Project 52: Thursday Evening

This was the Thursday night I flew to Christchurch for the weekend, for a wedding. I was packing when I took the Project 52 photo, and this included my dress for the big day, freshly drycleaned, the wedding invitation, my passport and airline e-ticket confirmation.

In addition, I had my compression stockings, clexane injections, and a newly acquired travel needle disposal tube. See, after my post about Clexane For Travel, Post-DVT a work colleague of my Mum's passed this on to her for me to test out. How cool! No more dilemmas if there is no safe deposit in airports now!

This post is part of Project 52 with Jess from FuShMuSh.

Clexane For Travel, Post-DVT

The worry about flying long haul flights, and making sure you are doing all you can to avoid a fatal blood clot is something that is as important as checking you have enough pages in your passport. Maybe more so!

I have had a blog reader contact me with questions about travel after having a DVT, and so I thought I would share those flight strategies for anyone else who may be in need of the same reassurances, an example of how travel does not need to stop after having a DVT, and how best to manage your fears about getting another one.

Cassie says she Googled “traveling with Clexane” and found my blog. She told me that she had her DVT and PEs 4 years ago, and was finally in the process of planning more travel - “I figure at 30, I can't give up on seeing the world just because I need an injection or two”. Cassie asked me some questions about her upcoming trip, and we swapped diagnosis, ongoing leg symptoms, the variable medical advice we have both received, and travel precaution stories. We also talked about sharing our discussion here, to add to the limited information there is out there about post-DVT travel, and to share the precautions I take when flying.

Cassie has a very similar story to mine in terms of her DVT diagnosis and lack of factors other than travel, with “No underlying predisposition to clotting, just some very long travel days on a bus in Turkey, several lengthy flights, being on the pill and a big dose of bad luck!” Neither of us have been found to carry genetic factors predisposing us of clotting like this. She also had calf pain during her travels, and dismissed it as a cramp. Sounds oh so familiar!

You can read about mine here, in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and getting back on the plane!

Cassie and I have both exchanged how lucky we both consider ourselves to still be alive and well, given the DVTs experienced, and the point of travel for them to our respective lungs. She asked me a series of specific questions, to help her prepare for her trip, to know a little about what to ask for from her doctor, and also how to be ready to inject herself in the belly with a syringe of blood thinning medication!

Having had a DVT cannot be the death of the travel bug, and your travel plans – so here is my post-DVT travel advice:

• Once you have a prescription for clexane from your doctor, with the dosage based on your weight and risk factors, I suggest following up the filling of the script with your pharmacy a little in advance from your flight date – the first time I got one filled, the smaller country chemist I went to was not sure of their supplies, and thought they may have needed to order some in.
• Getting to a point of actually giving yourself a needle is the hardest part, for sure. But I figure if that's what I have to do, then so be it! I give myself an injection before a long haul flight, and also after the flight.  My rule of thumb is once per 24 hour period, and then if it's a long haul flight that usually means one before and after to cover the time differences. For a shorter flight, like an 8 hour one, I usually just give myself the one jab before the flight.
• I wear the compression stockings for flying, and get up and walk the lap of the plane every couple of hours - like at the end of every movie. I have accepted that flights are no longer a place for sleeping for me now, so I just treat any flight as a serious movie marathon!
• I always ask for an aisle seat, and stretch out when I can. I often let my seat buddies know that I have no issues with them disturbing me during the flight so that they can get out – such an opportunity will ensure I get up and walk around at least to the back of the plane and back again myself.
• Needle disposal is a challenge, for sure. I don't carry a sharps container with me when I travel, but I have found some sharps disposals in bathrooms around the world (mostly in non-Aussie airports, actually), but not many. I usually just wrap them back in their packaging and throw them out that way. Not the best option, for sure. I sometimes carry them with me until I find somewhere a little more equipped to handle such delicate rubbish.
• I have never had a security issue carrying needles, which I have been surprised about. The first couple of times I carried a letter from my doctor explaining why I was carrying syringes in my hand luggage, but now I have become pretty lax about that because I have never been questioned!
• Keeping a couple of needles in my hand luggage, and then a bigger stash in my checked baggage, is my usual strategy for ensuring I have enough supplies for my trip, and some sort of safety net in case I lose one of my bags.
• In terms of travel insurance, I have been advised that I don't need extra cover (which I got on my first post-DVT trip), because without the presence of blood factors we have as much chance of getting a DVT as the next person. I am not really sure about that, but I agree that we are not really classed as having a pre-existing condition. I would imagine there would be an insurance fight in the event that I had another one though, knowing what the insurance world is like!

My policy about when to inject and when not to, is to err on the side of prevention. I would rather give myself a jab and be over cautious, than wish I had have, and have a trip ruined, wind up in hospital not being able to fly for a month, and  be made to be on warfarin for life, or the worst case scenario, that's for sure! In addition to flights, I have given myself clexane for overnight train travel, and also long bus rides.

Following all of this has still left me feeling anxious about leg pain on a flight, or the days afterwards, on occasions. And this treatment plan is not a guarantee, especially if you seek out anecdotal stories. The need to trust your instincts to get any persistent leg pain checked out is needed, and if your calf is hard, or if you are out of breath, an Emergency Room visit is a must!

