to hit the Moet.

Doesn’t this look welcoming? You don’t have to climb over anyone or wonder if you are going to get the 500kg person beside you that hogs half your space and a good chance that they have BO.

You can get up and walk around without having to annoy the person beside you – the list of positives goes on and on.

But best of all this seat turns into a flat bed. Yep, definitely the best way to go, well apart from First Class but I doubt that I will ever get that far.

Time for warm nuts and more juice in a real glass.  I love all these little extras – even though I pay for it when I buy my ticket – it is sure nice to be pampered just a little.

Speaking of which, the Bulgari Amenities bags are handed out and it is menu time.

Breakfast choice is French Toast served with Plum Compote and Dulce de Leche (hot sweetened milk that changes colour to resemble a caramel).

Obviously I was hungry because there is no photo. AAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!

Time for a sleep but before that I have to choose my lunch – this is all part of keeping nervous passengers minds of flying and on the food. Fortunately I am not one of those.

I choose Cream of Mushroom Soup topped with Chives (below left) – Grilled Veal Steak served with Mushroom Sauce, Potato Gratin and Green beans with Veal Rashers (below right)

I give dessert a miss but I still get a little box of chocolates.

After packing this away I go for a little stroll down to the bar at the back of the plane.  Little snacks, sandwiches and mini pastries abound.  Have we not had enough to eat – apparently some people haven’t.  I get a couple of skewers with seasonal fruit and a piece of pistachio baklava. Oh well.

Like all the crockery – this is placed on a Royal Doulton plate – especially designed for Emirates. Back to my seat to wonder why I wanted more food – another mystery of the universe.

Later on I remember that I have no photos of the bar area – but by this time everything it is packed away.

Finally descending into Sydney – too dark outside for photos and to be honest I am too tired.  Coming home from holidays is always tiring – that is until I start planning the next one.

When it is time to leave the plane we have to walk down past the First Class cabins (quick look at the indulgence), down the stairs and then through customs etc.

It is now 10.30pm and my chauffer from Hughes Limousines is waiting to take me home.

Looking back on the past weeks it has been one incredible holiday.  Even though I was always on the go – it seemed to be relaxing.  Maybe it was because I was by myself and was not rushed to be anywhere at a certain time, even though I did resemble the Energizer Bunny most days.

There are things I would do differently for sure – book all private tours and not travel on the faker coaches – spend more time in the Aegean – try not to have early mornings so that I can do night photography – spend more time at the museums – spend a full day at the Acropolis in Athens – eat more of that wonderful Greek food especially Spanakopita and Moussaka.

I am most beholden to Lea who put this itinerary together – I gave her a time frame and a  list of what I wanted to see and do and hey presto – it was all done.  Flights, hotels, tours everything.

It wasn’t cheap – but you can’t take it with you and you may as well get some enjoyment out of life living the dream.

I am also thankful to Zeus and the Gods of Olympus for allowing me to trespass on their magnificent domain –

Σας ευχαριστώ Ελλάδα, ήταν μια υπέροχη εμπειρία

Thank you Greece, it was a wonderful experience