Money, money, money oh and shoes!

Two weeks to go.  I cannot believe it really.  To be honest I have so much on my mind at the moment with moving my trip is creeping up on me.  However, I am working down my list:

Car booked in for MOT and service
Suitcase down from loft
Old holiday clothes washed, ironed and on bed waiting to be packed
Smellies half sorted
Shoes and flip flops purchased
Hats ready to be packed
Money purchased today

So went to good old M&S for firstly new knickers!  I always have to have new knickers for a holiday - I know don't ask, I don't know why.  And also for my currency.  So I handed over debit card and got two envelopes of monopoly money!  I haven't a clue what is what and what the exchange rate it.  But I am assured that I can get an app for my phone and that will sort it all out!  We shall see.

It is amazing that, yet again, I am trying to get my sorry ass to Australia and the house that has been on the market for over a year, decides to sell.  I said all along this would happen.  However, the boxing and packing is coming along nicely and I guess that .......

For those of you who do not know, I am having a bit of a do on Saturday 9 March from 6.00pm onwards to just say thank you to you all for getting me thus far.

It has been a challenging (to say the least) period of my life but I really do think that I am now starting again.  So if you can, please join me.  If you need the address mail me and I will forward it to you.

Three weeks and counting!

Well three weeks to go and I have started to get some bits together but have also been busy packing up boxes for the impending move.  So it has been busy but hey I will get there.

I have now booked my Sunday lunch whilst I am in Sydney.  I gave always wanted to eat at Doyle's restaurant at Watson's Bay.  So I have booked a table for Sunday 17 March and I have asked for a table for one lol, outside so I can eat some delicious seafood and fish, drinking some Australian wine, over looking Sydney Harbour!  Check out Doyle's and I am eating at Doyle's on the beach.

http://www.doyles.com.au/

Timing - again!

Well you have to laugh or you would just continue to cry!  After over a 12 months of trying to sell my house, we have a buyer!  Who want to be in before Easter!  I am in Australia until Easter!  Three times in my life I have tried to get to Australia and something always happen.  But I have thought about it and I am going, stuff it.  I have some wonderful friends who will do all that they can to help to get things done for me, if need be, whilst I am away. 

So I am going to look at it as new start; the start of my new life.  My lifetime's ambition to 'go down under', Jude House - our sanctuary girls, away from the FW men!  I want to grow old disgracefully!  

The travel documents arrived by email for my trip - so here we go.  This is where I will be, when and how I will get there:

Monday 11th March 2013
Extra Australian Visa Approved
Flight Manchester to London Heathrow Departs 11 March 2013 17:10 Manchester Terminal 3 Arrives 11 March 2013 18:10 London Heathrow 1 Passenger Airline British Airways Flight Number BA1403
Flight London Heathrow to Hong Kong Departs 11 March 2013 21:00 London Heathrow Terminal 5 Arrives 12 March 2013 16:40 Hong Kong 1 Passenger Airline British Airways Flight Number BA027

Tuesday 12th March 2013
Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Metropark Kowloon Hotel Departs 12 March 2013 Hong Kong Airport 12 March 2013 Metropark Kowloon Hotel 1 Passenger Arrives Type Seat-in Transfer Operator Pacific World Hong Kong
Accommodation Metropark Kowloon Hotel Check In 12 March 2013 Check Out 15 March 2013 1 Passenger Nights 3 Rooms 1 Room Type Superior Room Board Basis Room Only
*Important Information: A child under 12 years stays free when sharing existing bedding with 2 adults. If an extra bed is required a third adult supplement is chargeable.

Wednesday 13th March 2013
Excursion Half Day Hong Kong Island City Tour Comments Half Day (5hrs) Sightseeing Tour of Hong Kong Island, morning pick up between 08:00-08:50. Lunch is not included. Tour itinerary includes visits to Man Mo Temple, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Stanley Market.

Friday 15th March 2013
Transfer Metropark Kowloon Hotel to Hong Kong Airport Departs 15 March 2013 Metropark Kowloon Hotel 15 March 2013 Hong Kong Airport 1 Passenger Arrives Type Seat-in Transfer Operator Pacific World Hong Kong
Flight Hong Kong to Sydney Departs 15 March 2013 19:55 Hong Kong Terminal 1 Arrives 16 March 2013 08:20 Sydney 1 Passenger Airline Qantas Flight Number QF128 Airline Reference ZWV95P (For APIS & online check-in only)

Saturday 16th March 2013
Transfer Sydney Airport to Mercure Sydney Departs 16 March 2013 Sydney Airport 16 March 2013 Mercure Sydney 1 Passenger Arrives Type Coach Transfer Operator AOT Group Pty Ltd
Accommodation Mercure Sydney 818-820 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney, AU Check In 16 March 2013 Check Out 20 March 2013 1 Passenger Nights 4 Rooms 1 Room Type Standard Room - DOUBLE Board Basis Room Only

Sunday 17th March 2013
Excursion Captain Cook Cruises (Sydney) Main and Middle Harbour Coffee Cruise-Morning Comments Inclusion:See all of Sydney Harbour. - Comprehensive commentary Meals: morning Tea. Tour Duration: 2 hour. Departure Point: No.6 Jetty, Circular Quay. Departure Time: 10am. Infants on cruise: infants 0-4 years inclusive are allowed, however it is not recommended. 10.00AM Departure Point: No. 6 Jetty, Circular Quay.

