Winter Wonderland

Well!  They’ re finally here! The tickets for the trip of a lifetime have arrived.  I make no apology for mentioning that I’m off to see the British Lions play Australia at rugby.  It has pre-occupied my mind ever since Ricey and I booked the trip back in March.

There aren’t many bigger sporting occasions in the world.  The first test is in Brisbane, then we fly to Melbourne for the second test and then finally onwards to Sydney.  Not only is it a massive sport event, I will be spending time in a wonderful country with so much to see.  If the itinerary allows we really would like to visit the Great Barrier Reef.  I keep being told that we’re visiting during Australia’s winter and will need to wrap up.  But you need to remember Australian winters are as warm as the UK’s summers!

I really feel really lucky and privileged to be going.  You don’t often have the time and the money to be able to do something so fantastic.  At the time of booking the trip I just thought “sod it I have had a tough time over the past two years.  I deserve it!”

However, I do have some demons in my mind.  Both spiritual and everyday.  Now that the departure is ever closer I can’t stop thinking “if only life had been different.  If only life had been kinder”.  The British Lions Tour and travelling to Australia had been on Caroline and my list of “the things we must do before you…”

As we all know events have not been kind.  So you must forgive me for feeling anxious. All kinds of thoughts are swirling around my head.  What might have been?  That it will be the anniversary of Caroline’s passing a week after I return.  Life just continues to be so bitter sweet.

Then there are the kids.   Both of them are due to go on their own holidays whilst I am away.  Georgina will be away for a week leaving Joe home alone for a week. Family and friends have volunteered to keep an eye on him (and my house), which is a big relief.  Even before then though I still got to sort out their travel insurance, travel money and for good measure Joe has his school prom on July 4^th.  Joe’s travel insurance may prove troublesome as he will be under 18.

My mind is racing.  I can now hear my friend Matthew saying to me as he has done so many times when we worked together

“Whoa!  Slow down! Cool your jets!  One step at time!”

As ever he’s right!  I know I need to slow up.  I am determined to enjoy my time in Australia.  It’s too good an opportunity to let pass by.  It’s just so hard at times.

After all is said and done I really can’t wait to get on that aeroplane.  I am lucky to be going.  Ricey and I have known each other for years through playing cricket together.  I know he’s really looking forward to it. 

So deep breath! Big smile! Just nine todays to go!

The itinerary is follows:

19^th June        Depart London Heathrow 22:15 Flying Emirates

20^th June        Arrive Dubai 08:05   

                          Depart Dubai 10:25

21^st June         Arrive Brisbane 06:40

22^nd June        1^st Test Australia v British Lions, Brisbane

25^th June        Melbourne Rebels v British Lions, Melbourne

29^th June        2^nd Test Australia v British Lions, Melbourne

6^th July            3^rd Test Australia v British Lions, Sydney

7^th July            Depart Sydney 21:10

8^th July            Arrive Dubai 05:40

                          Depart Dubai 07:45

                          Arrive London Heathrow 12:15