And so we headed off. The flight to Abu Dhabi was a bum numbing 14 hrs. Three hours in the airport, with the departure area changed 4 times. Then on our way to Manchester - a much easier 8 hrs.

Arrived in Manchester and hopped a taxi for a short trip to the Pymgate Airport Hotel. Cosy enough - at least not in a plane any longer - which truly was a blessing. That evening our first English pub meal, with the welcome addition of chips and a pint. The next morning an English breakfast - gave a miss in the black pudding though.