Australia - Travelling

A slight hiccup at Edinburgh airport. My fault. I did not check whether I needed a visa to enter Australia. I have travelled there freely over the past decades (last two holidays there in the 2010s). So when travel agents routinely remind you to 'check visa requirements' I generally don't bother. WRONG. UK now needs a visa for OZ. So just as well we were early and we were Business Class. It was an electronic visa, so it was approved within minutes. I wonder if that was why I couldn't check in online...

Apart from that, it has been a super journey. We were so excited on the first leg. We both had a very nice breakfast omelet and later on, I managed afternoon tea though JR had to help. We had a stopover in Doha, and that was a highlight! Not only because it's an amazing airport, but I got assistance, which was absolute luxury. No need to worry where to go, or how far the next gate was. There were quite a lot of us, from different planes, with different destinations - those people who do that are marvellous, all cheerful and helpful and seemed to be enjoying their job. We had a golf buggy sometimes, and people were dropped off at the right place for them. 

We had an hour to spare, and so we were taken to the BC Lounge. Not, unfortunately, the brand spanking new 'Garden Lounge' because it was in a different teeminal, but to a very nice one, where we had delicious sushi, but you could order anything.

Our nice helper said he'd come back for us an hour later, which he did. And we got to the gate, and he just led us through security, past the waiting throngs, past everyone looking at us, and right to the plane door. Way to go! BC + Assistance!

The next flight (Extra 1) was Qatar's famous QSuites, which are folded down to a big bed. So much room! A delicious steak for tea, then changed into the 'white Company' pyjamas, and bed down for the night. We both had a really good sleep, and when I woke up, we were over Alice Springs! Brilliant! Just time to get organised, have a delicious fresh fruit breakfast, and we were landing in Brisbane!