I would also recommend compression stockings, or wearing sports skins, to everyone taking a long haul flight. Plus the tips to get up and walk as often as possible, and to keep hydrated, should be everyone’s plan also – better to be safe! Sitting cramped up all those hours is just not good for anyone!

*Please note – this post should by no means replace consulting with your doctor, or following the instructions given for your particular risk factors of a DVT.

Project 52: Thursday Lunchtime

Today I ate at my desk at work so that at lunchtime I could duck across the road to the huge shopping centre and stock up the essentials for my trip. Here, I have an immodium equivalent  since I am going to India and SE Asia - hopefully since I am packing it I won't need it, right! I also have supplies to combat this new allergy experience that I have seemed to develop in the last year, again hopefully with this preparation I won't need all of that! Fingers crossed.

Of course, my all important clexane injections are the most crucial here, to stave off DVT for my flights and any extended bus or train travel.

This post is part of Project 52 with Jess from FuShMuSh.

Top 5: My Travel Illnesses

As I am still trying to figure out the mystery of the outbreak of leprosy that plagued my most recent travels, and sharing the stories with people here at home, I have been reminded that I collect some strange and full on illnesses in my travels. Maybe I am allergic to change? Of travel, itself? Hell no! And if so, there are drugs for that, right?

So here is a recap of the weird and memorable ailments I have collected, along with the stamps in my passports:

#1 - My DVT in 2008, upon returning from my first trip to the West Indies will surely (hopefully!!) be my enduring use of one of my nine lives because of travel. Given the travelling nature of the segments of clot, and the presence of that fleck on my lung, this ailment could well have signaled the end of my travel, and indeed all, days! A very scary one, but now I take every precaution, am very in tune with my blood circulation and comfort on long haul flights, and do all the things I need to to prevent a re-occurrence.

#2 - In Cambodia, I had Typhoid. Or was treated for Typhoid, which may well have been a SE Asia-specific bug. This experience has put me off the idea of getting every vaccination possible before heading out for a trip, rightly or wrongly, because I had a shot for Typhoid. But, as I was reminded again last week, the vacc only covers for a few popular strains of the bug, and can't really cover you for every germ you may come across of this variety in every corner of the world.

I know this was borne from the delicious breakfast fish curry I had on a morning market trip with one of the women I was working with. I knew it was a risk, but sharing that morning with her, going about her daily activities and interactions with all the stall owners, and then sitting and having a meal in among all that frantic market chaos, while buying the groceries for the shelter I was working in, was such an amazing and real experience. I wouldn't take it back in a minute. Even over those body-wracking cramps!

#3 - My current unknown allergy started at home, the week leading up to my last days of work, as I plan to set off on a big travel adventure for the next 12 to infinity months. It flared up again in Barbados, then worse than ever in Trinidad, where I went to the emergency room and got some much needed IV medications to calm it all down. The doctor in Port of Spain - St Clair Medical Clinic, who were all very good - started talking about this episodic skin issue as an allergy. Not having a bar of it, I took and filled his recommended treatment - and sure enough, needed it in Dominica.

Needed again in the USA and again upon getting home, this outbreak is getting less each time, and hopefully I have it under some control now as I am getting ready to head off again on the weekend. I was advised to keep a food diary, or recap all the things I have had consistently over these outbreaks - although across 5 countries, it seems a bit needle in a haystack to me!

#4 - I had the worst Flu I have ever had when I was in Nashville. I seriously willed death of this bad bout! Plus I was alone, on my first major trip away from home, in the employee accommodation of the hotel I was working for, and being in the USA, did not have access to the types of medicines I would usually use to fight off such a bug. I remember having a couple of days and nights, hell it could have been a week, all dosed up with whatever I could find that was an approximation to the familiar cold and flu remedies in Australia - but had surely, in a delusional state, overdosed, and was in and out of cohesion for some time! Awful!

#5 - It would be remiss of me not to include the self-induced Hangover on this list. And boy, have there been some rippers! Durban 2006 and Colombo 2004 come immediately to mind, both post-cricket series celebrations, both very large, both from drinking with Charles, and both resulting in all kinds of pain! A good hangover certainly reminds you that you're alive!

They all make for decent travel stories, I guess. I mean, I could certainly have done without all of these, especially the enduring DVT, but it's all part of the risk and trials and tribulations of travel. It's not really worth it if it all goes ridiculously perfectly!! Aliments in a strange place are all part of the journey.

What are yours, and where were they?

Long (Good) Friday

“Have you been to Barbados before?” the gorgeous Bajan Customs guy asks. “Yes” I manage to say while trying not to fall asleep standing up. “Welcome back” he drawls with a smile as he stamps my passport. My heart flutters!

I have collected two stamps in my passport today, given myself two DVT-preventing clexane injections, and taken three flights, lasting a mammoth 26 hours of transit. Mum drove me to the airport as the sun was coming up in Ballarat on the morning of Good Friday, and saw me off for my first flight from Melbourne to LA. I then transited to Miami, which was another good five hour flight, and one more down to the Caribbean island, and the location of the first cricket test.

Most of my flight was a massive movie marathon, until the disappointment of no personal entertainment screens on the American Airlines domestic flight. First I watched the last half of the season of Californication that was on offer – that show is such a guilty pleasure! Then I watched One For The Money, of the Stephanie Plum crime treat fiction. I really enjoyed this depiction of a book series I have really liked over the years, and happy with the castings – Ranger is totally hot, just like he is meant to be! But it is light, and funny, and Heigl is perfectly cast for mine. I hope they continue with some more of the series.

