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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)
  • Carmel Carlsen
  • Carmel Carlsen

Camino Santiago (from Sarria)

I will be walking the, short, section of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. I will be stopping at Portomarin, Eirexe, O'Coto, Arzua, Salceda, and Xan Xordo on the way. In addition, I will be visiting Bilbao and Barcelona. Læs mere
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  • Start på rejsen
    24. september 2023
    Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen

    Heading out

    24. september 2023, Australien ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    I checked in online this morning and have just dropped off my suitcase at Sydney airport! The checked in baggage situation is a very stark contrast to my last pilgrimage - my backpack weighed in at 6.2 kilos when I set out for the first half of the Via Francigena, and this time, with the luxury of daily luggage transfers from hotel to hotel whilst I'm in Spain my suitcase weighted in at an astounding 18.2 kilos!!!!! I'll try to post again when I get to Abu Dhabi.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    2Sydney as I left
    The smoking room at Abu DhabiMy seat had two windows!

    Abu Dhabi

    24. september 2023, Forenede Arabiske Emirater ⋅ 🌙 34 °C

    Just landed in Abu Dhabi. It was a good flight but long. It's around 11:30 pm here. The smoking room is at the back of a bar. Next stop Madrid!

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    At the bus stop

    Madrid

    25. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Just got to Madrid, caught a little tube train thing to the exit (Terminal 4), and have made my way to the bus to take me to Terminal 2 for my flight to Bilbao. I am having my first coffee (Cafe con leche) in Spain - not bad at all.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    San Francisco de Asis ChurchCampos Eliseos Theatre2My hotel. My room is the top floor, third from the leftLove the ironwork frame on this buildingHow beautiful; grass tram tracks22

    Day -2 - Bilbao

    25. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    I arrived in Bilbao around midday. I walked around quite a bit this afternoon and found the city to be very beautiful. I arrived with no preconceived ideas or knowledge as I was only interested in one building: Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. What I found is a wide variety of building styles that work well together as, and I may find this all over Spain, there is an attention to detail, either a building feature or well considered, and placed, greenery that enhances the structures overall. I'm very tired now as I didn't get a lot of sleep on the plane trips over to Spain, so I'm really hoping I sleep well tonight. One thing I found a little confronting was the two machine gun armed guards at the airport in Bilbao! Oh, and I must share my delight at being greeted at the airport exit by a driver with my name on a sign (his iPad really) - just like in the movies - I've arranged a few of these pre and post Camino. One disappointment; I wasn't able to get into any churches!Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    3
    Sculpture by Louise BourgeoisThese figures were very confronting as you enter the Fine Art MuseumSacred Heart monumentAzkuna ZentroaThe BullringBizkaia Regional Government HeadquartersArriaga TheatreSan Anton church and La Ribera Market (dating from the 1300s)Axturi StationIn San Anton ChurchBasilica of Begona1San Nicholas Church. I love the marble.

    Day -1 - Bilbao

    26. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    What a great day! I've walked 27kms as I made my way around the city and loved every minute of it. The map I used is threadbare. The Guggenheim exceeded expectations, and the day just got better from there. I visited the Fine Art Museum, saw heaps of incredible buildings, I was able to get inside four churches (the Spanish really go all out on the altar decorations) and followed the Way of Saint James (just a little bit). I even visited the local Bullring (not active). I'm sitting in my hotel bar, having a well deserved beer and watching the foot traffic along the river (Ria de Bilao - the Nervion). I am so glad I came here and was able to explore. P.S. the photos I've shared are just the tip of the iceberg - I took heaps of photos today.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    Postal box at Bilbao airport

    Day 0 - Santiago to Sarria

    27. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    I've just landed in Santiago airport and have hopped into the car that will take me to Sarria. I didn't see any pilgrims at the airport, but I did catch one sign.

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    The house across from my hotel. Look at the condition of the roofSanta MarinaFortaleza de SarriaSan SalvadoreMonasterio de la MagdalenaMonasterio de la MaddalenaSan SalvadorThis lovely old house had a well out the backCapella de San Lazaro. Part of a place that looked after lepers until the 1700sMy hotel. I'm 2nd balcony from the right - on the top floor

