Well said Gengis, going from a lovely tropical day in Durban to a bitter cold day in Anchorage within the same week requires concentration.
And if anyone is wondering, ALPA(S), the SIA pilots association is just that, it is not a union and never will be but a bunch of very well meaning people who try very hard to keep their hand on the tiller and ensure that terms and conditions, hotels, COPs etc. remain reasonable. On A380 pay they dug their heels in and won, all credit to them, I just hope the 'management' don't try to take it out on the individuals concerned, they have done it before. A very brave bunch of people MrSurrey, you should admire them.