Upgrade & re-boot

This trip to France is 14 years in the making. It began with a copy of Carol Drinkwater's "The Olive Farm" and promises of Provencale sunshine together but is now completed by travelling alone. My mantra has been 'if the choice is between going on my own or not going, then I go alone.' I am an experienced solo traveller.

The last 8 weeks have been excruciating - a slow passing of days though each one hectic and stressful. But this is behind me now. The Emirates business class lounge welcomed me and the comfortable seat 18A has now ensured I am on my way. Day one will be my arrival in Nice-how I am longing to see the sapphire blue expanse of the Mediterranean sea, to hear French spoken on the streets as I gaze into boutiques, to taste whatever local morsels that appeal.

I am grateful that Emirates have such a generous loyalty program that enabled me to upgrade my ticket.

Now my focus for France is to re-boot. This girl feels like dated software - practical it gets the job done, remains appealing through familiarity. May France help me re-boot this life and tired heart to something fresh, streamlined and relevant, a new model of a classic edition.

Emirates lounge fountain

Emirates Club Lounge

champagne on board

Prawn salad

Lamb dinner