Barren.
White walls.
Shadowy silhouette of the woods in the distance.
The incredible, peaceful alone-ness only occasionally punctuated with others.
Actually, I’m glad of that.
I could get lost up here.
In either body or mind.
A soft veil of white mist embraces me as I walk through the woods.
Trees brandished with gold and orange.
Gnarled branches, now naked, reach to the whiteness above.
The sound of their fallen leaves crunching and squelching beneath my feet.
The occasional squirrel darts across my path.
One or two birds swoop or flitter away (that feels a bit like a Snow White moment).
I don’t want this experience to end.
0600 I was in bed by about 0800 last night. No dinner; just bed. The travelling had finally caught up and I desperately needed sleep. The bed in the hotel is so soft and comfortable. Perfect for drifting off. I have a number of deep sleeps until I wake at 0230 fairly alert but definitely groggy. After that I drift on the edge; trying not to think too much to avoid fully waking up.
The hotel is part of the same chain as the hotel I stayed at in Oxford last year. They have great 1 cup coffee filter “bags”, so I make myself a brew while I check up on social media and start to think about the day. This has become part of my holiday routine for the last few trips.
0730 While planning my day I discover news of industrial action on the line when I check train times. It shouldn’t cause too much trouble but limits my choices. I‘ll aim for the 0924 train.
0800 I head down to breakfast. I go for the full English to stoke the fires for the day.
0850 After a quick repack I‘m ready to check out. Luckily the station is only 5 min walk from the hotel. It‘s overcast and slighly breezy. It’s cold but while I‘m walking I‘m easily warm enough in jacket and t-shirt, as expected.
0924 On board the Northern line train to Buxton. Stopping at Stockport, Davenport, Woodsmoor, Hazel Grove, Middlewood (when the countryside begins), Disley, New Mills Newtown, Furness Vale, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Dove Holes and Buxton. There are only a few people on the train. I use the bike carriage for my luggage as they don‘t appear to have luggage racks on the other carriages.
The leaves haven‘t finished falling yet, so there is some colour around. I try to get some photos from the train but the windows are dirty and light is not so good.
1024 We arrive at Buxton. It’s a short walk up the hill to the hotel. A bit more effort than I had expected, but not too bad. I check in early and my room is ready. In fact, they move me to a better room that has a view of the park (the first 3 photos are of the hotel and my view).
1100 I head to the Pavilion where there is an information centre. I want to find details of walks. I buy a couple of maps that should help me to plan my stay here. There is a market in the pavilion selling food and craft. I buy a delicious sultana and cherry treacle slice for a late morning tea.
1230 I have chosen a short walk that should give me some views of the area. I head off. Early into the walk I‘m not happy with my photos; they’re too washed out. I play with the light settings on the camera and change to overcast. Massive improvement; I never realised it would make such a difference.
I‘m following a simple map and written description of the walk. After a while, things look wrong. I retrace my steps and follow what I now think is right. It takes me on a narrow trail through the woods. I like it very much, but I don’t think it’s the right one. Eventually, I meet what must be the trail described in my guide. So many of the trees are golden. I head towards Solomon‘s Temple, not having any idea what it is. Then I see this small tower at the top of the hill. The wind is blowing a gale. I shelter behind a brick wall to try and take some photos for a panorama. Another person joins me at the spot to take a photo.
I walk up to the top of the tower and it‘s even more blustery. It reminds me of the day Em and I climbed the tower at the Cliffs of Moher. After the tower, I head back through the woods. There are lot‘s of people strolling about. It‘s so beautiful.
1500 I‘m back at the Pavilion at the end of my walk. I drop by the market to get another treat. This time forest fruit treacle slice. I‘m feeling a little tired; it was a very strenuous walk and climb. But I‘m not feeling any significant jet lag. My feet are sore though. Walking around the town in this late autumnal weather was delightful.
1530 The clouds are heavy and it‘s starting to look dubious. I decide I‘ve given it a good go today and head back to the hotel to look at my photos and write this blog entry.
