peak emotion

It's a glorious travel tradition of mine to have a good cry at Rydges Sydney Airport hotel. I've done this for every overseas trip I've ever been on, I think. Maybe it's a way of releasing the stress of preparation; maybe it's a way of saying goodbye; maybe it's because I am scared of being away from home; maybe it's because I feel like I don't deserve nice things. I've thought about it a lot over the years, and I really can't account for it, so suffice it to say that this is how Christopher May leaves the country: in tears.

The transfer to the airport was absolutely luxurious, thanks to Mum and Dad driving *up* from Gwandalan then *down* to Botany. We made it from our front yard to Smithy's Bar in pretty much 2 hours - much faster than it would have been had I driven, and *much* faster than the train. We laughed and chatted and had some dunch together. Watching them walk away was a big pang. Last time we were in London they were with us.

Saying goodbye to our daily visitors - the magpies, and the cat Haku - was sad. It has been a cold winter, and little Haku has often been sleeping in front of our heater, or on one of our armchairs. When we arrived at the airport hotel, I got an email from Amazon advising that a cancelled package had been delivered to my front verandah. The tracking picture showed Haku asleep on his spot. I wonder how long it will take him to understand that we are gone for the forseeable. He's a pretty craven little shit, so maybe three days.

We have arranged the most gradual exit from Australia that we have ever done. A whole day at Sydney airport before departure. It will be interested to see if this gentle departure makes a difference to the arrival.Read more