Let’s call this an update with details to follow:
As I write this at 6:02 Wednesday morning, we are in an airport hotel in Sydney with the promise of a flIght to Hobart Tasmania and the certainty that our luggage is lost. We are reduced to the clothes upon our backs and in out backpacks. Etihad is optimistic about finding it someday, but not before we set of for Tassie. And given that we are moving around the island, it is possible our luggage, if found, will be taking the same tour a day later than we.
But, we ARE in Australia and philosophic. It’s almost like we are now on Eithad’s payroll. They booked our Tassie flights and put us up in a third hotel with full meals (more to follow on our second hotel in an Abu Dhabi palace). If you are in First Class, They are superb problem solvers, even though some of their problems are of their own making. They are determined to make things right even if it takes a thousand wrong moves.
More to come
since I am a planner I would be a wreck … but sounds like a zig/zag type of thing and you are making memories and having fun – right?
Unbelievable! Be careful! You have learned enough Buddist practices. Come back in good health. And be sure to hang on to your wallets at all costs.
I finally checked in on your adventure– holy cats! Great storytelling with photojournalism to boot. Thanks for the glimpse to date into heavy duty, global touring (minus the grueling desert delay). And 45 lb bags…wow.
Actually, if you don’t bring camera equipment and don’t need to plan for both winter and summer, you probably could get by with 22 pounds total. The real problem is that medium-sized suitcases weight 8-9lbs a piece. Weekenders plus a backpack would be the way to go if you get access to laundry and/or stay in one spot long enough for hand-washed items to dry.