I then watched My Week With Marilyn, and despite disliking Michelle Williams with a passion, thought it was really good. This story of her visit to the UK to do a film, and her experiences with method-acting coaching, self esteem and mental health issues was so real, and portrayed so well. I also caught J. Edgar, with Leo starring as the founder of the FBI - interesting portrayal of a very extraordinary man. Next I viewed The Cup, the Australian movie about the 2002 Melbourne Cup win, and all that was going on for Aussies and the Oliver family that week. Such a great story, and one that makes you proud of our passionate, sporting nation!

I tuned in to bits and pieces of The Adventures Of Tin Tin on the domestic flight, and got the gist of it, although it didn’t really engage my attention. I was pleasantly surprised with a bonus upgrade to Business Class for my last flight, when I could curl up or stretch out, and crack the spine of the final Harry Potter novel.

Upon arrival, and my flirty admission into the country, I have grabbed a cab and checked into the room Melissa and I will share this week, at South Gap Hotel, in St Lawrence Gap. I totally feel like this is a second chance visit to Barbados for me, because last time, 4 years ago, I got sick and feel like I missed so much of it. I am so, so excited to lap it all up, and have the greatest time!

I am now sitting out on the balcony listening to Soca tunes from a playlist Springer put together, as the waves lap below me, and the full moon shines overhead. I was just going to wait for the girls to come back to The Gap so I can have a welcome drink with them before I crash…but I think I am done. Early start tomorrow for the first day of the First Test!

Clexane Jabs

I have amazingly developed the skill of giving myself an injection for flying, without much fuss at all. I am surprised at myself, really, because whilst I don't have the most heightened fear of needles, I am sure I have the usual level of anxiety when there is the prospect of a skin prick with either fluids coming out, or being injected. Thus, I can, and do, do it without much drama. The lengths I will go to for my travel bug!

Each time I am preparing to head off on a long haul flight, I seem to invariably get a client with a horror DVT and/or PE story. This time, just before my Sri Lanka trip, I had a client who had big DVTs like mine, went on warfarin for the six months, cos of the presence of PEs. Then after all the tests like I had, and the all clear in terms of blood factors, he went off the warfarin. He says he got another DVT very soon after, and thus, is now a lifer. Yuck.

These stories are everywhere, seemingly to pop up everyday as a reminder. AFL player Daniel Wells is the latest, and of course the comeback to tennis of Serena Williams this year.

Each jab usually leaves a little red mark for a few days on my belly, and sometimes a bruise. This time, after my jab when I landed in Sri Lanka, I ended up with a massive, apple-sized dark bruise patch - which I can only imagine was because I had the injection after landing, riding the 4 hours in the bus down to Galle, and quite a few Araraks! Clearly the blood thinning properties of the clexane and the alcohol worked overtime at the injection site!

I had tried to get pre-existing travel insurance for this trip too, and was advised that because I had no blood factors, that my incidence of DVT does not qualify as pre-existing. Would be an interesting test, they agreed, if I did get another one, but technically my status was not a determinate of experiencing another.

Putting the thigh-high pressure stocking on, in humid climates, is always a challenge too, pre-flight. This time on the way back I managed to do it in the back of a taxi on the way to the airport. Anything not to get another clot, and to avoid the need to take warfarin for life!

Getting To Galle

Once the Galle test was confirmed for the Australian tour of Sri Lanka, I was set to go, to visit the city I had missed in 2004 and to check out one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. So, after telling my clients I was merely out of the office for the week, and seeing the Hawks win another comfortable Home and Away match, Mum drove me to the airport on the last Sunday of August for my flight.

After my DVT-preventing celexane shot, the 6 hour flight, and 3 movies, I landed in Singapore and transferred terminals to meet the rest of the crew on the next flight. Having successfully managed to twist the arm of Belinda to come on this tour, Jess and Lisby, and Laura also booked, and so I met them all for a drink at the airport before our flight to Colombo. We were joined by Sandra and Chris, in a little West Indies 2008 reunion.

Arriving at Colombo airport, and resisting the temptation of a duty free washing machine purchase, we all collected our bags, and were then greeted in Arrivals by a pretty excited Luke. He loaded us into our mini-bus to take us down to Galle, and provided an esky with beers, Ararack and mixers, which accompanied the 12 of us for the 4 hours driving in the wee hours.

Waking in the morning to the buffet breakfast with the beach as our backdrop at the Unawatuna Beach Resort, we caught up with many familiar faces from the Waving The Flag group.

Taking in the sun and humidity, the girls and I took a walk along the Unawatuna beach. Reminding ourselves that this is a region most hit by the tsunami at the end of 2004, we noticed many rebuilt sites, the buildings that have not been repaired, the ongoing development, and that many of the beach bars and businesses have been reestablished right where they had been previously. Reaching the Buddhist temple at the end of the beach, we then walked back and parked up at the Happy Banana bar for the afternoon for cocktails, a swim, and an awesome seafood lunch.

The next day was much the same - beach, cocktails and lunch at The Lucky Tuna bar, sun, after a minor hangover for me. Being Night Zero of the Test Match, the Flag's dinner started with a Sinhalese cultural show, with dancing and fire, before a seafood BBQ buffet.

