And We Are Off: World Cup 2018

And We Are Off:  World Cup 2018

We had almost a whole weekend before we got on a plane which was spent doing those last minute things that you always forget, like nipping to the supermarket, finding your old power adaptors and packing. By Sunday afternoon we were itching to get going, and when Jenny & Roel kindly picked us up to take us to the airport, we were ready.

Everything was running like clockwork, we had 11 weeks worth of clothing & supplies in our modest backpacks, were at the terminal in good time, and there were no queues at check-in so nothing could stop us now.

"Do you have a Visa for Australia, Mr. Green..?" Doh...!! How did I forget that as a UK passport holder I need a visa to visit Australia, what a rookie error? Fortunately, they allow you to buy a visa at check-in for the princely sum of $50 in cash, which was the exact amount I had left in NZ dollars...., Phew..!!

I have always disavowed the idea of flying on Emirates Airlines, because of their longtime association with the "Arse", (a football team from Woolwich that think that they are a North London team). But I have to be the bigger man and admit that whilst Emirates knows nothing about Football, they know how to run an airline. The Airbus 380 was huge, very well-appointed, and comfortable, with great food and a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, (thoroughly recommended). The three-and-a-half hour flight time to Sydney, literally 'flew' by. 

We had no problems with Australian customs or getting our bags off the carousel, (flying on a Sunday evening is so choice), and getting our airport hotel was a pretty straightforward bus ride and quick 10-minute walk. We were due to fly out of Sydney to Alice Spring first thing the next morning, so we quickly settled into our lovely room and hit the sack.

We were up and out early and at the airport in plenty of time, and before we knew it we were winging our way to Alice Springs and checking into our hotel by 1pm. Our room wasn't ready so we walked a good 15 minutes into town and had a coffee, a bite, and a quick look around, before making our way back to our Hotel to rest up and relax. It had been a hectic couple of days traveling to get here so we picked a very nice Korean restaurant for an early dinner, before going to bed at 9pm...!!

Today we hired a car to allow us to travel beyond Alice Springs, and after a hearty breakfast and a view of the city from ANZAC hill, we headed off on the Red Centre Highway into the spectacular scenery. We didn't really know where we were going, but it didn't really matter as the amazing views of the West MacDonnell range drifted past, and we drove through some true outback scenes. We eventually ended up heading to a place called Standley Chasm, where after a 20-minute hike we found ourselves in a narrow slot canyon with towering red walls and simply breathtaking views. This is what we had come to Australia for, those distinctive desert landscapes & interesting formations that you just can't find anywhere else. Fiona & I are both looking forward to the next 2 weeks, picking up our campervan, and driving first to Ullaru, and then south through the red desert towards the coast. If today was a sampler of things to come, then bring it on.