Fairly dull first leg of the journey, sadly the sleeping pills the doc gave me and 3 glasses of champagne didn't help me sleep. Got about 2 hours tops. Arrived at kl very hot, sweaty and grumpy not helped by the lady at the transfers desk telling me my ticket was not one that could be upgraded so my plan to have a sleep in business on the way to Brisbane has been foiled. Managed to buy a bottle of scotch for uncle o, picked up some glenmorangie as I recognised the name but not sure if its the right type. Sitting at the gate now waiting to board and get the laptop out so I can work my way through the last series of true blood. 

Take off

Currently siting in the Malaysia air lounge on my second Bloody Mary feeling very nervous and excited about everything. Am sure I'm going to get a bit weepy either on the flight or at KL when I get lost and can't find my connecting flight to Brisbane.  

Thunderbirds are go

Last week my visa came through which was a massive relief as I've been dreading getting some kind of rejection email. However I've been approved on a whv so there's little to stop me now.

I've done most of my main shopping, a sturdy backpack and some very glamorous trail running shoes have been purchased along with a silk sleeping bag liner. Wanting to buy lots of fancy new cloths to take with me but need to remember that I have to carry everything I take with me so will have to pack light.

I have my first three weeks all planned and booked, I'll be spending some time in Brisbane with family before heading up to Alice Springs for 10 days including a 3 day tour round Uluru. I then head back to Brisbane for 5 days before flying up to Prosepine for some time snorkelling and sunbathing in the Whitsundays. 

If anyone knows anyone out in Australia or has advice on things I shouldn't miss out on let me know.

Bumps in the road

Three days into the planning of my trip and I've already hit a small snag. This is fairly typical of my luck and I really hope it isn't a sign of things to come!

On Sunday night I submitted by working holiday visa application. One part of the application asks you to detail any medical treatment you expect you will need while in Australia including mental health issues. Due to stupid honesty I declared that I would need to purchase my anti depressants, on Tuesday I received an email from Australian immigration asking me to submit a full doctors report about my illness including history, treatment and medications before my visa can be processed.

I've been able to book myself a doctors appointment for next week to get a report written but I expect it will cost a fair bit, it also means my visa authorisation has been delayed if not jeopardised. Fingers crossed it all goes ok, in the meantime I'll continue my plans and start working out what I want to do in Brisbane. So far I've decided to get a ferry out to Lone Pine Koala sanctuary instead of driving out as it should be a more interesting journey there.

Getting ready to go

I thought I'd start a blog to document my trip to Australia so welcome!

I'm flying out on 19th October with Malaysian airlines (which some might say is a risky move but it was super cheap). I'm hoping to stay in Brisbane with some family for a week or so before making my way down to Sydney.  I'm going to look into train and bus options as I think it'll be more interesting and cheaper than flying down. If anyone knows anyone who fancies an English visitor for a week in Sydney let me know. I'm happy to pay rent or pay back hospitality in cooking and cakes.

I need to now sort out my visa, organise any vaccinations I need and start packing (which means I get to buy some super glam backpacking luggage).

Will keep this updated with my preparations for the trip and my adventures while I'm out there.