h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I had an email from Oz today saying that someone has been allocated the case file for the visa application. I'm taking this as a "good thing" and hope that there will be more concrete news in the near future. Though I did hear that Sydney is colder now than it has been for more than 60 years! -4C someone told me.

I may have to get a thicker bikini...

Right then. Today I had an email that said that the organisation has been accepted as a Sponsor by the immigration department.
I then got a second email to say that the post I have been chosen for may be offered abroad.

I should get the code on Monday and then I will be filling in my own visa application to get that post. It's all starting to move now.

Anyone got a big suitcase?

Oooh, how exciting.

I hope it will all go well with the bureaucracy.

Thanks Bel. I'm starting to get nervous about it all now.

When are you supposed to start?

I have a big suitcase, but you'll have to come to Australia to pick it up. (Well, it's the though that counts...)

Bel, I start as soon as my visa comes through and I have booked my flight ticket. It feels really strange buying a "single" flight ticket. Prices vary enormously and the thought of travelling business class is impossible as it just about trebles the price of the ticket.

Thanks for the suitcase offer, Ivan, I may pop over and pick it up before I come... on the other hand... ooh, look there's four fingers and a thumb!

Dress smartly and look all business like - you never know, the check-in girl might just upgrade you for free

I would so like that to happen.
So flip-flops (or should I say thongs!) are not suggested, then.

I'm always amazed to find that a single ticket (be it for plane or train) is so much more expensive than a return ticket.

I think I may pay the extra to have a return just to save some of the money at some future date - probably about this time next year!

Well you're safe in the knowledge you already have something booked, and airlines don't really charge that much if you need to change the return date

Ooh! Aussie immigration have contacted me to finalise the bits and pieces. It's starting to feel very close now.
And I've bought a new suitcase!

Well to be honest I've bought 2. One which is the size of a double decker bus for 2 year's worth of clothing and an airlines regulation size hand luggage one for my netbook so that I can keep in touch with you lot.

I was going to suggest carrier pigeons for that.

W O O - H O O !
I've got a visa
I've got a visa
I've got a visa

I now have to book my flight. Son has driving test on Friday and Grandson has his birthday on Saturday so I will leave it until after next weekend. Probably go for a Tuesday flight as I hear the low days are Tuesday and Thursday.

And how do you feel about this Vestie?

OK Flight booked with Etihad Airlines. No, I hadn't heard of them either. It looked to me like it was a word spelt backwards then I thought it's probably an anagram, so I started working to find what it was an anagram of.

I was pleased with "Diet? Ha!" which made me think of generous portions
Started to worry with "I'd heat." In case it meant there was no air con on the flights.
Not so happy with "I'd hate or I hated." as I thought that might reflect my feelings on flying.
Then I stopped when I got to I DEATH.
Too late to change now...

Flying out the evening of 17th. Arrive morning of the 19th in Sydney

Don't worry, Etihad has a good reputation. It's not like it's Garuda or something.

Enjoy the last-minute packing...