The girls and I again ventured down the beach, with Fi and Dave, to catch up with Dillo and Dave at the Bongo Spice Chilli Cafe. Perfect relaxing start to my week away!

Etihad Me At Hello

I have just made it to the Transit area - ahh, mosaic dome - in Abu Dhabi International Airport for one of the best flights I have experienced. After all these years of travel, and countless flights and randomised airlines...Etihad Airways just may have won my heart!

I drove down to the airport with Mum, and went through the Customs doors. I am aware I am a little bit of a travel snob, just by having a chuckle at the fact that someone has left their passport at the first security check of their journey - they are in real trouble if that's their beginning.

I jab my belly with a blood thinning shot of clexane, and then board through Gate 9, to find the comfiest airplane seat I have ever sat in. And yes, I have flown Business before, nothing special. This one, however, in regular economy last night, is cushioned, roomy (unbelievable but true), and despite my skepticism about it's write up as an ergonomically enhanced chair, I am sold. It doesn't just recline, it actually does cradle as the website claims, back eases back and the pan moves forward. Plus adjustable lumbar support. I am blown away, and after 14 hours of that, I am not as stiff as I usually feel after such a flight. Awesome.

I spent the first two hours with James Franco in the amazing 127 Hours. After seeing the adventurer during the week on The 7pm Project, I was even more intrigued to see the movie. The cinematography, the play out of emotions and then final dilemma to save his own life, this movie was enthralling. Maybe a little modified for the flight viewing, it wasn't as gory as I had been expected, but is certainly not for the faint-hearted! Great performance, and amazing story.

A walk, more liquid intake, to ward that elevated DVT risk away, we were fed. I almost squealed with delight at the real cutlery provided with the meal. That doesn't happen much any more!

I get some sleep. Me! Sleep, on a flight! Almost unheard of. But again, comfortable setting! The seat allocation is that all single travellers have a couple of seats to themselves, which also help. This is a thinking airline! Sleep between Jakarta and Colombo, according to the maps.

Lights back on in the cabin, but low and inoffensive, I then watch The Social Network. I will admit, I had not been keen until it was endorsed by the Golden Globes - and I actually really enjoyed it. A depiction of the rise and rise of Zuckerman, but also the geeky, sad friendlessness of the man who put together a site that helps the world's friends stay connected. Fascinating.

Of course, I would love Etihad to read this and send me a free flight, but seriously, I am just saying - I think I have finally found a carrier I may look out for more than normal.

I mean, even the loo on the plane is done up like a hotel bathroom if you go in at the right time, with the folded ends of the toilet paper - and the outer edge ones have a window.

Anyway, 2 thirds of my flights done, I am not beside myself at the prospect of the rest of the journey.

Auckers To See Charlotte

I popped across the ditch for the weekend at the start of October, to see Charlotte. Now, I got a lot of flack for doing this, from the un-traveled. It seems they had never heard of anyone doing this - I had to explain that for anyone who has lived in London, catching a train to Paris for the weekend, or a plane to Barcelona for a couple of nights, or stealing away for a long weekend to Venice was just the London life! It didn't really fly for them, though. Silly them.

Anyway, I ditched work a touch early, got to Tullamarine, parked the car, jabbed myself with celexane to prevent DVT, and 3 hours and a bit later I landed in Auckland! Easy as! Miss Charlotte and Matt met me at the airport, despite the time difference making it very late for them.

The time difference caught up with me the next morning, with an effective wake up at 5am for me, but 8am NZ time....to a glorious, sunshine filled day. We went for a drive to the North of Auckland, to visit the Matakana markets. After sampling a whole heap of yummy wares, we then went to the nearby Brick Bay Winery. Here, the 3 of us walked the Sculpture Trail, which was very cool, despite Matt and my protests at the nature contact, the over-abundance of fresh air, and obscure art!! A bottle of wine to soak in the sunshine, and catch up on the past couple of years, was gorgeous.

Now, due to the inability of Australia to make a decision on anything this year, the afternoon was filled with the necessity of watching the AFL Grand Final Replay, after a draw at the end of the scheduled season. We were directed to The Paddington by an absent Ex-Pat, and here I tried to outline how good our game is, to 2 rugby fans. Not the best game for this!

The next day Charlotte took me out for an awesome brunch at Kokako, before another farmer's market, and a little drive around the bay. We checked out her place of work, and then Matt drove us up to One Tree Hill for a bit of a look over the city. The 3 of us then went to The Chapel for a Sunday session, with a crew joining us, for cider in the sunshine.

Such a great weekend, to mark both our birthdays for the month, and to catch up on Charlotte's new life back home. Was so good to see them both.

Hello Paris! Hello Jessie!

My much anticipated trip of the year arrived through a blur of a final essay, and tidying up a million bits and pieces for work, to be able to leave the country for a month! Clexane injections to prevent coagulation, and a hot and surreal plane change in Doho, and finally I was in Paris!

I made my way to our hostel, where I found Jessie, and Heath, who I hadn't seen since Barbados!

After freshening up, we went downstairs and found a street facing table at a nearby bar, for beers and catching up, where Hemant, Rhys, Belinda, Jess, Tamara, Dillo, and Remy found us. As a big group, we weaved through the streets to find the Latin Quarter for dinner.

