Sydney to Darwin

9.5 kilos, that’s my life’s possessions for the next few months, doesn’t seem like a lot, yet I’m already thinking it’s a little too much and am looking to cull items in the next couple of days.

In typical Ivan fashion, I printed my boarding ticket, but left it at home. That started the check-in dramas. Initially, the Jet Star girl (Ana) wanted me to walk past the security check, find somewhere with internet access to print off the ticket, however changed her mind when I flashed her a smile, ah pity.

Second drama, I had no visa for Vietnam, this did not please Ana, I tried to explain that I was travelling on two passports, and that Russian nationals can travel visa free for up to 15 days in Vietnam. Ana does not believe me.

Third drama, Ana wanted proof of onward travel (return ticket or another ticket out of the country), I wanted to tell her I haven’t even organised the first night’s accommodation but decided against it. A quick call to the Vietnamese consulate put her concerns at rest and she was ready to let me through.

Fourth drama, my name is spelt differently on both passports, Ana gave a token objection but decided three dramas was enough, weighed my bag and gave me the boarding pass.

After passing the security checkpoint, (mum was disarmed of her nail file, I was fine) the goodbye process began, namely getting some cash out, taking some photos, sipping a latte, questioning whether this was the right move or not, followed by a teary goodbye and a hundred SMS messages.

Fifth drama, I reach my seat and find the worst possible travel companion, a fourteen month old boy called Jake. Forecast for the flight, lots of tears.

Prediction, wrong, Jake and his mother Yen were delightful, and now I have some tips for where to find hostels, exchange currency, how to bargain with shopkeepers (offer half their price) and most importantly, the best places for Pho.

Top speed 845km/h, altitude 12,278m.