Goodbye Asia - Hello UK!

July 16, 2010

We sadly left Hong Kong this morning but perhaps not too soon because the driver on the way to the airport said they had the first typhoon of the season on Thursday night! We arrived at the airport only to be one of the only people in line… curious, until we realized (a fw hours later while on board) that this flight had originated in Auckland, New Zealand and we were only of a few folks that got on board. I kept checking my watch wondering where the crowds were… I finally figured it out -- most of our Air New Zealand flight had gotten on in Auckland.

The flight was absolutely delightful. We flew business class (at an excellent price given the distance of 14.5 hours…). I had really thought long and hard about changing us all to Coach given that the kids did very well on the Sydney to Hong Kong leg… but I am sooooo glad I ddin’t.
I did not sleep that much due Thursday eve to our early departure time and I am fighting a bit of conjunctivitis that I picked up from Stephanie on the way into Hong Kong. I was tired and could use the rest! Wellllllll…. We ended up with flat beds and the most wonderful service by an all male (surprisingly Spanish!) crew. They were wonderful… laid out the bed for me and said “please sleep, we’ll look after the kids” … and they did and I did! So the 14 hours flew by (no kidding). Thank goodness for the movies, we had these cute little seats where we could visit (and play cards)… it worked our very well.

Our body clocks were still on Hong Kong time when we landed – but we hung in there…(so think landing at 3 pm and being on 10 pm for the children)! Shouts of “DADDY”!!!! could be heard loud and clear when the girls spotted Mark waiting patiently for us at Heathrow. We headed out to Salisbury to Mark’s brother Neil and wife Helen’s house and we would see our nephews/cousins – Thomas and Toby who were 14 and 12 – perfect companions for Michael and great cousins to the girls!

We were welcomed, as usual, with great warmth, comfort and hospitality when we arrived. Great food, easy living, good sleeps – just what the doctor ordered… just sorry Toby and Thomas had to sleep out in the tent in the backyard!! The boys were still at school so it was the end of one of their last weeks of the year.