Once through security and after a bag search (I rarely get through security without a search) I firstly did a deal with the guy in dixons for a new camers... it was like an apprentice challenge. I was all about 'do it for this and I'll take it' - not quite sure what came over me.

It was now time to take myself off to the lovely airport lounge that had been arranged for me by Alan Hughes, a travel agent who is one of my awesome clients. It was so nice. Complimentary food and drink, quiet, and free wifi. So I chilled in there for a while. Although I have to admit I was becoming my dad in the consistent checks of when the gate opens.

Flight #1 - Manchester to London Heathrow

I met a 'flight friend' on here called Pete... ex UK army who now works for Aus army. That hour flew by as we chatted the whole time. I had initially got my book out but didn't even read it. He lives right by Cairns (well 30km away - in Oz this is close apparently) and was real good with tips and stuff. It meant I had company through Heathrow too. Especially as the bus between terminals at Heathrow takes as long as it does to get between towns in North Wales.

I didn't shop in this airport - the shops consisted of Gucci, Harrods, and the like - unfortunately a travellers budget does not stretch to this!

Flight #2 - London to Singapore - aka the long one (13-14 hours)

I stepped on to this flight - it was a nice big plane. We started right by First class, however I was not sitting in here, although it would have been nice. I got to my seat and I had the window seat - my favourite and something I usually give up to one of my brothers for an easy life! I didn't know how I would cope with this long flight - the longest I had flown before is 9 hours to the Caribbean!

I soon realised it was a quiet flight and I had three seats to myself. I like to think of this as budget first class! haha. I got to relax, put my feet up, comfortable sleep. It was lovely. And the Entertainment on Qantas planes is the best for sure!! It was like having a sky box in the headrest... I had so much choice of what to watch.

I watch the 'Sky cam' as we took off - basically a camera on top of the plane - which was pretty cool.

I must admit I slept for a lot of this flight as we took off at 10.30pm GST so it was my bedtime by the time we reached midnight. So after supper I slept for around 6 hours, and then watched a few movies, including Flight - whether that is the best choice when you are on a plane is another matter! But it was good. We then had breakfast and I did some reading and that was 14 hours done.

Singapore Airport is possibly the cleanest, shiniest airport I have been at. And was real organised too. So I wasn't there much longer than an hour - but I can now say I have been to Singapore!! (just not left the airport) And it was sooo humid here... even in the aircon'd airport you could still feel it!

Flight #3 Singapore to Sydney

Now only when I got to Singapore did I realise this flight was via Adelaide so we were stopping down there too. The plane was not as plush as the last and was slightly smaller with 2 seats at the side. I got the aisle seat but again no one was next me, so this time I swapped to a window seat.

We had joked before I left that I would annoy whoever was next to me - the airline must have been pre warned!

After more food, more films, more sleep in a number of positions, I had a little chat with the guy behind... let's call him flight friend 2. He was from Manchester, visiting his girlfriend in Oz.

This flight went real quick too... we had a short stop in Adelaide, where we acquired a bunch of new people - I lost my window seat :-( ... but I gained flight friend 3! Poor guy! I did let him watch a film in that time while I watched the remainder of 127 hours (which I must say was not the best film to watch when it was breakfast time on the plane!)

While on this 32 hour travel over I have made some observations:

1. Airplane seats are NOT comfy... Someone should fix this!

2. I can chat to ANYONE

3. Australia is a far away!

4. I am a fidget and staying still for this one is not cool

5. I am ok in my own company, and I can be quiet for a long time.

Flight friend 3 offers his window seat for landing (YESS!!!) so I watch out the window as we come down! Awesome! ...And we land!