    Day 0 - Sarria

    27. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    The drive from Santiago to Sarria was pleasant. It was mostly freeway at 120 klms an hour, and I recalled when I was driving in Montana and the speed limit on the freeway was 120 miles per hour! It was quite a misty morning which always makes the countryside look great. The first town we drove through was packed with pilgrims, which made me a little concerned about how I'm going to be able to deal with the crowds - but I suppressed that thought. I got to Sarria before 11 a.m. and incredibly, my room was ready, so I was able to come right up. I dropped my things off and then set out to explore the town. As you would expect, there are references to the Camino everywhere in town, and I was very pleased to get some hat pins and patches. I'm now waiting for the rest of the ACU group that I will be walking with. They are all on the train from Madrid. I have everything ready to set off tomorrow.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    My first way marker2The 800 year old oak treeSantiago de BarbadeloWild raspberriesThese are used to dry out crops2My 'Terry' backpack and shellIgrexa de Santa Maria Ferrerios2Me at the 100km markerThis area is so lush and greenSharing my Camino with a small dairy herd2Tonight's hotelIgrexa de San Nicolao a San Xoan (Portomarin)Igrexa de San Nicolao a San Xoan (Portomarin)Igrexa de San Nicolao a San Xoan (Portomarin)

    Day 1 - Sarria to Portomarin

    28. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    I'm finally here. After all those years of thinking about and planning for a Camino; it's finally happening. There were so many of us pilgrims along the Way in the morning, and I have to be honest, it was a little intimidating. Then we got to the 800 year old oak tree, which was described by a friend, when he did the Camino, and I realised that I am just one of the cogs in a very large machine, i.e. we are all in this amazing thing together, and then I began to relish in my very small part of it and welcome the presence of those around me. After a delicious lunch, the crowd seemed to thin out, and I was able to walk alone and relax into the experience. Tonight, our small group was able to celebrate mass in the church at Portomarin (I mean, we had the place all to ourselves) - a church that was established in the 1200s. How awesome is that? And even though I only needed to obtain 2 stamps on my credential today , I ended up with 9! LOL.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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    Day 2 - Portomarin to Eirexe

    29. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We headed out just before 8 a.m. in the dark into a very thick fog. The climb out of Portomarin was lovely, and we seemed to climb for the rest of the day (exhausting). The fog stayed around for ages, and once it lifted, the day got very hot - never good for me. The scenery was amazing. We seemed to be walking above the clouds. I started to get a sense of the Camino today; all these people, including myself, are all heading toward the same place. I began to feel an underlying sense of excitement and to feel that I am a very small part of something huge. I discovered a new drink today: Tinto de Verano. It is made up of red wine (all the local reds we have tried have been delicious) and lemon and is very refreshing. Our hotel tonight is off the Way, and we were transported here this afternoon and will get a ride back to the Way tomorrow. The hotel is lovely and my room gorgeous.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    1Sunrise this morning
    The light of the moon shining on the roofIn the church at Palas de ReiIn the church at Palas de ReiStatue at Palas de ReiThe 'lemon' beer: Radler

    Day 3 - Eirexe to Porto de Bois

    30. september 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We left our accommodation very late this morning and did not start on our way until 9:45. It was quite a hot day, and I really appreciated the wood lined pathways. Not only are they beautiful, but they also provide a much needed respite from the sun. I caught my first sightings of gum trees - I noticed them after seeing gum leaves on the Way. Today's walk for me has been the most pleasant so far. Our accommodation tonight is outstanding. It is such a joy to have a shower after a very sweaty day. At lunch I got to try the lemon beer, Radler, I loved it (photo included). Apparently, it's available in Australia.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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    Day 4 - O'Coto to Arzua

    1.–6. okt. 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Our 3rd day, and the hottest, where we have had to walk in over 30 degree heat. Staff at the hotel said it wasn't even this hot in July! All the same, and even though I'm never good in the heat, the walking was really beautiful. I took both of the complementary/alternative options that were offered along the Way; the first just after Melide and the second called the Jacobean branch, after Boente, as they seemed to offer more shade. Tomorrow promises to be cooler, so I'm looking forward to that.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    Our accommodation last night. Our host Adrian is out the front.Eucalyptus trees2The Guardia Civil were stamping credentials!2A selfie with the Guardia CivilThis looks like a tree fern21My Radler, lemon beer, todayA wasp?

    Day 5 - Arzua to Salceda

    2. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    A very short walk today and in much cooler conditions 😄. Again, the Way was beautiful, with many tree lined pathways. We had a lovely foggy morning; always a nice way to start. My post yesterday failed to mention a Camino Angel story that happened to me; I was taking the first alternate/complementary path, which was very shady and, upon coming back into the sun, realised that I had dropped my hat! I was all for retracting my steps - no matter how far - to retrieve it as that hat came with me through the Via Francigena, and I've been walking with it for years! My walking companion (one of the ACU group) thought I was crazy and she, an Angel herself, was all ready to wait for me, but I was determined! Low and behold, I'd only gone about 300m and walking up the hill where my Camino Angels, a Spanish couple with my hat in hand! I was so grateful and enthusiastic with my "muchas gracias'". Also, today, I briefly talked to an 80 year old woman from Boston who is walking the Camino solo. She's staying in our accommodation tonight, and I'm hoping to speak to her some more tonight. Finally, I will mention how strange it is to see gum leaves under foot as you are walking in a European country and then see the gum trees alongside the path!Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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    Day 6 - Salceda to Lavacolla

