Departing Melbourne

Thursday 7 December / Friday 8 December

The journey north has begun. My dear friends Sally and Joe picked me up at 5.30 and we set off through torrential rain and horrendous traffic on the Eastern Freeway. I was feeling quite cold, which is a bit of a worry considering where I’m going. Took an extra layer out of my case and, of course, now I’m feeling warm and have to carry it.

Fortunately our first stop was dinner at Brunetti in Carlton - always a pleasure. Pizza and cake for Joe and me, calzone and ice cream for Sally. What a nice way to say goodbye to Melbourne!

A much better run from there to the airport, a quick goodbye to my chauffeurs and then the usual formalities. I had to take my shoes off and get frisked because of my metal knee. They asked me to take my cardigan off too and it went through the scanner later. Did I remember to pick it up? Not till I’d gone right through. Had to go and ask security and they kindly sent for it.

I am now relaxing with a welcome cup of tea. One and a half hours until boarding. First stop will be Hong Kong where I sit about for a couple of hours and change from Cathay Pacific to Finnair.