Welcome to our blog, here we go...

Friday 18th April

On arrival at Newcastle Airport waiting in the Emirates queue, having been called to the desk he asked was I platinum, gold or silver member, I think we were at the wrong desk. My facial expression gave him the answer to that question! No complimentary upgrades but we could pay £1500 to upgrade, on this occasion we declined (A lottery win would have been handy). We had our breakfast in the flying hippo and after 5 selfies which I wasn't happy with, Paul decided he no longer wanted to participate in any further selfies for our blog so we are stuck with the one I have uploaded. (He spoils all the fun). Having finished breakfast Paul then informs us that Sully (Paul's trainee pilot friend) wants us to take photos of the airbus A380 from Dubai to Sydney. Paul's not happy with our selfies but happy to take photos of the inside of an aeroplane for Sully - Tut tut......

Our flight was delayed by 1 hour. Once on board we got a glimpse of business class before making our way to economy (cattle class). Once seated we where given hot towels (must have thought we needed a wash) and our menu. We then settled down and watched a film Mandela, long way to freedom, with a glass of red...... Meal was really nice. Praying we will make our connecting flight from Dubai to Sydney....

Arrived at Dubai Airport at 12.30 am Saturday 19th. Just a pity we had to walk very very quickly passed all the lovely shops to get to the gate for our connecting flight. Hope we have time on the way back. What a shopping haven! I did manage to use the toilet at the gate and there was a separate shower hose near the toilet and one cubicle had a big hole in the floor (hmm).

On board and What a plane! It's enormous, a double decker. 1st class upstairs. Looks like take off will be on time give or take 10 mins. The flight is about 14 hours we have our breakfast and lunch on board.

Arrived Sydney time at 10 pm and jumped into a taxi and 30 minutes later we arrived at YHA Sydney Harbour where we are staying for the next 5 nights We have a room with a view of the Opera House. we are putting our heads down now it's been a tiring couple of days. We will see some of Sydney tomorrow.