1800 I decide to try out the restaurant in the hotel for dinner. I have tomato and Aubergine soup, chicken breast with cannelloni beans and honey tart. It’s all very nice; I will dine there again.
During dinner there are ever increasing bangs outside. I have no idea what’s going on until I overhear a discussion. Tonight is Bonfire Night. I remember that from years ago. And the local fireworks are being set off just in front of the hotel. After dinner I look out the window of my room to catch the show. It’s only small but the fireworks go on for a very long time.
2000 I’m feeling tired now. It was an active day and I think it’s time to get to bed. I might listen to some music first.
0200 (ADELAIDE TIME) Time for bed. The first 3 hours I sleep quite deeply for an hour at a time. After that it gets bumpy and I’m just drifting on the edge of sleep. At times it’s REALLY bumpy; strap in! Generally the cabin temperature is good. Cool. I can crank up my air vent if I want and this is good for sleeping.
0800 For the last hour of rest I listen to my iPod. I bought lots of music before I left and it’s nice to lay quietly and discover. Albums include Singularity (Jon Hopkins), Soyuz (Gazpacho), Colour Bomb (Colour Bomb), In a Desperate Moment (The Kite String Tangle), re:member (Olafur Arnolds), Boy Afraid (Saro).
0900 Time for some breakfast. I would have held off a bit longer but most of the other passengers are starting to eat and the aroma is too tempting. I don’t want too much and settle for apple and ginger juice followed by scrambled eggs and crushed avocado. The food on this flight has been outstanding; the best airline food I’ve had.
I look at the flight tracker and get another little buzz.
The flight has onboard WiFi so I get the complimentary 30 min. The connection is quite good and I get my updates and email. The bank has put a hold on one of my credit cards due to a transaction. Luckily its not one of the cards I’m travelling with and it’s a legitimate transaction. I will sort it out when I get to Doha.
0950 After brushing my teeth and freshening up, I sit back to listen to more of my new music. I feel VERY relaxed.
1114 The lights come on and we commence our descent. The flight attendant who took care of me for most of the flight was so delightful. She was just very friendly without being intrusive.
0420 (DOHA TIME) We land in Doha and it’s still dark. The airport is huge and nicer than I remember. I SO want to take some photos but dare not here. Doesn’t feel right. It’s 24 degrees but it must be humid because I’m sweating already. I wander around the duty free. On the plane I saw an ad for noise cancelling ear plugs. Sounds like a great idea but I don’t find any.
There’s a really mesmerising massive digital artwork on one of the walls. People walking towards and then away from the viewer and disappearing into the desert haze.
0450 I make my way to the business lounge.
0509 I call the bank to sort out my credit card. They don’t have a record of my UK trip either. Might be my mistake but I’m glad I fixed it in case they do the same to any of the cards I DO need.
0550 I’m feeling hungry again. I guess breakfast was a few hours ago. There is a dining area but I don’t want a full blown meal. I wander around and discover there are stations with various treats around the lounge. I find some savoury treats followed by mini pastries and a coffee. That’s enough to fill the gap.
0644 The lounge was almost deserted when I arrived. Now it’s light, there are people everywhere.
0745 Time to go to the departure gate.
0818 Flight QR7, B777-300ER, Seat 1K. I’m on board. This plane is fitted with Q-Suites. Every seat is essentially a mini-suite, with door. Fancy! So much room and storage. Because of the configuration, I‘m sitting backward. It feels a little odd. We‘re delayed on the tarmac due to air traffic.
0910 Departed. The developments we pass over on the way out are spectacular. So much luxury construction.
I‘m feeling a little tired but still quite fresh.
0930 I watch a movie; “The Shape of Water”. The main meal on this flight is breakfast. What the heck; I order carrot juice, Greek yoghurt with granola and scrambled eggs with chicken skewer.
1030 Flying over some very dramatic and barren landscape. We fly over a circular city; I think it is Erbil. It looks unusually shaped in its context.
1130 We‘re crossing over the border into Turkey.
1140 I try to get some more sleep.
1300 I wake up! I managed to get to sleep quite easily and slept very solidly. I could probably sleep longer but feel refreshed enough and want to keep retraining my body clock. I ask for a coffee. It comes with some delicious stem ginger cookies.