The next morning, I went with Hemant to Montmarte, whilst Jessie and Heath went to see the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Checking out Sacre Coeur, and the little streets overlooking Paris, we the found the Moulin Rouge in the daylight, and wondered down the red light street for a giggle. He-man and I then got the metro to go and meet up with Jessie and Heath, on the grass below the Tower.

Rhys came to join us, before we walked to the Arc de Triomphe, and under the crazy round-a-bout to explore it. Last time I was here, we didn't climb up into the Arc, but Jessie and I were rewarded for our climb by seeing reference to the Aussie version of the Arc, being the one and only Arch of Victory, in Ballarat!

I loved Paris more this time than last time, I think because I wasn't rushing around to see all the sights, so I could just soak it up. Plus the weather was glorious, and so it wasn't the kind of hard work Winter in Europe makes everything!

Back to the hostel, we all got ourselves ready for our exciting dinner date for the evening. Now, the story goes that when Jessie was working in Edinburgh, she met an older gent who said she should come to his place for dinner when she's in Paris. Turns out that gent was Jim Haynes, and he has a dinner at his place most Sunday evenings, with a collection of people from around the world who hear about it through word of month. How amazing it that!

Our large group made it to the address, and whilst we were not meant to be such a group as it's not the flavour of the event, we soon found a spot out in the courtyard, and enjoyed the meal that was put together by a Chef from London.

Several wines into the evening, a few of us set out to embody the spirit of Jim's vision, and mingled with older couples from Boston, a freelance writer from Edinburgh, a German scientist....and 2 sisters from Ballarat, Australia! No kidding, we are everywhere!

Getting Back On The Long Haul

Whilst a couple of my mates are currently fighting it out over their very impressive and highly competitive country count, as a physical challenge, my annual Visited Countries post is the same as last year.


visited 32 states (14.2%)

But there is no room for despair, because if I can finish off this final essay for uni, and get my caseload organised, and get someone to drive me to the airport on Friday night, I am off again to colour in a major area of this map. Very exciting, and something I have wanted to do for years and years.

So, I have had to retire my well loved and much traveled passport, and my new little blue book with it's chip in it has been sent off for 3 page-sized new stickers, ready for this trip. I have been in discussions with my GP, and I have my clexane injections at the ready. With my flights, I will have before and one after my big long haul flight, fun. And then one on the way back, which is just a 10 hour flight. And some up my sleeve for any leg cramp niggles....when in doubt, jab, I guess! Plus the peg legs, I will also have to try to remember not to sleep for the whole first flight, and get up and walk around. One of those annoying people, but I'll do anything not to have another DVT!

I have also just paid for my travel insurance, with my pre-existing coverage for DVT, ohhhh, the Carribean cricket trip that keeps on giving!

Lovely Humps!

Part of our relaxing New Years Day, apart from time in the plunge pool, time in air conditioned comfort, and back in the private pool again, was to get down to Cable Beach for a ride on the camel train. We got down to the sand and joined our train with the Red Sun Camels, and were taught how to get up on the saddles, between the humps, two per camel.

Wendy and I were on Jabba, who with his brothers had walked in a train like this one from Alice Springs, to start his working life on Cable Beach. Nick and Melissa were behind us, on a slobbering camel, and we soon found that Jabba liked to get very close to the girls in on the camel in front of us!

Instructed to lean back while the camels stood from their seated position, we were soon ambling along the sand, all in line. The train of about 16 camels walks over the rocks and dry sand of Cable Beach, through the Nudist Beach area, and along the waters edge.

Being brought back to sand from the camel's back, we then made our way to the Sunset Bar for cocktails as the sun disappeared into the sea (and clouds!).

Our destination for the evening was a return to Matso's, for dinner, which was amazing. And then we sampled many of the beers on offer - a Raspberry beer, a special for the New Year, then the Monsoonal Blonde, followed by the very refreshing Ginger Beer, and topped with the very yummy Mango Beer. All so very good!

Our Broome time was over the next morning, as I put the peg leg on, and gave myself a cexane injection for the day of flying. We dropped the car, and checked in to Perth, where I boarded a plane for Sydney, Nick to Melbourne, and Melissa and Wendy off to Geraldton to continue chasing the cruise ship around WA.

Cairns

After an amazing week away to exciting and wondrous places, we had the final weekend of our trip in Cairns. The boat bought us into dock, and we we able to walk to our hotel for the next two nights, to the Pacific International. Probably the least impressive hotel of our trip, and yet right where we wanted to be.

After check in, we wandered down the Esplanade, and found a spot for dinner, and took in the crowds and kids about dressed up for a big night out. We walked over to The Pier to check out the places to be, but ended up at the Reef Casino watching the footy, after our massive day.

Waking up to a crazy temperature day of 30C, we had our buffet breakfast before walking through town, to seek refuge in the main shopping centre, for some retail therapy. Hiding out here for the afternoon, we eventually ran out of shopping patience, and steeled ourselves for the walk back...with the promise of a swim in the hotel pool.

As the sun went down, we got ready for a big night out, with the first mission being finding coverage of the footy being played on the other side of the country, whilst Brisbane was playing AFL, and both types of rugby was being played. We thought we were on a winner in a pub near the shopping complex in the heart of town...only to be disappointed as the game was about to start. A mad dash back to the Casino, we found the Hawthorn v West Coast game, and settled in.

