2014 The adventures continue

Europe and the Alps

Every year I try to get away as much as possible, the last couple of trips have mostly involved snowboarding, In december 2013 I went to Val Thorens, France with Freeze frame a company that can hire camers, film your trip and even edit it all together for you, my job this trip was filming and editing, the results can be seen here:

#Ridebarinvalthorens

I am now planning a new small trip trying out different resorts in the Alps.

London - Munich,
Munich - St Anton
St Anton - Geneva (via Zurich)
Geneva - Meribel
Meribel - Windlip Snowboards, La Mouche, Pussy, France
Windlip Snowboards - Vars Speed Slope
Vars - Meribel
Meribel - Calais
Calais - Rye

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=ztXlYc09s_rM.kPDxX7O3CLug

The flight.

I sat down feelig optimistic about the trip and waited while, the plane filled up, it was a busy flight with just one or two seats spare. We just started ferrying out to the runway when the young boy who was currently playing with his model airplane turned to his mum and said those 4 words that bring dread to anyone

"Are we there yet?"

Planning an escape I picked up the news paper and began reading about how bad england were as a nation from politics to sport. The evening standard clearly has some editors that like to really emphasise the worst in everything. Maybe they should take a tip from Russell Howard and have a good news section at the end to show how great things happen.

Landed in munich with german efficiency I had already collected my baggage before the plane was even expected to land. I met my friend and we went to the hire car company we were meant to be collecting a car described as

 "like vauxhall astra"

We were hiring from Budget so were expecting something far worse, then were were offered this:

Golf 2.0 tdi - Budget car hire?..I think not, Brilliant car hire!

We hit the car hire jackpot..think it's time to buy a lottery ticket, I'm feeling lucky...

2 Days of flights

We Flew from Cairns at 9.30, fortunately with domestic flights the security is a little more lax so we zoom swiftly through. It's quite crazy to fly for the 4 hours and still be in the same country but there are some great views of the coastline, so I peer down and see magnetic island, unfortunately the cameras aren't aloud at this point and one of the flight attendants is standing a little close for me to sneak a photo.

We went into Sydney for a few hours to chill, find some food and be away from the airport, although it's not long before we head back. Sleeping overnight in the airport was pretty chilly, however did mean a pleasant sleep for a couple of hours on the 4 hour flight to Auckland.

Flight number 2

On arrival to the airport we checked in and were asked if we had some trousers to wear, I know we were a little scruffy but didn't think we looked that unkept. We then found out that we were being upgraded to world traveller plus but only if we had smart clothes to wear, quickly changed and back at checking smartened up but now extremely hot in jeans and a shirt. Note to self remember to arrive really early for flights again and try to look smart then maybe another upgrade next time.

Another good flight with just a couple of big decisions, which movie to watch, so many good ones to choose from, eventually after In Time, Cowboys and Aliens, talking to the steward who seemed the only person awake at that time and eating as much as possible we arrived in Sydney.

The Flight

It begins and with a good start, both arriving on time at Heathrow. After a quick nip through airport control and we were on our way. From the start there was a clear difference in plans for the trip, I had brought things to keep me occupied and awake, whereas Bex went for the option taken by 90% of the people on the plane of watching films halfway and falling asleep or at least attempting to.

As we flew from the darkness of the night into the morning sunlight I photographed and filmed every few minutes and then suddenly after being blinded by the bright sunlight I realised we were over the edge of the snow covered Himalayas.
Overall the flight was good although it was good to be by the window from now I shall definitely be in the aisle as when the two people next to you are sleeping it makes you far less inclinged to want to go for a walk around.

Leaving

On the way to the airport now. Next post will hopefully have attached some pictures of beaches and a clip of the flight. Ecomomy class here I come!