The eagle has landed

Here we go. After seven months of build up, preparation and countless shrimp-on-the-barbie-related comments, the time had finally come to bite the bullet and go. There were definitely a few tears from all parties (Dad will deny it) when I left Mum and Dad at Gatwick security; they’ve been awesomely supportive the whole time and it goes without saying that I’ll miss them a huge amount. But it was time to put those emotions behind me and take the leap.

It must be said that, while the name suggests otherwise, flying long-haul has its perks. These mostly revolved around having Emirates look after me. From the minute I stepped on board, I noticed several improvements on past flying experiences (i.e. “cattle class” with RyanAir/EasyJet/Thomson):

I actually had enough legroom. A downside of having long legs is feeling as though your knees are up around your ears on planes, usually with a fidgeting child right in front of you. No such problem here!

The on-demand ICE (information/communication/entertainment) system was an absolute godsend, as (a) I get bored pretty easily and (b) I love a good movie session. I’ve been turning down trips to the cinema all summer due to the promise of an abundance of new movies at the touch of a button, and Emirates did not disappoint. On the first leg I chose Iron Man III (possibly not the best thing to watch while 37,000ft above the ground, a LOT of aeroplane fight/crash scenes that probably unnerved those around me) and Pirates of the Caribbean, a well-watched classic that lasted right until landing in Dubai.

Dubai airport is freaking huge. I thought I’d take a walk while waiting to board to see what there was; about an hour later I arrived back at the gate, feeling as if I’d been to another country in the process. Lots of designer shops and all-round wealth.

Access to both forward- and downward-facing live camera feeds meant that I got a pilot’s view of takeoff and loads of city lights beneath us as night fell leaving Dubai.

I know I mention food at every given opportunity, but it was so nice to have a bit of choice! I had creamy red pepper chicken with sautéed spinach and mash on the first leg, plus lamb stew and a breakfast on the second. Sean, you were right; it does feel like you’re eating every minute of the journey!

A small miracle happened when I got on the connecting flight: There was a spare seat next to me. This made such a difference, as I can’t sleep sitting upright and this gave me a very small, horizontal bed. Not sure what the lady two seats along made of me practically putting my head in her lap, but these were desperate times. I managed to fit in The Great Gatsby, After Earth and Monsters University (personal fave) during this time. Win.

After sixteen hours of flying and three of waiting, the Boeing-777 touched down on the runway at Perth and it was time for the real adventure to begin.