Many, many beers later, a small entourage, and heavy heart at the Hawks loss, we were led by a local to a bar called Gillians, which he said was the place to be on a Saturday night. A massive backpackers bar, more beers, loads of people....that'll do! And like most in the world on this Saturday night out, we managed to have a dance to Michael Jackson, marking his death this week.

Buffet breakfast the next morning, we requested a late check-out so that we could spend the last hours of our winter escape week away in the hotel pool, soaking in the sun. Perfect!

Getting all packed up to go out to the airport, we received a text to say our flight was delayed by a few hours. I had just put the double pegs on for flying! More time in this heat!!?? Filling time, we went to the docks to check out the US Navy ship which pulled into shore for a week stay....just as we were leaving.

Palm Cove and Kuranda

Over dinner at the Sheraton Mirage, we were offered the treat of coming over the next morning for the full buffet breakfast and a swim. Hard to say no to! This is how we spent our morning on Tuesday, before leaving Port Douglas. Sun blazing, and swimming in the lagoon of this resort. Not bad! Ha!

We eventually called an end to our bonus resort experience, and started our drive down south for our next accommodation destination. After talking through our plans, we decided to pop into the outskirts of Cairns this afternoon, to see the Royal Flying Doctors Service headquarters. Here we walked through the museum like history room, before going out the back to board one of their old planes for a peek inside.

Taking me back to my beloved memories of one of my favourite TV shows, the Visitors Centre then had one of the nurses talk about the service, and then show a video about the work they do. Amazing service, and we were amazed at the coverage and numbers of people who use this service in the remote areas of our country.

Driving into Palm Cove, we actually trawled the tiny town to see if we could book ourselves in for a spa treatment for the afternoon. Not having any luck, we found out hotel and checked into the Rockford Esplanade - only to find that they had a service that could come to our room. So we both had a massage, much needed!

Walking along the main beach road of resorts, we had dinner at El Greco, with a full array of Greek goodies...sitting alongside Kevin Sheedy! There is no escaping footy, is there! An early night, ready for our early start the next day.

This morning we were picked up from our hotel by the Down Under Tours bus, and driven to the Freshwater train station. Here we ate breakfast, and walked through the museum to read about the history of the railway and it's feat of engineering, being built by hand, before boarding the train.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way through the mountains and rainforest, past Barron Falls, up to the town of Kuranda. Being told about the area, the history, and all the sites to see out the window of the train by the Michael Catton voiceover, we reached Kuranda. Here we wandered through the markets, before having a light lunch of scones and jam and cream at the pub.

From here, we walked to the SkyRail, and boarded a gondola for the ride down the mountains. The little pods allowed you to jump off at two different spots to take in the ranges and rainforest around us, including the other side of Barron Falls.

Next to the end of the SkyRail, we entered the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. We watched live actors and holograms enact the history of the Tjapukai people in the Creation theatre, after viewing art depicting these stories also. We then walked out to the grounds of the Park to watch a dance demonstration, with music, fire making...and even the chance to see American school kids called up to attempt to join in with the show.

From here we got to establish that Melissa could throw a boomerang and a spear...and that I throw like a girl! A lesson on bush medicines and an explanation of the challenges of Didgeridoo playing was next, before we were back to the main complex and the History Theatre, to hear the impact of white man's arrival to the area and to the Tjapukai people. They also told of the impact of having the above mentioned train track built through their sacred mountain ranges.

After such a full day, and again returning to our hotel as the weather started to cool, we talked ourselves into going for a dip in the hotel spa. We then moved to the hotel bar for Mojito and Pina Colada to mark the fact that I don't have DVT this year, one year on. Touch wood!! A massive curry for dinner, with wine, and we were exhausted and pissy enough to call it a night!

Port Douglas and The Reef

With a very early pick up in a Lincoln style 'car', Melissa took me out to the airport for us to meet our flight...with me feeling every bit of my accidental large night just hours before. Double peg legs on for the flight up to Cairns from Melbourne, we were grossly over-dressed the moment we hit the tarmac and took in the sunshine and high 20C of Far North Queensland.

This trip is actually the result of Melissa achieving Employee Of The Year last year. A package of accommodation and assorted tours was her prize. Wow! And given that Cairns is the last pocket of Australia for me to visit, I had kind of invited myself along! A much needed winter escape for both of us.

We picked up our brand new hire car from the airport, and made the one hour drive up to Port Douglas. Checking into our home for the next three nights on the main street of town, our apartment at Ville San Michele was over-looking the pool below. After finding something for lunch, and getting a lay of the land along the main street, we spent the rest of the afternoon walking along Four Mile Beach.

Dinner last night was an 'intimate dining experience' with Flames Of The Forest. We were picked up from our hotel, and driven to the outskirts of Port Douglas to rainforest and bush area. Here under a canopy, we were seated and the wine started to arrive. Canapes soon arrived, before entree arrived as a Chef's plate, with crocodile, duck and prawn bits of goodness. Main was a choice between trout and sirloin, and then an amazing group of little desserts arrived on the table. The wine was constantly topped up. And all this while sitting in the middle of the forest surrounded by candles, fairylights and the stars!

