Peter trip 2014: 2014

Singapore to Sydney

I had two hours at Singapore before transferring into a Boeing 777 for the final leg of my journey. With the recent disappearance of the Malaysian 777 (MH370), I was sure that I would be flying in one of the best inspected aircraft flying.

I did a little quick shopping, grabbed a coffee, and had little time to do anything else. I would say that a two hour break is not a good idea, because you don't have a lot of time to catch your breath.

This time I was in a two seat block at the rear of the aircraft. My companion was Malaysian born Sydney resident accountant, Jessica, who was returning after a 12 month trip to various countries, most recently India. She was a pleasant companion, easy to talk to, and thoughtful about my comfort. We looked after each other during our journey and parted with a hug.

This is Singapore, not all that different from Heathrow

when you look at it.

Leaving Singapore

I enjoy watching the islands below

Australia at last!

Almost sunset

I like the speedy exit system for Australians. I was through very quickly, grabbed my bag from the carousel, and was out in no time. Naomi was waiting for me, and I was glad in a few minutes to be home after 16 days away,

Heading home: the first leg

Seven am, I had to be ready to leave for Heathrow. Although my flight was at 11:30, I needed to retrieve the VAT on my camera, check in my luggage and buy a few more gifts, and Viv had a meeting to get to in London.

Last early morning in Sidcup

Morning mists on the way to Heathrow

Heathrow Airport

I flew by Singapore.

I was in a three seat block at the rear of the A380 aircraft. Two seats away sat Liz from north of London, on her way to her native Australia where her mother was ailing. She faced a fairly long trip to south coast NSW once she reached Sydney.

Heathrow fades into the distance

On this leg of the journey I was very impressed by one hostess named Faith (who, I discovered, had studied at Heidelberg. Her German was very good). The cabin crew all provided a high level of service, but Faith had a way of engaging the passengers. Both Liz and I remarked on how well she did it.

Brown clouds?

Singapore at last

What the Dickens?

Broadstairs is heavy with Dickensian references, being a favourite haunt of the 19th century writer. It took about half an hour to get there from Marston, and we began our exploration at a carpark near the Catholic Church.

Then it was down a road and through an arch, where we found ourselves at our final destination.

Mini house

Where we were going: the beach. I wondered what we would find.

Kids and water are soon joined

Mr 6 is getting the hang of boomeranging, and only boomeranged me once.

A nicely decorative maze

And a decorated rotunda

The chalk cliffs, though not as imposing as those at Dover, are still eye-catching.

As is common with chalk, the cliffs and the beach sands were heavily laced with flint.

Looking like a brightly burning chimney:

an aircraft contrail shining in the evening sun.

Saturday and a Spitfire

Saturday was my final day.

The kids had things to do in the morning -- dancing and such -- and Luke knocked together a rather rich focaccia with a variety of delicious spreads and fillings so that we were ready for when Viv and the children were back. The gouda with which M... had packed me up a few days earlier also featured heavily in our repast. We ate at their outdoor table on the open back area.

Then we set off on a long journey toward the coast at Marston.

Here was what we came looking for... Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Museum.

And a V1 flying bomb (Fiesler Fi 107) sat above the carpark.

Of course, the Spitfire bit is the first attraction. Although the slightly older, slightly slower Hurricane was the most significant player in the Battle of Britain, in terms of elegance, speed and manoeuverability, nothing matched Mitchell's Spitfire design. The Hurricane did well at tackling the bombers while the Spitfires were right to keep the fighter cover at bay. Each had its place and did its job well.

However, the Spitfire also had drawbacks, such as less forgiving handling, particularly when taking off and landing, and an all-metal construction which was not as readily repaired in cases of damage.