2019 - FIP Abu Dhabi: Day 1 - Wed 18 Sep: Home to Hervey Bay to Brisbane to Dubai

Temp: 12 (home)

I was up nice and early to ensure I had enough time to do all the things I needed to do before heading to the airport. With most of the chores completed it was time for an early mornos. Some last minute repacking of the bags and I was ready to roll.

I was picked up at 1215 and I have no idea why I made it for so early cos the man drove like he was Jack Brabham and it was a tad scary. However, I made it to the airport in one piece and then the waiting began. I had a sandwich and a coffee for lunch then read my book. Of course, the flight was a tad late arriving from BNE however, I knew I had oodles of time to get to the international terminal before my 2100 flight. And then, we’re all finally onboard when we are delayed for a few more minutes whilst a dear old lady was secured into her seat with a harness. Shame, she kept falling forward and her partner was not able to help much so she had to be ‘harnessed’. Poor old dear.

We were delayed another 30 minutes however, managed to make up a lot of time and landed only 10 minutes later that scheduled, first time ever on QANTAS! I walked out of the domestic terminal and waited no more than two minutes for the transfer bus to arrive. One good thing about arriving at the international terminal at this time of day is that it is not too busy. First though, I had to get some Emirati Dirham and that was easier than expected. I then had to scull the water from my bottle before proceeding through security and immigration. That task completed I wound my way through the maze that is duty free, had a bit of a wander through the airport before making my way to the QC. Emirates lounge doesn’t open until 1730 so had about an hour to kill.

Finally in the EL and have to choose between Veuve Clicquot and Moet et Chandon - really??!! Shame, poor me. Had a really firey beef massuman curry for starters. After half a glass of the Moet, I decided I needed to try the Veuve, and I definitely prefer the Veuve.

Now I need to sit back, relax and read my book until boarding.

We boarded pretty much on time directly from the lounge and straight onto the top deck. Second time ever on the top deck of an A380; first time was with QANTAS going to Lisbon. I have to say that the best thing about the seat was that it did lay completely flat. However, the flight was so bumpy that it was hard to get any decent sleep. There were no “fasten seatbelts” announcements though, not sure if this just for the top deck though. On previous flights in Economy, the announcements are made quite frequently, and normally just as you are almost asleep again!

I watched three movies (Men in Black: International, POMS, and The Hustle), a couple of TV shows, and ate two meals.