Leaving on a jet plane

So the  6th August has finally arrived and I am packed and ready to fly! After the roller coaster of the last month it feels quite strange to be on my way! Add to that, that I usually try to travel with only a couple of pieces of luggage and if possible catch the MiCiti bus to the airport, I am suffering from overload!

My lift, Yvonne, had to park so that she and Joslyn, the designated 'pusha' - quite an outing for her as she has never been to the airport before - could unload all my bits and bobs which includes the suitcase, my backpack, handbag, fleece, 2 crutches, and the wheelchair with its 2 footrests and a cushion for the seat!!! I seem to take up quite a bit of room! 

I learnt that if you are an assisted passenger, you can't check in on line but as I did the usual 'Stein' thing we arrived with bags of time to spare. Going through security was a breeze, but I didn't go through the X-ray machine so was patted down. Thankfully I was dropped off at the Mugg and Bean so enjoyed a coffee milkshake and people watching - a favourite pastime and as I couldn't do much else than sit, very welcome.

Yvonne, Joslyn and I - just about colour coordinated- at checkin in Cape Town.

I have spent a very quiet time in Jhb though I did see Dave and Sally, before they set off for the Cape to walk the Otter Trail. Otherwise Karen and I have been packing, discussing and planning the next 3 weeks. I have been weight bearing a bit more, under the careful supervision of my private orthopod but

the general opinion is that all the paraphernalia will be coming along on the trip as walking long distances remains tiring and sore!

Lauren and Jenny trying out the loungers in Dubai.

Not much to recommend to me as being a 'specialneeds' traveller they kept putting me in a lounge with others like me (though more decrepit) but we did manage an escape!

AT Last we are in New York. Nothing to report yet as we are only just waking up to a rather grey rainy day. I am sharing a room with Karen and Jenny, both Duracell bunnies for note!!

Even though we were flying, time seemed to stand still. Two back-to- back flights of 7 & 13 hours are killing. We struggled to get the bulkhead seats promised, but eventually managed which was a blessing for me, I even got a box to put my foot on for the 2nd half! The food was good as were the movies!

So few photos and little exploration to report on, but.......... More to come