The Quiksilver bus picked us up from our hotel this morning, and took us the whole block (maybe two!) to the jetty where their cruise leaves from. Here we boarded our boat out to the Agincourt Reef, which is part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Melissa and I checked out the fishes and what all the fuss is about about the Reef in the underwater observatory once we had arrived at the Quiksilver platform over the reef. Awesome. But then it was time to prepare for the plunge, get wet and amongst the fishies....for two non-swimmers, this was a little daunting!

Collecting flippers, and snorkel mask, we ventured down to the submerged platform...and I quickly decided that I would take on the wetsuit like bright blue suit on offer, to shield from the cold water. Not Victoria cold, but I was just eliminating any issues apart form the fact I cannot swim!

Back to the water, we sat at the edge and loaded up with our equipment, trying to reassure ourselves that we wouldn't be breathing in water, and that we could both do this. Sticking my masked face into the water for a peek and test was a full anxiety moment for me.....but just had to harden up and get out there. Paddling out into the Coral Sea, and finding the space away from other people, we both got used to the whole swimming, and breathing, and snorkeling....and took in the breathtaking world that was below us! So amazing!

After being blown away by all the fish, and the colours, the coral, and the activity below the water's surface, we eventually made it back to the platform, and had a taste of the buffet lunch back on board the boat. But with much to do in our afternoon, we soon got back to the platform, and took a seat on a semi-submersible tour, for a guided trip over the coral and through the waters, with fish and other life forms pointed out and explained by the marine biologist.

Such an amazing experience, and a well organised day tour. I was totally blown away by the reef and it's living world out there. Wow! And so very proud of us both for venturing out with those funny breathing masks to take a look!

A Year Ago

This time last year I was sitting in Melbourne International Airport, awaiting my flight for my "trip of a life time". A whole year ago. Blissfully unaware of DVT, and hanging for cricket in the Caribbean.

That trip meant that calculating my Visited Countries annual map, I got to add Jamaica, Antigua, amazing Cuba and Barbados to the count.

My trip last year allowed me to catch up with Talia in NYC, and everyone in London too. Plus introduced me to a whole bunch of top blokes and sheila's through Waving The Flag.

Since then, getting back to international travel after the DVT scare and threat to the continued infection of the travel bug, my trip across the ditch with Mum has also let me collect another stamp in my passport.


visited 32 countries (14.2%)

So much white space remaining! With my passport full, and 5 useless months of validity, effectively making my trusty, crusty, mouldy little blue book null and void, I am in much need of some travel inspiration! At the moment, it may be a static year, till this time next year, again. Time will tell!

Auckland

Sunday morning, we awoke to see the cloud hovering over the bay, obscuring our view of the Harbour Bridge, and of the top of the SkyTower. Walking around the main streets after checking out, Mum and I had studied up on the things to do in Auckland for our last day of our trip, and thus, looked forward to a slow day!

We walked down to the piers, and decided on a ferry across to Devonport, on the North Shore. Filling in time, we took up the tour of the little town, with a very friendly local tour guide. From this vantage point on the harbour, we watched the cloud cover move over, away from, and again all over the cityscape of Auckland, hiding the iconic SkyTower for much of the morning.

Heading back to the city itself, we walked over to Viaduct Harbour, before finding that we could finally see to top of the tower, and deciding that we could make the trip up to the (second) highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, at last.

Mum and I rode the scary lift up to the viewing decks, selecting both levels, to get the full view. We wandered around up there, overlooking every direction of Auckland and it's harbour.

Grabbed our bags and finding a shuttle, we traveled out to the airport, me giving myself a jab on the way out in preperation for the flight home. Checking in, and going through Customs, I made a special request for a stamp in my passport, filling the last empty page in my trusty companion which is now technically finished (less than 6 months left on it).

Our trip over as we touched down in Melbourne, with Mum and I both with colds, but at least still speaking to each other!

BookCrossing in Christchurch

After wrapping things up at work for a week away, and giving myself a jab for the flight, I hopped on the Skybus out to the airport to meet up with Mum, and check ourselves in to our flight to Christchurch. An hour delay on Jetstar, and then just a 2 hour and 50 minute flight, the Clexane may have been excessive...but it certainly laid my mind at ease as we flew.

Getting in pretty late, we taxied to our accommodation very close to town, the City Court Motel, waking up our hosts for our key. Friday morning we got up ready to explore on our free day in Christchurch, walking into central Cathedral Square and taking in the Chalice. Having brunch at the Cathedral Cafe after walking into the church for a peek, Mum and I then studied the bus maps to find our way out to Lyttelton, and to the Gondola.

Riding up Mount Cavandish in the little swing capsule, reminding me of my trip in Switzerland, Mum and I went through the Time Travel exhibit before taking in the views from the observation deck - looking over Lyttelton Harbour, and over the city sprawl of Christchurch. Venturing out into the crisp and fresh air, we walked out to the volcano rim for a 360 degree view of our surrounds.

Back into town we made our way to Cathedral Grammar to register for the 2009 International Anniversary BookCrossing Convention, picking up our goody bags, and gaining our bearings of our base for the weekend. Friday night we had a formal, cultural welcome in Maori for the opening of the Convention by one of the local BookCrossers, ice breaker games, and a chance to mingle in with the group.

People from all over the world were here for the Convention, with accents and stories a plenty. Saturday morning, after a wee little sleep in, Mum and I found the City Release Walk through town, stopping off at many places for creative and crazy releases. We also took in the ye olde Provicial Buildings, the Arts Centre and precinct, as well as the amazing Autumn colours and leaves around town.

