Back in Melbourne town

Blogging on my brother's computer at the moment.  It's only been two weeks since I've been home but I've forgotten the password to my laptop and thus it has "done the needful" and locked me out. F-f-f-fail.

So after going by bus to Kansai airport, I was one of the first to check-in. [Off topic: Is there a baggage system that determines when your bags will appear on the carousel based on the time you check in? Clearly the cabin crew and flight staff get priority, but after them, then? My bags came out last, and it would seem that the airlines should ask for the bags of the people who checked in first to come out first, to encourage early check-ins...] Had dinner at an average katsu place on level 3, a vanilla/green tea swirl soft-serve, and after purchasing some kit kats, I was ready to go!

The cabin crew were very Christmas cheery and I was so impressed that I gave them some positive feedback online. 

[Edit 7/Jan: I just received a $25 voucher in the mail for providing the feedback.  Sweet!]

Flight landed at Gold Coast at 0630, I finally got my bags and was waved through customs without bag inspection after telling the custom's officer that my "food" items were kit kats and tea, and my "wood" items were chopsticks. I guess I am not buying anything "exciting" enough to warrant inspection (but no complaints from me on that front...).

 I had booked myself on a 1110 direct flight to Melbourne but was able to change to an 0810 flight at the customer service desk, apparently because of the weather. (I was thinking: what weather?! We did walk down stairs on the tarmac from the plane in pouring rain, but what's so bad about that?).  Turns out that Cyclone Tasha was whipping the coast of Queensland, and although the severity rating was downgraded, it still meant that rain was pouring down and visibility was poor.  Several flights (including the incoming 0810 plane) were stuck circling the airport waiting to land, but ended up being diverted to Brisbane airport.  Which meant the 0810 was cancelled and (the 1110 plane being booked out) I was put on a flight to Melbourne via Sydney.  In hindsight I should have called the airline as soon as the flight was cancelled, instead of waiting for the bags and lining up with everyone else at the customer service desk!

Anyway, home now and presents all given.  Looking at the growing stack as I was unpacking, I really couldn't believe I lugged all that home.  I probably had an additional 10-15kgs to what I took to Japan!

Today was Christmas lunch (celebrated on Boxing day this year), and I'm in food coma. Now for some boxing day shopping!