Thanks for joining me on my trip. Have to say right from the outset that I would be much more happier to be travelling with my offsider of 31 years Tracy.
After the obligatory pics at the departure sign (see above) and customs clearance, I managed to dodge the overpriced fare that is served up at the airport. Dropped into J-B to get a few supplies and it was off on Etihad Flight 451 for the ever enjoyable 14 hour flight to Abu Dhabi. Living in Australia is a blessing but whenever it comes to travel, that first leg is like a flying kick in the proverbials. Etihad wasn’t that bad and if the next few legs are of a similar nature I would have no hesitation in flying with them again (maybe use the frequent flyers to an advantage).
Anyways, I’m sitting at Gate 61 in Abu Dhabi airport (1.23am local time) typing this with kids yelling near my ear and working on about 2 hours sleep. Have to get on the plane as it is a relatively short stop-over. Bring on the Paris and the end of this flight. While I love travel, I definitely hate flying … too boring for words.
Well I worked the leg from Abu Dhabi without a drama. The plane was half full so there were plenty of spare rows to locate oneself in. My original thought was take an entire centre row but (1) I was too slow (2) I was concerned that my snoring was going to keep the back section of the plane up. Subsequently, I grabbed around 3 hours sleep and am looking forward to eventually booking into the hotel for a 2-hour nap. It is warming up in Paris which is good news. It was -2C and now it has risen to a balmy zero degrees. Honestly the cold doesn’t bother me but I think I will end up with a few hours wait to book in. Looks like Montparnasse Cemetery could be the first port of call when I get there. Anyway, that’s me for the minute. More when I get on the bus for the trip into town.
See next page for pics relating to the flight and my first day in Paris
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Europe Dec-Jan 2018 