21 hour flights are not fun

I’ve been in England exactly a week today, so I’m going to start from the 18^th of September and work to now.

As mentioned in the post before, I’m sick. Sickest I’ve been in five years. Went to the doctor – prognosis – long distance flying, not recommended. Cool.

If the constant ear ache, fever, and head spins wasn’t an indication of my great health, the fact that standing up for longer than 10 minutes made me feel queasy was. So obviously trying to pack my life into three bags the night before was loads of fun in that state. Looking back now, that probably explains why I forgot so many things!

The morning before my flight, I went to breakfast at this lovely café with a beautiful lady, where unfortunately I was so ill eating wasn’t an option. The rest of the day was filled with last minute errands and my best efforts not to fall over and die. To say I was anxious was an understatement.

We headed to the airport at 9pm, two hours before my flight time.

Checked in. Mum called. Friends arrived. And we sat in silence. I think it was because everything had already been said. They called my flight and it was time to go. See, the thing they don’t tell you about International flights is that your friends and family can only go so far. They can’t come with you through Customs or wait with you in the boarding lounge. You’re on your own.

0/10 would not recommend. Saying goodbye sucked. Don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s easy, because it’s not. Knowing that that’s the last time for a long time you’ll cuddle your sister, or hold your dad’s hand, or smell your best friends perfume – it is crushing. Then down the escalators you go, off to Customs in all your puffy red eyes and sniffly nose glory.

I would also like to mention I got proposed to while security was checking me for explosives (no, I’m not joking!) Whilst going through the metal detectors, I took off my ring and totally forgot about it when collecting my items at the other end. Next thing I know a security guard in down on one knee, holding my ring and smiling. I said “yes”, he screamed, his coworkers clapped with joy, and I passed my explosives test and was on my way.

First flight: Brisbane to Singapore – 8 hours – half an hour stop over.

Second flight: Singapore to Dubai – 7 hours – four hour stop over.

Final flight: Dubai to Heathrow – 6.5 hours (delays) – two hour trip to Bath.

Just got to say, flying Emirates was really amazing. With that said, even two sleeping pills and comfy seats didn’t get me to the land of nod. I spent almost the entire time listening to Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson. Whilst in Dubai I met a fellow Australian at McDonalds, so we spend the next four hours talking about home and how things changed while abroad.

On the final leg of my flight I needed to not fall asleep – just to help fight the jet lag when I arrived in England. I would just like to apologise to the poor little Asian lady sitting next to me from Dubai to Heathrow. For the last three hours of the flight, I would fall asleep for a minute or two - snap awake - turn and yell at her for letting me fall asleep. Now let me explain, I was so tired that every time I fell asleep, I dreamt that my eldest sister was sitting next to me on the flight, so when I woke up I still thought Maddy was there, not the poor Asian lady. So she thought I was crazy. And had to put up with me getting angry with her every five minutes.

The rest is a blur. Got through the UK Border. Arrived at Bath. Crashed. Had orientation. Enrolled into classes. Explored. Still exploring.

Quick notes on England so far: Your coffee is disgusting. It tastes like hot soapy water with milk. This is just university campus specific; the bee and wasp population is beyond scary. Your food also sucks. But - your weather is beautiful. Your city is beautiful. Your people are so lovely. Your love for Australian accents is much appreciated.  And thanks to the wonderful people I share Halls with, I’m slowly learning your hilarious terminology.

I’ll be trying to post more frequently, so feel free to enjoy in on this epic journey with me. Because we all know it’s usually better when you can share moments together.

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