Beating jet lag

Jet lag. My biggest fear. I mean, I will be travelling for 24 hours to the other side of the world, have 12 days to see England, France and Poland, then back to work as soon as I get back. I'd heard of jet lag, seen the pills, heard the stories, so I was determined to beat it.

I chose Singapore Air for my flights - they are supposed to be the best airline in the world. I also chose a 12 hour stopover in each direction, then booked into the Transit Hotel at the airport - no going on a whirlwind tour of Singapore for me! I wanted to arrive fresh, and come home fresh.

Detailed planning ensued. I'd arrive in Singapore at 7.00pm, but it would feel like 11pm. I'd sleep for the evening, then get on the plane again at 9am. I'd arrive in London at 3pm on Sunday, but it would feel like 10.30pm. If I could guts it out until a reasonable time, I should get in a good night's sleep.

I toyed with the idea of going vegetarian for the flight. Anything to keep my body feeling OK, and able to deal with the time changes. A random utterance during my conversation with the agent at the House of Travel meant I went gluten free.

I tentatively made plans to meet my aunt at Gatwick airport around 10 or 11am on Monday.

So, how did it go? The food on the plane was nothing short of awesome - I was fed first, and there was no fatty stuff to digest. Just flavoursome meats, veges and sauces.

On board that first flight, I found myself down the back, chatting with a group of people. One, Heidi, lives just down the road from me! We had taken the same plane from Wellington.

I arrived in Singapore as planned, a little short on sleep from all my stressing in the days before I left. The hotel was great - very little time needed to confirm my reservation, and I was in bed before I knew it. I woke around 5am and headed to the gym for a cycle. That put me in good stead for the next part of the journey.

The flight from Singapore to London was fairly uneventful, a similar crowd down the back, flying over Afghanistan was interesting albeit a little nerve-wracking. Although all I saw was sand. Coming in to London was an eye-opener. I watched in amazement as I saw London unfold under me. There was the Thames, winding up through the amazing city that spread for miles around. I felt deep inside that I was coming home. Home to the place my ancestors left just 160 years before.

Straight through customs, my bag was first off the plane. Into the arrivals area to be met by Barb and Jacob (her two-year-old nephew). And off home to Reading. Past a castle (A CASTLE!) - Windsor Castle that can be seen from the motorway.

I was on the other side of the world, but I felt like I'd come home.