Monday 18th March 2013
Excursion 1 Day Blue Mountains High Country Ecotour - Australian Wild Escapes BM1 Comments Inclusions: touring by luxury air-conditioned vehicle, comprehensive commentary, visit to The Three Sisters Meals: homemade morning tea.- Now includes 2 course lunch not BBQ lunch as stated .-Selected Australian wines and refreshments Pickup: Sydney City Accommodation. Departure Time:8.00am April until October '12 - operates Tues, Thurs and Sat. November '12 until March '13 operates Mon to Fri. pick up 08:00am from Mercure Sydney

Wednesday 20th March 2013
Transfer Mercure Sydney to Sydney Airport Departs 20 March 2013 Mercure Sydney 20 March 2013 Sydney Airport 1 Passenger Arrives Type Coach Transfer Operator AOT Group Pty Ltd Comments pick up 7.15am from Mercure Sydney
Flight Sydney to Ayers Rock Departs 20 March 2013 09:45 Sydney Terminal 3 Arrives 20 March 2013 11:40 Ayers Rock 1 Passenger Airline Qantas Flight Number QF728 Airline Reference ZWV95P (For APIS & online check-in only)
Accommodation Desert Gardens Hotel Ayers Rock Yulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872, Yulara, AU Check In 20 March 2013 Check Out 22 March 2013 1 Passenger Nights 2 Rooms 1 Room Type Escape Special - Standard Room - DOUBLE Board Basis Room Only

Thursday 21st March 2013
Excursion Uluru Sunrise Climb or Base Tour - AAT Kings Comments Please note that the National Park Entry Fee is AUD25.00 per person (subject to change). These charges are not included in the price and are payable direct. Tour Duration: Aproximately 5 hours. Departure Point: Ayers Rock Resort.Departure Time: Approximately - 90 minutes prior to sunrise. pick up 5.15am from Desert Gardens Hotel

Friday 22nd March 2013
Flight Ayers Rock to Cairns Departs 22 March 2013 15:25 Ayers Rock Arrives 22 March 2013 18:30 Cairns 1 Passenger Airline Qantas Flight Number QF1854 Airline Reference ZWV95P (For APIS & online check-in only) Comments Please note that this flight is operated by Qantaslink.
Transfer Cairns Airport to Rendezvous Reef Resort Departs 22 March 2013 Cairns Airport 22 March 2013 Rendezvous Reef Resort 1 Passenger Arrives Type Coach Transfer Operator AOT Group Pty Ltd
Accommodation Rendezvous Reef Resort 121 Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Port Douglas, AU Check In 22 March 2013 Check Out 27 March 2013 1 Passenger Nights 5 Rooms 1 Room Type 1 Bedroom Deluxe Villa - DOUBLE Board Basis Room Only

Monday 25th March 2013
Excursion Kuranda All Inclusive PKRST from Port Douglas Comments Lunch is included in this tour. Fuel Levies may be introduced when required. Should this occur, charges will be payable direct and subject to change without notice. pick up 08.10am from Rendezvous Reef Resort

Tuesday 26th March 2013
Excursion Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef-Snorkelling Ex Port Douglas Comments Inclusions:The only day cruise operator to visit a ribbon reef. Cruise by fast wavepiercing catamaran. Infomative presentation by Marine Biologist. Semi-submersible coral viewing rides. Snorkelling equipment. Facilities for swimmers and non-swimmers. Meals: Morning and afternoon tea,tropical smorgasbord lunch. Pickup,Dropoff: Port Douglas accommodation. Departure Point: Marina Mirage, Port Douglas. Pick up time approx 9:15am. Important Infomation: Enviromental Management Charge of AUD6.00 per person. Charges are payable direct and are subject to change without notice. Bring: Towel,sunscreen,swimwear,hat,credit card/cash for drinks & optional activities,camera Some Port Douglas properties are located within walking distance to the Marina where this day cruise departs from, you may wish to book the day cruise without accommodation transfers. Ask your travel consultant for details. Please note you must reconfirm your tour 24 hours before it commences by calling 1800 638 040 within Australia PICK UP 09.20AM FROM Rendezvous Reef Resort

Wednesday 27th March 2013
Transfer Port Douglas to Cairns Airport Departs 27 March 2013 Port Douglas 27 March 2013 Cairns Airport 1 Passenger Arrives Type Coach Transfer Operator AOT Group Pty Ltd Comments pick up 9.25am from Rendezvous Reef Resort
Flight Cairns to Sydney Departs 27 March 2013 12:05 Cairns Terminal D Arrives 27 March 2013 16:00 Sydney 1 Passenger Airline Qantas Flight Number QF925 Airline Reference ZWV95P (For APIS & online check-in only)
Flight Sydney to London Heathrow Departs 27 March 2013 17:20 Sydney Terminal 1 Arrives 28 March 2013 06:20 London Heathrow 1 Passenger Airline Qantas Flight Number QF001 Airline Reference ZWV95P (For APIS & online check-in only) Comments Please note that this flight touches down in Singapore for 1 hour and 34 minutes. Passengers may be required to disembark the aircraft.

Thursday 28th March 2013
Flight London Heathrow to Manchester Departs 28 March 2013 07:50 London Heathrow Terminal 5 Arrives 28 March 2013 08:50 Manchester 1 Passenger Airline Qantas Flight Number QF3537 Airline Reference ZWV95P (For APIS & online check-in only) Comments Please note that this flight is operated by British Airways.

So there are no excuses from any of you not knowing where I am and what I am doing.  Also, if any of you want to join me you will know where to find me.