Tuesday 17th November, three months after booking my flights the big travel day had finally arrived.

My flight, well the first of two flights to be precise, was due to depart Manchester Terminal 1 at 8.30pm. It was strange having a whole day building up to leaving and saying goodbye, I think it actually made it more difficult. Anyway the day consisted of packing, unpacking and packing some more; the great hand luggage dilema…what would I need to occupy myself for 14 hours up in the air and two in an airport; a dental appointment (not too bad as my dad’s my dentist) and finally eating some cheese (as venturing to Asia means goodbye cheese which is obviously the hardest goodbye).