Day 0: Take Off!

... But first I have a few last minute chores.

Discovered that my ever-lovin' real estate agents have billed my credit card for April rent, to which they are not entitled.  Both they and my banks say "not our fault" and claim to be unable to do anything about it.  Gonna bang on the desk at the agents office about it when I go in to sign my bond refund this arvo.  If the agents continue to plead not guilty I've already started a dispute procedure with the bank that should retrieve the errant sum ... in three months or so.  Grrr.

I'll come back and update this entry later ... may be too busy to do it later today so perhaps once I hit Istanbul.

Later ... the agents have promised to refund the overpayment.  I also got all my bond back – aren't I good?

So now there's nothing to do but kill a couple of hours till it's time to drop this laptop off at the storage and get my botty to the airport.  Ahhhhh.

Later ... 17:40.  At the airport, using a netkiosk.  The first machine swallowed my coins ... but gave them back with interest after a little "persuasion".

It feels strange and yet familiar to be on the road again.  Strange because I've had plenty of time to get used to sleeping in the same bed for week after week again.  Familiar - to be on the move.  My pack, the same one I carried on my 2007-08 trip, is well broken in and rides my back like it grew there.

It's ... 4.5 hours to take off.  In less than half an hour I need to go line up and get checked in.  Then my time is largely my own.  I have $21.35 in Australian cash to get rid of somehow.  I might even come back and blog some more!

Later ... 18:40.  Checked in.  Main pack came to 13.6 kg, day pack 4.5 kg – all up, 18.1 kg.  I was expecting ov er 16 kg, but not that much more.  It didn't feel that heavy!  I shall have to take everything out at Istanbul and re-assess my need for each.

Later ... 20:15.  Important travel questions came crowding.  After a time my palpitations subsided.  :)