Stopping for lunch at the markets in the cultural precinct, I ducked across the road to look at, and listen to, the Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit.

The afternoon session was the full on BookCrossing section of the weekend, with a guest speaker talking about Janet Frame, a speaker on the history of the book, the presentation for the next International Convention in Amsterdam, and vote for the 2011 Convention, and a live cross to BookCrossing central in the US, and a glimpse at features preparing to launch for the site. Mum checked out the Christchurch Casino for much of this!

Dinner and the traditional trivia night followed, with Mum and Andrew on the Rainbow Warriors team, and Megan and I managing to find ourselves on the Dracula's Little Helpers team, answering questions all night on all sorts of topics. Our two teams managed the not come last...but close!!

Today we have met the group of BookCrossers for the last official part of the Convention, the Sunday Brunch. With some 60 Aussie and New Zealand, Irish, English, Dutch and Austrian accents filling the room, all talking about books, releasing, travel, and the growing gathering traditions, it's fascinating how one little website idea has grown into such a community.

No Genetic Mutation

Today I finally went to see my GP, after my follow up blood tests to screen for any blood or genetic factors for my incidence of DVT last year. And the 8 vials of my blood they took from me a couple of months ago have cleared me of any mutations in my genes, predisposing me to clotting.

Great! So just The Pill. And all those flights. And maybe a bit of dehydration in the heat. And dumb luck, led to those big fat clots. No real explanation as to why this time, and why not before...but anyway!

My GP had also discouraged me from wearing the peg, stating that really now, it was no longer doing anything for my circulation, nor preventing a new DVT. So I have been without peggy for about two months, and really there has been no difference. So all good there too.

But tomorrow, I am due to get onto my first post-DVT international flight. My first non-warfarin long flight. Not long haul, but the shortest flight that will get me a new stamp in my passport. And I am anxious!

I seem to hear about a new DVT story everyday. Just today someone told me about a friend's mother who had just got off a flight from the UK, and had a DVT. The incidence anecdotally seems higher than ever!

My story of DVT has led to many of my friends telling me that they are now more aware when flying, and will do more things to prevent themselves getting one. Good! Get up and walk around! Drink wine! And do those silly exercises!

In order to prevent DVT in the future I will need to take injections of Clexane. So before and after long haul flights. If I am ever pregnant. The incidence of DVT in my age group is 1 in 3000, and despite my GP telling me my odds are still the same, I am not going to run the risk of another clot...which would lead to warfarin for life.

Warfarin for life would mean no drinking. Ever again! Good god! But also fortnightly blood tests to check my levels. Always considering what I am eating, and whether I have eaten too much spinach this week, did I already have chick peas in something this week, is there fenugreek in this? And also the constant fear of harm leading to bleeding, leading to not clotting.... Nevermind the idea of taking a derivative of ratsack forever!

So I have also insisted today that I be given Clexane for tomorrow's flight, and for the flight back home. I would rather be preventative...than wish I had. But now, the challenge will be giving myself the needle! I am not sure which is making me more anxious!!

Footy Weekend in Sydney

The excitement of the weekend away with the girls built early in the week, and having Melissa pick me up from work, and then meeting Mum and Katrina out at the airport, we needed a beer to kick it all off! This one, and the many I had had at work as we were winding down, ensured little anxiety with my first proper flight without blood thinners.

Touching down in Sydney, we then headed to the Rydges World Square, courtesy of Melissa's work contacts, for the night.

Up the next morning, we met up with Dawn, Mum's bridesmaid (!!), for what would have been a lovely brunch along Circular Quay...but alas the second power black out in Sydney town in a week, and it was no deal. We found a cafe across the road with power and food options, before heading out over the ANZAC Bridge to see Dawn's habourside apartment with amazing views. Wine overlooking the bay and city for the afternoon!

Back into town, we started the trek out to ANZ Stadium for the game. The venue of the Sydney Olympics, and an occasional AFL ground, the Hawks had never played there, and we had never been out to Homebush for anything. Finding the way wasn't as tricky, although no thanks to the puzzled and unknowing station attendants! This is not the town of real footy!

After a drinking day, we found a pumping pub for a pre-game refreshment, before walking through the food village outside the ground, to explore the range for dinner. Reminded me of Antigua actually!


Entering the ground with the streaming crowd, I was overwhelmed by the size of the stadium. Seemed massive! And sadly empty. Despite the numbers coming in outside, the stands looked sparse. Ended up being around 32,000 for the night, the capacity of the SGC.

Drinking the dirty white to continue my start in the day with wine, Katie, Melissa and I were in a quarter by quarter shout, which made the game, particularly the dismal last quarter for Hawthorn, fly by. Losing by 40 something points, I don't really know why we continue to go to Sydney for the footy! It's one of those hoodoo losing trips, every time!!

Teaching the Sydney fans their own song on the train back into town, we stopped at our hotel for a quick change and more wine, before getting a taxi down to The Rocks. The Argyle was the first place we saw, but after seeing girl spew in there just near the bar, we decided the regular pubs were much more our scene.

The next day I was nursing a hideous hangover, which did not allow me to do the walk through of the Archibald Prize exhibit at the Art Gallery of New South Wales justice. The girls wandered around The Rocks market, and I worked up to keeping water and food down, before we were out to the airport and home.