It is 23rd August 2021, the night before I fly out to the Manchester in the UK. My hosts, Pam and Gordon have gone out to a regular Lions event and I am in the warm, on their couch, trying to work out how to make a blog site. I hope that I will succeed, as I really would like to be able fulfill my promise to keep in touch and let you know what I am up to.

So, the preparation has been done for me to be able to fly tomorrow. The transfer has been booked for 6.15am, as I have to be at the Adelaide Airport 2.5 hours before my flight at 9.30 am. I have had my COVID-19 test and thankfully have confirmation that I don’t have COVID-19. Being in South Australia is really the best place to be with the Eastern states in lockdown as they battle the increasing number of new infections.

I have completed all the different forms I need to do to allow Singapore Airlines and the UK Government to be able to track exactly where I have been in the world before landing in Manchester. I have also confirmed that as required, I will be having a COVID test once I reach the UK, which is all that is required, because Australia is considered a Green Country. The UK and Singapore, where I will transit through, doesn’t think Australia has a COVID issue, so we are considered Green. Green means no quarantining in the UK, just another COVID test before my second day.

I am travelling by business class for both flights. That is a new experience for me. It means that I can have 40kg of luggage checked in, plus two items of cabin luggage. It also means that when I am in Singapore for the 10 hour layover, I can be taken care of.

The Changi Airport will be separated for people who are transiting through to another country from those who are coming and staying in Singapore. I don’t know what the transit area for me will be like, but food, drink and wifi will be available and comfy seats. I will share details in a blog post.

My two suitcases are stuffed full and weigh in at 20kg each. There is no spare room in either of them. That means when I leave tomorrow, the clothes I am currently wearing won’t fit. I have comfy clothes picked to wear tomorrow, as jeans can bunch up behind my knees making me uncomfortable. So I will leave my near new jeans for Pam to donate as she sees fit.

So next step will be to activate my TESCO sim card in my other phone so that I can let Natasha know when I have landed and cleared Immigration and Customs at Manchester Airport.

Sitting here alone in the house, I have time to reflect on the wonderful farewells I have experienced over the last 2 weeks. I have loved catching up with as many of you as I can. As you read this, know that I think you are amazing and your love and support has been what has brought me to tonight. So a massive thank you.

I love you all. Hugs Jo xx