Hello Perth

Our day started in Auckland with the alarm clock going off at 6.00am, followed by an early breakfast to set us up for the day.  Then we boarded the Yellow Bus, which calls at all the local hotels taking passengers to the airport.  Sent the bags on their way, went through Security, and sat and waited for a while, as you do.  Oh look, there’s our plane out the window, surrounded by all the support vehicles and crew while the plane is being provisioned, loaded, and fueled.

That’s our plane

The trip from Auckland to Perth is a reasonably long flight at 7.5hours.  But we were well looked after in Premium Economy, with the big difference being very generous seating and legroom.  Yes, the ticket prices are more expensive, but well worth the extra, we feel, for the comfort and the service.  We were welcomed aboard with a hot towel, followed by a glass of bubbly, to get us in the holiday mood, our air hostess stated.

Robin spent time watching a couple of movies.  Not for me, I like to check where we are going, and make sure the wings don’t fall off the plane, plus spend time reading my book.  As we were flying at 36,000 feet with an outside temperature of –62F there was a lot to keep me occupied.

Lunch was lovely, choices from the menu, and served on china plates with real cutlery, no plastic utensils here.  Coffee with Whittaker's Chocolates (so delicious,made in New Zealand, and endorsed by Nigella) followed by a rather fancy afternoon tea.  All very tasty indeed.

After landing, collecting our bags, going through more security, we found a taxi to take us to our hotel.  And not just any taxi – wonder what this London Cab is doing here in Perth?

 

Seen in Perth, a London Cab

We are staying at The Pan Pacific, the same hotel which took in several hundred weary and disappointed train travelers last year when the trip was cancelled.  They found us rooms for the night, and we practically took over the restaurant as we queued up for an evening meal.  So we wee quite happy to give them our custom this trip.

Our room in Perth

It’s been a long day, up bright and early and made even longer as we have gained about 4 hours in the time difference.  So after a meal it will be early to bed I expect so we will be rested and ready for tomorrow’s adventure.