1310 We‘re flying over Bucharest. There is quite thick cloud with occasional clear patches.
1330 I take advantage of the quiet in the cabin to go freshen up and change my t-shirt; avoid the landing rush.
1350 All the flight it‘s been really smooth. Now, over Hungary, it suddenly gets really bumpy.
1415 The cloud briefly clears over the Czech Republic.
1437 It’s clearer over Germany. We fly over Coburg.
1510 I get excited as I catch my first glimpse of the English Channel.
1540 We’re tracking the Thames inland. From my calculation, London will be on the left side of the plane but I’m sitting on the right. Then we change direction and before I know it we’re flying slowly right over the centre of the city. The plane banks at just the right time to see everything. It’s a clear day and the view is amazing!
1250 (UK TIME) We’ve landed. I’ve been to London many times and this one of the first it hasn’t been drizzling on arrival.
1315 I make my way to border control. The UK passport queue is empty and I go through the electronic gates just like a local. Cool. Of course, my fellow business class passengers get to luggage at the same time thanks to their fast track passes, but it’s the principle!
1330 I need to catch the train to terminal 2 so I can catch the Heathrow Express. The next one is 18 min away.
1404 I’m on the Heathrow Express. Next stop London.
1416 I arrive at Paddington station and need to catch the tube to get to Euston. First the Bakerloo line (southbound) to Oxford Circus, then the Victoria line (northbound) to Euston. I had been nervous that it might be tricky changing trains with all my luggage but it all goes pretty smoothly with only a couple of stairs.
I instantly recognise all the sights and sounds of the underground and the trains. Aside from the “city” smells, there’s a distinct smell to the trains here.
1440 I get to Euston in plenty of time for my train to Manchester. There’s a lounge where I can get a drink and snack while I wait.
1600 We depart for Manchester. Nearly there now and I can fully relax. You’ve done well Ian.
1815 The train arrives in Manchester. I was starting to vague out by the end of the trip. The hotel is within sight of the train station so I walk. There are lots of people out. It’s dark but still early. Tonight is just a bed to recover before continuing to my final destination tomorrow morning. I think I’ll head to bed super early, after a lovely shower.
1530 (ADELAIDE TIME) I leave work. It’s been a productive day and went quite quickly. Much quicker than the last few. It has felt like this trip would never get here. It’s been a warm day, and I’m so glad to be heading to cooler weather.
1600 There’s no rush to get to the airport so I relax at home for a little while. I finish packing and tidy up the house, turning off the power etc.
1830 Time to get to the airport. The taxi is here and it’s clean drive there.
1900 Check-in goes quickly and the queue for screening is short. My check-in luggage is only 19 kg. Seems much more. I go to the Qantas lounge to wait for my flight. Time to indulge in a quick snack of spicy pasta and a holiday champagne.
2050 Time to go through customs. It’s very fast too.
2115 Flight QR915, A350-900, Seat 2K. I’ve boarded. I feel very calm and relaxed already. But curiously, I only feel mildly excited. I think it hasn’t sunk in that I’m finally on holidays. Then a glimpse of the flight tracker gives me a quick buzz and I know it’s real.
It will be a 14 hr flight tonight. My plan is to try to get some quality sleep. I decide to avoid alcohol and I’ve brought valerian tablets that should help settle me.
I start by watching a movie. “Goodbye Christopher Robin” looks like a good place to start. The flight is a little bumpy for the first half hour out of Adelaide.
2245 They start preparing for dinner. I choose the creamy pumpkin soup, Arabic chicken kofta, warm orange semolina pudding. As they set my table they place a small electronic tea light; it sounds tacky but was actually lovely. The meal is delicious, especially the soup.
2351 I’m trying to delay sleep to align with my destination, so I watch another movie. This time “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. It had been given an R rating but I have no idea why.
My next travelling adventure will be a trip back to England. I have some walking planned, in new places and places I love. And hopefully, I will be taking many, many photos.
The plan