Farewell to the red centre of Australia

So we've reached the end of out stay at Longitude 131. The excursions and the guides have been wonderful, the breakfasts good and the lunches including today's smoked duck salad really very nice indeed. As I have commented already the resort is let down by poor attention to detail and lack of staff and organisation in their evening kitchen.

They made our departure easy, however, doing our online check-in for us and organising the return trip to the airport (probably glad to see the back of a couple of whinging poms). One of the guides took us. We left the lodge less than an hour before our plane was due to depart and within 20 minutes we were airside waiting to board. Well ahead of the scheduled departure time, with all passengers clearly checked in, Qantas boarded the plane and we left. We reckon that from our last mouthful of lunch at 131 to take-off was less than an hour.

Qantas are very efficient and it appears that not only is their director of catering a fan of this blog, but he is taking note and responding to my observations. Yes it is time once again for me to bring you up to date on what I can only describe as an in-flight catering miracle. So many of my regular readers tell me their day is not complete without at least a short commentary on the culinary machinations at 30,000ft. So for you Travelling Girl, in particular, I know your heart will be warmed to learn this breaking news. There is so much to report. Today's offering on the short flight from Ayers Rock to Cairns was a Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Mustard Pickle on wholemeal bread. This had quite obviously been created with exceptional care and attention by a true craftsman. The ingredients were thoughtfully balanced, the ham moist, the cheese firm with good fresh salad ingredients to provide contrasting texture. To ensure the sandwich maintained both it's shape and integrity it had been carefully laid in a stiffened tray and sealed in celophane - yes still the Qantas material of choice, but so easy to open.

Our next course was Spinach and Onion Brioche with Chilli Jam - I know, absolutely mouthwatering to contemplate! Here I have to report my amazement at Qantas management response to my comments about the words on their packaging....gone are all adjectives and only the word temptation is there.......still tasted like 'poo' though!

We're in Cairns and moments after touch-down we're on the way to Shangri-La.

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