So, I thought I would risk the entire Australian economy and head back to Sunny Melbourne. About 10 days ago the embassy in Jakarta emailed saying there were places on a flight back direct to Melbourne, so took the plunge and got on it. I was lucky, there were economy spaces so didn't have to fork out for business class at 10K a pop like people in the ME or Europe apparently have to. I'm still working back into Indonesia virtually, in quarantine (or detention as VicGov calls it) but we have clients in Melbourne also so will try to gradually switch across.
Very strict protocols at airport and hotel - multiple quick interviews with doctors, psychiatrists and bored flunkies reading the relevant Vic legislation. I got lucky with the hotel, Intercontinental so room is good and nothing wrong with the food at all. Others got the Holiday Inn which apparently is a bit of a dive with small windows. I've basically been in quarantine for most of the last year so I don't see what the big fuss is about to be honest. Mind you, knowing friends and family are very close but you can't see them makes it harder somehow. Was PCR tested once in Indo before I left, twice in Detention so far. Negatory!
Good to be back, hopefully see some of you at the footy this year. Can't wait for the first beer when I get out of this place.