3 landings to get to Canberra

The challenge of getting to Aussieland in Winter certainly added a new perspective for my air travel experience. After landing at Sydney airport in the early morning and joining the great immigration queue, I missed the connecting flight to get to Canberra. Tried desperately to SMS/call James who was to meet me at Canberra Airport failed a couple of times owing to weak signal strength. After many attempts, one lone SMS did managed to get through after walking a couple of rounds at the departing hall.
Though the flight to Canberra is only about 50 min, the plane failed to find Canberra Airport's runway at the first go. Cotton wools from the early morning winter fog covered the city. The plane remained airborne for about 40 minutes before making a 2nd attempt. In the meantime, had a 2nd round of muffins (probably from the emergency stock that had to be consumed before its expiry date !!!).

2nd attempt failed (Runway was somehow removed !!!) and the plane had to return to Sydney as she was low on fuel. Had another round of frantic SMS/calls to inform James of the latter delay. It was another test of trying to remain compose and have a more in-depth understanding of the handphone technology (random signal search !!!).
Final count, 4 original passengers from the first flight took the next flight to Canberra. The rest, proceeded to execute Plan B (to have a decent breakfast !!!).
Somehow, the view of Canberra from this flight was very different. It was much much clear. Could actually see land below, compared to the fields of cotton wools and the ocassional tree that stood out of it, like a sore thumb. With some 3+ hours of delays, landed at Canberra, met James, had a quick "light" lunch (a hugh hambuger), checked into the hotel and CRASHED !!! (Could not resist the nice soft bed of Hyatt Hotel, Canberra).

Presentation for the Conference proper was not too badly received. Had a couple of "hard questions" but survived the day !!! The evening programme was somewhat better. Was invited to a home-cooked dinner by Monica. It was simply great compared to the cold sandwiches which the event organiser called "Lunch". Ended with freshly brewed coffee and homemade short cakes. It was GOOD !!! (There is actually decent food in Aussieland !!!)

James provided a quick in-house tour of the Singapore funded house. Nice living room, quiet private study, large garage ... a very orderly layout (Monica probably straightened things out before my arrival ... to ensure that nothing else were on display !!!).

The quick Aussie visit ended with more delays at Sydney Airport before arriving Singapore in time for NDD 2007.