We woke this morning filled with anticipation, headed off to the Clinic where the lab and nursing staff were waiting for us.
The first sighting of the vessel (R2-D2) - as you can see by the photos, was the nursing staff carefully transporting him (r2-d2) out of the lift on a trolley. The enormity of what we were doing hit home like a tonne of bricks. I burst in to tears, Obie, being a supportive husband, reassured me we were doing the right thing and then got the camera out to be sure no single part of the process would be left undocumented.
We signed a million forms to say that they were now officially our responsibility...scary! then got in to the smallest car in the world (the rental), a manual! and lets just say Obie left the gear box at several intersections between Dulwich and the Airport.
We arrived at the airport, hearts beating at a million miles an hour - went to check in and, at first, the lady had no idea of our situation, accept that we had a strange piece of cargo.
While standing at the counter another lady came up to us and said "I have to ask, what's in the mushroom". My reply "don't ask, its a long story", she went again, asking the same question and in a more stern voice I replied again - DON'T ask, its a long story.
That was just the beginning of the stares and questions - if "what the?" was a currency we would now be millionaires.
Through to security - where the real work started and thankfully, all our preparedness paid off. They were anticipating our arrival and had all the required paperwork on hand. They simply walked us through and were absolutely awesome.
Our legs were like jelly and for the first time I picked up R2-D2 to carry it a few hundred metres - giving Obie a rest. First thing I did was nearly (very nearly) walk straight through an x-ray point with it in my hand......luckily Obie saw what I was doing and stopped me. Quickly removing the cargo from me and sternly advising that I was no longer qualified to carry it. (FYI- can't be x-rayed or screened as this will instantly destroy the embryos).....God I'm stupid.
At the gate we were met by another Qantas staff member who was fully briefed and waiting for us. The O'Brien family were first to board and had a team of flight crew waiting for our arrival. R2-D2's temporary home in business class was all prepared and he fitted perfectly! - while we were down the back in economy!! Adds new meaning to the saying "born with a silver spoon in their mouth"...
Qantas crew handed us a much needed glass of bubbly - and then another. Thanks to Doccy we were looked after like kings and queens and were the topic of much discussion throughout the flight.
We took off, one last check to see they hadn't tilted during take-off and then we could relax for a few hours.
Arrived in Singapore, greeted by Qantas ground crew who assured us that everything is under control at Singapore Airport's end. phew....two airports down and one to go.
With 4 hours to fill in, we're off to have a massage, do some shopping and brace ourselves for the next leg....
Hope this finds everyone well.
Love Aly and Obie.