    3. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We left nice and early this morning before the sunrise and under a misty rain. The day overall was perfect walking weather, and I felt a sense of joy and excitement all day. Just outside of Brea, we came across a lovely little donkey, and we cut up an apple and fed it to her/him. We walked through a forest of majestic tall trees covered with moss and vines (Carballeira de San Anton), and a Canadian woman sang us Dan Mullins' song "Somewhere along the Way".Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    Our group as we headed out this morning
    A nice foggy start to the day5My first glimpse of the Cathedral3Father Pavel celebrating the pilgrim mass in the CathedralThe Botafumeiro in action!2222With our certificates4

    Day 7 - Lavacolla to Santiago

    4. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    I made it! What an adventure! Another dream has come true. There are so many things about today that were wonderful and incredible. Top of the list was attending the pilgrim mass in the Cathedral, meeting up with Bruce (an Aussie walking mate who just finished his 3rd Camino this year), and receiving my certificate! I am beside myself with joy. I even got to dance tonight in the Cathedral square!Læs mere

  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    2Posted MaceriaOur Lady of the Boats2Muxia2Finisterre2Ezra CascadesIn the church at MurosConvento San Francisco Hotel Monumento5

    Day 8 - Santiago

    5. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    A very full day. Our group had an all day bus tour to Muxia, Finisterre, and a few other places. That was followed by our last communal mass, in a Franciscan chapel, our final dinner, and ending with dancing in a nightclub until the early hours!Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    The thrilling moment when I met up with Bruce.
    6What the Camino means to me. Beautifully expressed by someone else.2The wonderful moment when Ann and Terry arrived.In the Santiago Cathedral.In the Santiago Cathedral.2The Franciscan Church.The amazing wooden ceiling in San Martin Pinario.2The incredibly happy moment when Marian, Bernadette, and Lyndall arrived.The wonderful courtyard in San Martín Pinario

    Days 9 - 12 - Santiago (post Camino)

    8.–12. okt. 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    What a whirlwind! My time in Santiago was amazing, and, to be honest, a little overwhelming. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have made it to Santiago and to have completed my first Camino! The icing on the cake, of course, was the tremendous thrill to meet up with Bruce (on day one), Ann and Terry (on day 2), and Marian, Bernadette and Lyndall (on day 3). We all took different Ways to get to Santiago, but we were lucky enough to arrive around the same time. My accommodation in Santiago could not have been better (thanks to Jill for the second location), and every meal was delicious. Oh, and don't start me on the wine! I have so many things to be grateful for. A final shout out to Ann and Terry for putting us onto the Blessing from the Franciscans. I will treasure this document just as much as my certificate and stamped credential.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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    Day 13 - Santiago to Barcelona (post Cam

    9. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    I arrived in Barcelona this afternoon safe and sound having taken my fifth flight on this trip. My hotel is fabulous. I am on the top floor, and I can see the Sagrada Familia from my private balcony! I've decided to get room service (wine included) for my evening meal and am currently sitting on my balcony, enjoying my white wine (as recommended by the taxi driver), as I take in the city lights (and the Cathedral). I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    La Sagrada Familia
    Light from the stained glass windows on a columnAbove the alter and indicating the Holy TrinityA school house built for the workers childrenUp in the towerI was told the star was only completed last weekStained glass reflected on the marble tilesCasa BatlloGaudi designed street tilesThe attic - a space used for laundry in Casa MilaThe 'warriors' on the rooftop of Casa MilaThe attic windows at Casa MilaNot one banister was straight 😀The front entrance to Casa MilaThe underground carpark ramp (just off the entrance)

    Day 14 - Barcelona (post Camino)

    10. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    What a day! Today, I experienced La Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) and Casa Mila, locally known as 'La Pedrera' (literally 'the stone' but named as such because the locals thought it looked like a quarry). I also walked around the Gothic quarter at a little bit but had to return to my room to recharge my phone (after having taken so many photos)! My eyes flooded with tears as I saw the exterior of Gaudi's genius for the first time up close. No pictures could prepare me for the brilliance of his work. Once I got inside, I was overcome by the sheer magnitude of the structure. But more than that; I have never been in a church more fit for purpose - the glorification of God. I went up the Torre de la Pasion (Passion Tower) and was so glad I did. Casa Mila was also fantastic. It is sun filled and cool and, obviously, incredibly beautiful. I learnt two things today; a church is made a Basilica by the Pope and Gaudi invented the first underground carpark in an apartment complex - Casa Mila was built in 1906 and so hosted both cars and carriages.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    1Turo de les Tres Creus at Park GuellBeautiful stained glass at Real Santuario de San Jose de la MontanaCasa Vicens (house by Gaudi)The front fence at Casa VicensA painted garage door!Barcelona CathedralDali: Woman AflameBanksy: Smiling Copper2

