Emirates is a beautiful airline. I'm not sure how we got such good rates, but with a TV in every seat back with 50 or so movies to choose from, and at least 70 games to choose from and play between seats, how could one get bored?

I did very little of my Newswriting work, between getting some shut-eye and playing games. Poor Caroline had had little to no sleep on the train or on the flight, so the morning was not treating her so well.

But, upon arrival in sunny Sydney, we all felt rejuvinated. Despite the fun we had on the trip, we were immensely grateful to arrive on Australian soil, have our visa stamped in the passport, and know that we'd not be surrounded by those speaking Thai for a long time to come. Welcome home to fixed prices, a familiar language, the gleaming sun and sturdy buildings. Welcome to where you can smile at a stranger without the fear that he'll try to sell you something or scam you. We took a taxi part of the way home and then happily walked the rest.

After seeing Ben for a bit, I spent the day getting ready for Cicely's 21st!