Swiss timing – superb of course. 10.18.00, not a second earlier nor a second later the train will depart! Sure enough, as the clock ticked over 10.17.45 a train pulled into the station. It departed at 10.18.55 and before the clock ticked to 10.19.00.

We only had one case each plus daypacks, however it’s amazing after 48 hours how heavy they seemed to be and how much effort was required to heave them onto the train. We took up two four-seater compartments so we could dump luggage and relax for the hour long ride.

On arrival into Lucerne we heaved our luggage off the train and headed to find our accommodation. We looked like three ladies on a mission pulling cases, but not with the refinement that we see on Lambton Quay when in Wellington. Those women have it well practiced! Difficult to compete with when we three had not much sleep.

The apartments were only a 1km walk from the station very close to the city centre. We checked in, showered and changed. We decided in the interests of adjusting to the time zone we would stay up as late as we could.

Today we thought it best to have a non-camera afternoon, and spend time getting our bearings, chilling and preparing for the next four days of adventures. We wandered the inner city for the afternoon up and down lanes as we chose admiring the beautifully painted buildings. Of course there was time to find an outdoor bar along the banks of the river for a quick wine during the process.

I had to drop my watch into the jewellers for repair. I had brought a watch here in 2013 and the bracelet lost a pin. The local jewellers have not been successful in making a pin to fit so I had to bring it back to Lucerne for repair(good excuse)! Apparently at such lovely jewellers you are not allowed to wear your sunglasses! I was very disappointed though as I had told Kirsteen and Suzanne how the shop had a gorgeous clock that spanned over three floors adjacent to the stairs. They refurbished the shop and there was no room for it!

As time disappeared we headed back to our apartments to toast the day with Champagne and snacks before dinner.

We had passed a local Thai restaurant during the day which was close to the apartments so decided to head there to try for dinner. Mmmm, well, a confused restaurant I say. One side of the window said “Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant” and the other side “Thai Forsti”. The waiter (I’ll call him that to be polite) brought out a menu, and we asked for a wine list. Mmm, no, not really – red or white. The food menu was Thai (no Italian anywhere in sight). We decided a beer would be plenty, and we would carry on. There was a few people outside but we now see they may be his regular cronies that have nothing better to do after work each day.

We kept walking and wandered down a lovely lane to a place called “Portofino” – an Italian restaurant which was fantastic. The food and the service were fantastic, and we got chatting to some locals who gave us advice about the must-see sights.

After dinner, we wandered back to the apartments and had a baileys then hit the hay for some well deserved rest!

The time is 0205. Cathay Pacific announces the boarding of Flight CX383 to Zurich. Could all passengers please form a 1km long queue while you await boarding. One of our crew will visit you in your queue to check your passport and see if you look like who you think you are. I’m sorry Sir, your long hair, cap and eyes look different – is this really you? Oh wait, it’s past 2.00am and you have been sitting around the airport partaking of beverages. OK, we will stamp your boarding pass and pretend it’s you.

Patrice and Suzanne, I’m sorry we have had a change of plan and you have been reallocated different seats. No Suzanne, you are not upgraded to Business Class, you are now relegated to the last row of the cabin. Geez, that past life is really catching up with you.

Just as the plane door closes a lovely old lady from Shanghai comes hobbling along the plane and sits next to us. She changes into her slippers and settles in. But wait – the hostess is coming past with a bag full of something and she hasn’t got whatever is in on offer. Ok, she got one – an eye mask, really. We three musketeers didn’t need an aye mask – new eyes maybe. You know the ones, the ones that are fresh and have eyeballs in the right place.

Kirsteen managed wine, Patrice managed food, and Suzanne managed a doze off.

Patrice had to wave as we passed Ulaanbattar in Mongolia – Gordon (friend) is there working in the mines. Yay Gordon, I’ve now visited. Haha.

Its a long flight across land but we are not allowed to look at the land. Apparently we have to sleep!!

It seems to be that no matter what time you take a long haul flight the crew think you must shut the window shades as soon as possible. Maybe they are tricking us that it really is nighttime outside.

We found just the place for those who trick us – Morons!

Eventually after movies, photography tutorials and some forty winks we were allowed to open our window shades. Not that that would stop Patrice – it was quite fun putting the pillow against the window and having a wee peek. We even managed to match up the plane view (above) with the towns.

Hoping on this leg of the journey that Kirsteen and Patrice get to the see the same sunset/sunrise. After all on the first leg Kirsteen had her own gorgeous sunrise.

No sunrise or sunset on this flight.

Breakfast was a wake up call at 0630am – what do you mean it’s 6.30am – we were meant land by now. Oh yeah – that was before the delay!

