Age has advantages

Peru here we come!

This trip has been booked for such a long time, but we really haven't given much thought to it. Until now. We have only been back in Oz for 4 weeks, and not even back to our home, following our epic camino and traipsing over other parts of Europe, just because we could. Retirement does wonderous things to you. It gives you freedom like you've never felt before. Unlike this generation, travel wasn't high on our priority list when we were younger. I suspect ( and we have met) many young people who have that sense of freedom and roving spirit now, in their younger years.

This morning as we embarked on this journey, overpacked to the hilt, I have to admit, putting my backpack on, lightly packed for carry on, I felt a mixture and confusion of emotions. On one hand, it felt extremely familiar and comfortable. Ahhhh that's what I want to do. Alternatively, as comfortable as it felt, I had this strange sadness. What a picture I must present - a 60+ backpacker in hippy style harem pants, aka loose comfortable travel clothes. It so reminded me of the old saying, 'mutton dressed up as lamb'. You know, people who try to be something they are not. I wondered, 'Do I look like that?' 'Have I missed my prime for backpacking?' I certainly hope not!

This trip, however is somewhat different. We won't be 'on the road' a lot, at least initially. In fact there are no plans, other than visiting our son and daughter-in-law. So we will have a base - a bedroom, closet and a bed. Somewhere to park our belongings. Consequently, we have not packed so light. And then there's the inevitable shopping wish list as well as a few gifts to buy. And with 2X 23kg luggage allowances each, we came fairly close to that limit.

What a sight that must have been in the early hours of Saturday morning, Sophie and I trying to wrap a large (and slightly overweight ) suitcase in glad wrap and packing tape. Oh how I wish the packaging service opened earlier. Now it's fingers crossed that it makes it all the way, in one piece.

Update, we are in Lima, and I can report that glad wrap and tape is holding thus far. One more flight, and baggage handling to go. Woohoo

Re flights. We've done a bit of flying recently, but flight from Melbourne to Sydney was the first time I'd seen iPads used for the inflight entertainment system. My first thought on seeing an ipad in the seat pocket was, "OMG, someone's left their ipad behind" and considered reporting it to staff on the next opportunity. Doh. Then I noticed one in Lex's seat pocket ..... And everywhere! Apparently they use them on all 767s.

Qantas staff, both on domestic and international flights were super friendly and helpful, but also maintained a calm, efficient, almost laid-back manner, as opposed to almost abrupt business-like but efficient approach we often see. Couldn't help but think, "yep, that's the Aussie way."

 

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A new adventure and a new blog

A new travel adventure, time to start a new blog, and explore different formats. An online adventure you could say. So the format may change frequently. A little excited about that cos I haven't tinkered with technology for ages. Think I'm ready for this, and we'll see what I can manage just on the ipad. Here goes.