It would never actually be my plan to fly anywhere in particular with QANTAS.  The last time I did it was because we were booked with BA and they changed the plane to a QANTAS one without permission.  The whole QANTAS experience was a distinct let down.  However, on this occasion QANTAS was the only airline which was flying the class i wanted to travel in, directly to Melbourne, at a price I was prepared to pay, so with QANTAS we flew

And I have to say it was a very pleasant experience.  It may have been because we were travelling premium economy, but even so it was a pleasant flight.  There was delicious food and nice wine, and more food and more wine, and it was all good.  We arrived in Melbourne on time - and then took for ever to get through immigration because about 4 other planes also landed at about the same time!!

We called into Clifton Hill on the way back to the flat to admire Simon's new house, and very beautiful it is too.

Yesterday we went to the zoo to admire the baby elephants.  And the new seal pool.  And the tigers.  And then we went into town for lunch.  And we went back to Simon's house for a steak night barbecue. Yvette seemed rather surprised to see us. This is what comes of de-friending your aunt on Facebook - you fall out of the gossip loop and don't realise that the said aunt is coming to visit!!

Right.  Need to get ready.  Heading off into Carlton shortly for pizza and gossip with my pals Chris and Kate.

Oh - and should you be looking for somewhere not too expensive and quite convenient to stay near Heathrow, may I recommend the Jury's Inn?  It's a very short walk from Hatton Cross tube station, the rooms are comfortable and not a bad price and it's very convenient.  But under no circumstances should you ever consider eating there.  The food is expensive and truly horrid.  Far better to go into central London and throw ten pound notes under the buses.  Much better use of your money