There was no stone unturned in the stakes for getting us a seat tonight - we had prayers, positive thinking and even a little back magic and voodoo at the round table of breakfast this morning.
Needless to say it was necessary to reprise some of the clothing items of the last 24 hours, but with a solid 6 hours sleep under our belts and steaming hot showers, the late, leisurely and somewhat quieter breakfast had us ready for the new day.
The issues were "no cash" and "no communication." The concierge drew us a map (and just quietly, thank goodness we had @Von because @Carolyn and I had it upside down and turning left instead of right as soon as we walked out the door) and the morning plan was to get out and stretch the legs.
And besides, our 4 km round trip walking adventure was another perfect opportunity to shop. Found a street full of bargains. This was full-on, in-dressing-rooms, trying-on -all-sorts-of-layers type of shopping. The problem was lack of funds. Visa cards, travel money cards, bank cards, credit cards - in fact any card - all failed despite the commitment and desperation of the sales assistants to make it happen. The only purchases were for cash.
Really is was only @Denise and @Cheryl still flush - I think the rest of us had a measly 20 yuan each left. Enough for a bottle of water and a piece of pineapple on a stick.
This was round 1 of shopping and then it was back to the Vienna for a lunch. @Denise and @Cheryl went back to the shops for round two and literally had an entourage looking after them. Tried the bank tp cash up, but were advised they needed to wait an hour for service.
My two hours was spent working with @Mac via an internet connection that dropped in and out trying to re-establish connection with OPTUS and getting some credit added to the WISE card. Went round and round in circles with attempted authorisation of new devices as @Mac tried to set-up from his end. Eventually, with a little continuous stream of connection at my end amd the magic of a VPN, I was set.
The group rallied in the foyer of the Vienna at 4.45 pm for a round two attempt at the airport. Laughing becaise the hand luggage continues to grow.
Reported to the China Southern checkon desk amd met up with the Melbourne crowd. A big sigh of relief for us - got 6 seats on the direct flight for later tonight. Not so fortunate for the Melbourne crew. Only half could be accommodated - the remainder of the group have another sleep over!
Settled into the airport - @Denise and @Cheryl found shops, at last, that took their cards and a cashmere pashmina was now gracing @Denise's shoulders.
I need to get back to the money thing. @Von had Aussie dollars and thought it might be a good idea to go to the cash exchange at the airport. Just want a little yuan on board in case we were at the airport for a while, or heaven forbid, delayed overnight again. Anyway, flashed her $20 at the counter and was expecting somewhere close to 100 yuan to slip into her money belt. After lots of clickety clacking on his calculator the offer, after fees and at the exchange rate today was .... drum roll .. 52 yuan. A whopping 48 yuan in fees! Almost half the value. Um, no thanks, she'd rather be yuan-less!
Found ourselves a very comfortable spot to relax before the flight and kept our eyes on the board which seemed to be constantly changing with hints at delay. Ended up being just 30 minutes late and we were excited to take up our seats across three rows in the 30s.
The eight and a half hour flight just disappeared -mind you I had the benefit of sleep along with @Denise and @Julie, while @Carolyn pulled nurse duties and @Cheryl and @Von were wide awake helping with navigation.
Nice and close to the front for exit, coaxed our legs into movement and were greeted with multiple surprises - all our luggage arrived (@Julie's was last out on the carousel,) the most incredible clear blue skies (hadn't seen that since we left home) and the wide smiles and open arms of our meeters and greeters. So good to be home.
Not bad really. Six women in various states of confusion over twelve days and we all returned in one piece, relatively healthy and with only one lost item - @Denise's extension 🚽.
Great shared experiences on this trip, terrific memories to carry us to the next decade and a continued commitment to giving thanks that we are in a position to just say "yes" when the opportunity presents.
As I sit and reflect, I'm sort of feeling a little warm and fuzzy because the effortless love and laughter of the #Fab5+1 was sprinkled generously across the wider group ... it touched, warmed and perhaps even enriched the lives of some other travellers who have now made their way onto our contacts list.
That's a wrap on this one - it continues to be a laugh a minute celebrating our collective march into maturity.
PS It's over to @Von now, the baby of the group who celebrates her birthday early in 2026. We have a destination and a loose commitment for a time frame. Let's get that party started.
PPS Have heard from both the Melbourne and Sydney crews. They made it home via some interesting connecting flights with more delays and lots of mad dashes through multiple airports. We were so fortunate to get a direct flight!
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