It was mandatory to think of the lost souls on flight MH370 as we traversed the jet stream high above the Indian Ocean on our way to Perth from South Africa.

The words of a good friend of mine sprang to mind “It is what it is” which I’ve tried to live by in recent years.

Here I was facing a daunting challenge – somewhat unprepared, which will all be revealed later.

First lesson in Oz!   When asked if you have a criminal record, don’t say “No, do I need one?”
It could invoke a thorough search!  My luggage consisted of one very large bike box, which weighed 32 kgs. The contents will have to get me across Australia from Perth to Sydney, some 4500 kms in 30 days.

My son, daughter-in-law and 2 special grandsons welcomed me in Perth with hugs all round.  It’s been 2 years since I last saw them.  My grandsons, Matthew and Christopher’s maturity reminded me how much of a ballie I am.  The next three days were spent catching up & spoiling each other, but only after rebuilding my bike carefully!