First World Problems

So, Derm's first blog for the trip: Cambodia, here I come.

To start my journey, I'm divesting myself of my 'first world problems'. That option of being able to choose to divest of technically 'first world problems' is, in fact, a  'first world problem'. So is writing on my iPad (mini). So is knowing when to use the single inverted comma. In fact, recognising improper grammar is probably a 'first world problem'. This could be more difficult than first thought.

Some things banished so far:

• The alarm clock

• Home comforts (The Qantas lounges Melbourne/Sydney were both comfortable, so I'm really  just easing into this one).

• Worrying about travel insurance, sleeping in, missing flights, what to pack, medicines, vaccines, losing passports... All banished. Actually they are only gone because I worried about them recently. I'll probably worry about my passport when I land in Bangkok.

• Worrying about Susan worrying about things.

• Providing advice to Susan & Rory (unfairly, they label it 'nagging'), they can just find out the hard way and call it 'generously sharing experience' . I am glad I worried about travel insurance for me.

• Responding to email (all email is a 'first world problem'). This probably won't last. I couldn't resist the urge to email Peter Lillywhite that I sat next to CPSU head, Karen Batt, on the bus to Sydney International terminal, to let him know we had a friendly chat about both being his boss! (Using a noun as a verb is more a 'first world serious annoyance' than a 'first world problem'.

• The grumpy lady at Sydney airport (the one controlling the bus to the international terminal). I've replaced her with the very helpful and friendly Indian lady at the currency exchange counter.

• Worrying about carrying lots of cash (having lots of cash is a 'first world problem', I'll just have to manage this one). 

• I'm pretty sure feeling frustrated about the inability to load a blog at 30,000 feet is a 'first world problem'. I'll banish it and let Susan worry about it. Susan likes worrying and I've already banished worrying about her worrying about stuff, so it will be a good outcome for both of us.

Memorable Sights so far.

• Angeletta Leggio (former MV staffer) sighted me at Melbourne airport
• Qantas checkin
• Qantas lounge, Melbourne
• Sydney Airport (sighted Karen Batt)
• Qantas lounge, Sydney (not having lounge access is a 'first world problem', so, does having access technically banish it?)
• Passport control
• Inside of jet airliner

Positives so far:

• We are on our way and, according to Captain Qantas, we are heading in the right direction.
• People are friendly
• Exotic food. Moroccan chicken or Szezuan  fish? I'll go the fish, no one's ever died from eating fish on an airline. I'm pretty sure that's true. I guess the dilemma of what  tasty meals to choose is a 'first world problem'.
• Spell checker. Definitely a positive. Complaining about an absence of spell chequer would be  complaining about a 'first world problem'. Best I don't complain.

Negatives so far:

• Nothing exceptional to blog about yet.
• I think I've had three breakfasts today
• I still have the urge to provide advice to Rory.
• Getting rid of my 'first world problems' will not be easy.