May 2009

So here I am in Dubai after a VERY long flight where we had 18 children on board under the age of eight. Even with that it was actually a great flight. I had heaps of leg room and good company. I learnt some Turkish off a woman who is travelling to Istanbul to visit her parents. All in all I've had a very pleasant trip so far. Rediculous number of movie options to watch and as per usual...I didn't sleep too well.

It is 38 degrees here which was quite a shock when we got off the plane onto the tarmack.

Right now I'm waiting for my connecting flight to Istanbul. I've had a rather dissapointing coffee which was more like hot soy milk with a bit of nutmeg, which cost me...wait for it....are you sitting down? US$5!!! It was a small coffee too. Dón't think I'll have an issue with weak coffee once I'm in Turkey!

Dubai airport is strangely sparce of people right and quite a sight. It has fountains and pristine pools with huge goldfish. I'm standing at an internet kiosk - I've managed to get the last stand which is clearly designed for someone at least six foot two...I am most definately not six foot two so I feel like I'm a kid sitting at the adults table.

I can hear the sound of muslims praying which is hauntingly beautiful. Lots more of that to come

My arms are starting to hurt having to hold them so high to type so I'll sign off now.

Next stop Istanbul!

So I'm filling in time before I jump in the car to be driven to the airport. I've never been so well prepared for a trip before! I am packed and ready - and have been since 4.30pm this afternoon. I've freshly dyed my hair and resisted the almost overwhelming desire to take scissors to my unruly locks. I've watched a movie very kindly provided by Pieta and I've cleaned my house beyond an inch of it's life! Now, when is my flight? That would 2.55am!!! That's a lot of time to fill in.

I'm actually feeling nervous now. Probably the thing that is most affecting me right now (aside from wanting to go to sleep) is the fact that I'll be leaving my puppy for three and a half weeks! Now for a non-dog owner, I'm sure that sounds ridiculous, but I've never been away from her for more than 5 days.

I'm bordering on obsessive compulsive with my check lists. I keep running through my head all the things that I've packed and talking myself out of filling the spaces in my backpack. Spaces! What a poor excuse for a female I am! Though I think I can promise with absolute certainty - I will not be using that space to bring back a carpet.

So I've been reading about Istanbul, about the origins of Turkish delight. I've been practising my Turkish - with I'm sure an entertainingly BAD accent, I've tried my best not to think about the 18+ hours of flight I have in front of me and only to focus on the incredible city where my flight ends. Istanbul. Though I've read so much about it, I imagine that it will surprise me. I'm counting on it. All new taste, sights and smells.

Well, time to go cuddle my puppy again...I know, pathetic.

signing off from Australia - next stop Dubai - then............Istanbul