Shortly ladies and gentlemen we will be landing in Zurich. Blah, blah… oh yeah, it takes 5 minutes to announce in German and 1 minute in English.

Off the plane, and into Duty Free. We are now stocked up for the first 6 nights.

Coffee…. that will help!

Off to find the train to Lucerne. Patrice has the SBB (Swiss train) app on her phone (of course). What a bonus that turned out to be. The queue for the tickets from the SBB counter was about half a kilometre long! There was a self service kiosk but that was so difficult to navigate.

Lucerne to follow…

Cathay Pacific wishes to advise passengers travelling to Zurich that due to unforeseen circumstances your flight is now leaving at … actually no, it’s now leaving at… but wait, we’ve changed our mind, we hope to be leaving sometime soon, maybe… Clearly the Cathay Pacific team do not operate on Swiss time.

Ok Ladies, let’s head straight to the lounge and drop our stuff off before heading for a walk around the airport precincts. Oh no, what do you mean Air NZ, we are not on a Star Alliance flight – Cathay Pacific won’t let us Koru people in! How rude… haha not really. We didn’t take the time to check. We decided we would wander around the Hong Kong airport and see what we could find – camera shops, handbag stores, clothes shops and wait – an Irish pub! We’re in luck.

Time to check out the shops while we continue to hear the flight is further delayed. We are feeling a little jaded as we have now been up for 18/19 hours but we are also well aware if we sit down then we will crash.

We discuss the wonderful array of shops as we head towards our departure gate. Oh no, the only ones happy about the flight delay will be the husbands. Our Gucci, Prada, Coach, Versace etc are all closed. Lucky for the boys this time.

There were lots of food places, but not a lot took our fancy or were closed – after all we were now trying to get something to eat after midnight. But wait… we see the light…

Upstairs, we see silhouettes of beers and life… and a lot of lights…

There’s hope yet. Liberty and Beer – a bonus! Honestly, we all recommend anyone travelling through Hong Kong airport that wants good ole hearty food, eat here. The best burger we have had in ages for Kirsteen and Patrice, and Chilli Cheese Fries (without the cheese) for Suzanne.

We had visions of falling asleep in our food, but we managed it. Water – no wine.

The award for the best Burger of the Year – Liberty and Beer (applause).

Between 5am and 6am Sunday 16^th June 2019 and there is nervous movement in the Redshaw, Simpson and Nilsen households as Kirsteen, Suzanne and Patrice awake and the reality hits – TODAY IS THE DAY! It’s leaving day and during the next 24 plus hours we will be travelling to the other side of the globe.

0730 Patrice and Suzanne head to the Wellington airport to fly to Auckland. Breakfast – yeah, nah, nerves and tears kick in for Patrice so no breakfast thanks. Suzanne needs coffee – that’s a good breakfast.

After the goodbyes, time to board the first leg of the journey – Auckland here we come.

We have already text Kirsteen so we know she is due to arrive in Auckland 25 minutes after us.

After landing in Auckland we check the arrivals board and heads to the Regional Gates to wait for Kirsteen. 1010 am and touchdown for Kirsteen. She wasn’t expecting us to meet her so that was a nice surprise.

Suzanne thought we might need to catch the bus to the International Terminal. However, a quick laugh at her expense made her realise she we would actually take the 10 minute walk over – after all there would be a great deal of the next 36 hours sitting in a plane.

A quick walk to the International terminal, through customs into the departures hall. Ooh, gin tasting. Ok if we must… planning for the duty free shopping on the way home.

Between us we tried a few tasty ones, then oh my goodness, look at the time. A quick sprint to the Koru Lounge for champagne and snacks before boarding. Ok then.. someone has to.

1.00pm and we boarded. Kirsteen was up the front of the plane (thanks Cathay Pacific/Air NZ), Suzanne and Patrice must have been really naughty in a past life – second to back row!

Not a bad flight. We were all determined to stay awake for the whole flight as the next flight was out of Hong King at 1205am which would be a good one to sleep.

One long flight, some movies, drinks and food. Lots of laughter, chatter and planning for the coming days.

The pilot stepped on the gas and we landed into Hong Kong at 8.55pm which was half an hour early. Kirsteen landed half an hour earlier than us – the front of the plane arrived first! 🙂

Next chapter of the adventure to follow.

Thanks for joining me! In less than 2 weeks, actually 13 sleeps, (not that I’m counting) I will be winging my way to Morocco via Switzerland. After all, it really does take 4 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich to adjust to the time zones on the other side of the world.

First leg with Suzanne and Kirsteen and champagne aplenty.

Watch this space….

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton