As I said to you Rachael, if it was possible to swap places just before going through the gates, I would have been tempted to do so - felt so comfortable with life just as it was, why complicate it with a huge journey half way across the world? But once aboard all was fine and we set off with a roar, complete with the stars and jack all wrapped up and safely stowed away in the top locker. I was very worried that the flag would be rejected as an offensive weapon as it did look quite formidable - rather like a Maori spear... After it went through the scanner I asked the officer if he had seen stars, and quick as a wink he said no, but there was a little kiwi at the bottom left corner. I picked it up, together with the laptop, somebody swung into the flag and the other end knocked the computer out of my hand into a graceful arc onto the concrete floor with an almighty smack. I thought that was the final coup de grace for my longsuffering laptop, but in fact it's fine.
The Airbus was very cramped and we sunk into the 747 with sighs of relief especially as the third occupant moved elsewhere leaving Mum and I with three seats - so slept well (saw the sun rise - Sunday morning - and then a few minutes later, set - presumably Sunday evening, except it set in the eas, and then after we landed it came up again!!) and arrived to a very warm Heathrow and half hour ride in the bus to arrive just as Annette had finished her shower. The girls look wonderful, now real young ladies and extremely pretty as well. It has been a very lazy day with lots of chat and a couple of walks with the DOG.
