How I got there...

For those interested in the minutia of the journey:

I booked my return trip 3 days before I flew initially using skyscanner for the comparisons, economy standard all the way.

My flight to Madrid was with AirEuropa costing 113.76 Euros return as I was able to claim a substantial discount on the trip to the mainland. I checked in on line so was able to arrive at the Tenerife North at about 08:15 on 28^th March, go straight to the express baggage desk and was through to security in about five minutes. Be warned, as I was carrying my camera case, laptop and kindle e-reader in my hand baggage I had to separate all of these items into separate trays and put the bag with my watch, belt and the contents of my pockets through the scanner too. This proved to be the norm for the checks at Madrid, Heathrow and Johannesburg so give yourself plenty of time. I did find that the attitude of security staff seems to have improved considerably and they were very helpful throughout.

My flight on an Airbus 360 took off promptly at 10:00 hrs, landing at 13:20 local (+1 hour) arriving at Madrid Terminal 2. I had to claim my hold baggage which took about 30 minutes before proceeding to Terminal 4. Again you should allow about 45 minutes for this journey by shuttle bus, underground train and escalators galore unless you can find a lift.

Now the scary part, I had tried to check in on line but it would not recognise my booking, would the BA desk recognise my eTicket I had printed off from the confirmation email? No problem, I was the only one at the desk and the attendant booked me al the way through to Port Elizabeth explaining that my hold baggage would have to be claimed at Johannesburg as this was the point of entry to South Africa and I would have to go through passport and customs there. I now had to go through security and find Terminal 4S which is where the train comes in. Arriving there you will find that the departure gate is not displayed until one hour before your flight and they do not announce the information or changes of times. Keep an eye on the board! I departed at 18:20 on a British Airways Boeing 767-300 arriving at Heathrow at 19:45 local (- 1 hour) having been fed and watered on the way. Into Terminal 5 follow the purple route for connecting flights and a large purple board will give you your boarding gate. Through security once again and onto the gate. You need about 1 hour for this.

A British Airways Boeing 747-400 took off at 20:45 hours, we had dinner at about 23:00 and breakfast at about 07:00 (local) 29^th March. Pillows, blankets and headphones for the in flight entertainment all provided free – would you believe you also get a toothbrush and a minute tube of toothpaste to freshen up! We landed at 09:40 hours local (+ 2 hours). After claiming my bags there was quite a long wait to get through passport control as this is a very busy airport. I then had to find the BA desk to check in my bag once more and the inevitable security control so, again, allow yourself plenty of time; at least 2 hours.

The final leg of my journey to Port Elizabeth on board British Airways Boeing 737-400 (nice wide leather seats!) departed at 15:45 local arriving at Port Elizabeth at 17:25 having been given light refreshments during the journey. I claimed my baggage and now had to complete my journey to Port Alfred by road which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be warned – there are absolutely no buses or trains along the coast so, unless you want to find a very expensive taxi, a lift is essential.

The return fare for the trip was £615.00 including £15.00 credit card charge, amazingly £400 goes in taxes.

My overnight stay in the Road Lodge opposite the airport cost 570.00 Rand (about £35.00) including a very substantial breakfast.

Guido's upstairs bar after my road trip on the 30th - a long cold beer worth waiting for!