Off again!

It's some time since I flew from Manchester Airport and I'm amazed at the changes to Terminal 1.

There are three modern check-in halls, one behind the other. Mid-afternoon, the airport isn't busy and I'm soon checked in and making my way through security. All my luggage gets X-rayed and I have to go through a Whole Body scanner, then I have to take of my shoes so that they can be X-rayed. I make my usual complaint about being forced to walk on the public floor in stocking feet - the security man assures me the floor is cleaned 'Eight Times a Day'. The north-country staff are a little more good natured than at my bete-noire of airports (Heathrow). I negotiate the massive Duty Free, spending a little time browsing in the huge W H Smith. I find a second (smaller) W H Smith near the end of Duty Free. Then I'm looking for the 'Wilmslow Room' - Servisair's Business Lounge (Serviceair are the ground handling agents here for Lufthansa).

Oh, I didn't tell you, did I? I'm Lufthansa to Munich, change and then on to Johannesburg. After a meeting with one of our suppliers, it's on to Cape Town and an overnight at the Cape Grace Hotel. Then, I embark on the Royal Mail Ship 'St. Helena' for the voyage to the island of St. Helena.

All my pictures from the trip are here.

Blossom Time at Brewood

It's been a hard winter but as the trees burst into blossom, there's promise of better days ahead.

In Japan, they make a big thing about the cherry blossom. I don't think we're as enthusiastic but I think it's a wonderful (if brief) annual show.

There are a few pictures here.