No going back.

Or more precisely, there's no going back on my plan to visit Australia, the flights are booked and that's that. I have my visa, it only took an hour from application to approval, now that is efficiency. So now all I have to do is pack a suitcase, making sure it weighs less than 30 kg, but still has enough clothes to wear, well at least enough until I manage to wash some. 

I have read and re-read what I can carry into the country, what I can carry through airport security and what I can carry out of the UK, but not through Dubai, even if it is only being used as a connection airport (go figure.) I have bookmarked all the pages so I can check, double check and triple check. You can't be too careful when it comes to airport security. I even have plans to disinfect all my shoes, Australia doesn't like mud, with good reason I expect (okay I am exaggerating a bit.)

I have to find a 20cm x 20cm clear plastic bag that can be sealed, ziploc or the like. Fold over sandwich bags or bags that have been tied are not acceptable. Once I have one, I have to put all my jars, bottles, tubes or tubs, (that contain less than 100ml ) into it, making sure they aren't too cramped and the bag is sealed. I bet if I wait until the airport they will be selling them for a fiver! 

I have told my children I will bring them all a penguin back, they all seemed surprised that Australia has penguins (what do they teach them in school these days.) After the terrible bush-fires there certainly  won't be any spare kolas and the grey headed flying foxes are on the verge of extinction.  If push comes to shove I'll buy them a McVities Penguin.

On searching for a photo of  a Penguin biscuit I discovered they are similar to Australian Tim Tams!

I am seriously excited. I have a new suitcase to collect tomorrow and I can't wait to start filling it, not too sure about getting it to the airport though! :)