    Day 15 - Barcelona (post Camino)

    11. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    Another lovely day in Barcelona. Today, I walked just over 25 km. My first stop was Park Guell (I was there for hours with masses of people), then, after chancing upon another of Gaudi's houses (Casa Vicens) and a phone recharge (again, so many photos), I got to see more of the Gothic quarter as I visited the Picasso Museum and the Moco Museum (modern art). All three are 'must sees'. It was a genuine joy to see more of Gaudi's work as well as my first real life Banksy and a bronze piece by Dali (amongst many other amazing works). I clutched my bag and kept checking that I still had my watch the entire time I was in the Gothic quarter LOL.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    Arc de Triomf
    2The Virgin of MontserratJoseph Montserrat: ConvalescenceSantiago Rusinol: Cafe des Incoherents2Picasso painted this at 13!6Christine and I

    Day 16 - Montserrat (post Camino)

    12. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    It is a public holiday in Spain today; they are celebrating both the Day of the Virgin of El Pilar and the day America was discovered. Today, I took a bus trip to Montserrat. We got to ride on the Cogwheel Train (my first time on that type of rail), and I was thrilled. In our 'free time' I walked through the museum up there and it was fantastic (early Picasso, Dali, Monet, Renoir, Dega, Pissaro, even a Caravaggio, along with some Spainsh artists I didn't know). After that, we visited a vineyard for tapas and wine tasting. On the way back to my hotel, I stopped by Sagrada Familia to see it in the afternoon sunlight. Naturally, it was stunning! My big news, though, is that when I was rejoining my tour group, someone called my name and lo and behold Christine, a BMC walking mate, called out to me. She'd just arrived in Montserrat ready for more wonderful adventures! We didn't get much time to catch up as I had to go. But it was a real treat to see her. And lucky, as the place was packed with people.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    Eiffel's bridge2Girona Cathedral and BasilicaSant Feliu avui3Stained glass in the basilicaFirst organ I have seen on the floor. In the Basilica1Beautiful light fitting in Sant Feliu avuiSan Pere Church in Figueres5Dali's workWhat a beautiful floor in the Dali MuseumThose yellow lumps represent bread!

    Day 17 - Girona and Figueres (post Cami

    13. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    I took a very long bus trip today. We went to Girona to see a medieval township and to Figueres to experience the Theatre Museu Dali. We could also see the Pryenees from Figueres and therefore France. Girona has a lovely red metal bridge built by Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) - which was getting painted! But the most interesting bit of trivial for me was that HBO filmed season 6 of Game of Thrones there! Dali did not disappoint, and I must praise our guide for her extensive knowledge of Dali and the enthusiasm with which she shared what she knew - she really deepened the entire visit for me. I was seriously impressed by a special exhibit of jewellery designed and made by Dali - stunning and made with the most lavish gems and precious metals (mostly gold). What a wonderful day.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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    Day 18 - Barcelona (post Camino)

    14. oktober 2023, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    I've run myself ragged over the past five days, trying to fit everything in. So, today, I took it a lot easier. I visited the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Cathedral, and ended my evening at Casa Sors to immerse myself in the Spanish art of Flamenco. Opulent is the best word I can use to describe the Palau de la Musica. Everywhere you looked in that building was a feast for the eyes! The stand out feature is the skylight - I have never seen anything so impressive and beautiful. The Cathedral was wonderful, and I highly recommend the audio tour and the lift to the rooftop. They keep 13 geese in the cloister to protect the building. And have a piece called the Monstrance, which contains the largest gemstones I have ever seen (no photos allowed in that section). I even got to see a small Matisse exhibition at the Cathedral. All for the modest price of 11€. The Flamenco performance blew me away. The guitar, the voice, and the feet all work together so well. I had no idea that the feet played the role, as well as the finger clicking of a third (and fourth) instrument. I met a lovely couple from Massachusetts there: Doreen and Herb.Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
    2Casa BatlloCasa Batllo - note the roof tiles; dragon hide.2Child riding a phoenix?Cloudy skies at Barcelona airport

    On the way home: Heathrow

    15. oktober 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    I woke this morning to a cloudy sky and experienced my first real rain in Spain - as I was taking one last walk around the streets. The flight from Barcelona to Heathrow was uneventful. Next stop Singapore!Læs mere

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  • Carmel CarlsenCamino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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    On the way home: Singapore

    16. oktober 2023, Singapore ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    I survived the 14 hour flight from London to Singapore. Qantas has less leg room than either Qatar or Etihad (and, just quietly, the man next to me had no boundry issues). We are getting off for a while, then hopping back on the same plane; same seat.Læs mere

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    Slut på rejsen
    17. oktober 2023
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