Plane flights always seem to be a different dimension to reality. Time sometimes flies by whilst at other times it decides to take two steps forward and at least one back. To be completely honest, my flight was pretty good. I am still unsure why i went Sydney to Auckland and Auckland to San Francisco but it is all academic now that i am here.
It was a sad farewell to Mum and Dad bright and early on Tuesday morning. Mum came to the station with me and may have stood in the one spot well after the train had left. I am going to miss them both so very much. Things were pretty smooth all the way through check in and customs. I did have to take some things out of my suitcase and on to carry on as i was 1kg over though. i blame the lollies that Claire gave me (which, amazingly, still exist! - and thank you). My first flight was spacious as there was no one in the middle seat and i read my book, gazed out the window and considered what was ahead of me. the New Zealand beer, Speight's, was really great. give it a go if you have the opportunity.
can i just give Air NZ a big wrap right now? Perhaps for a reason that no one else will feel valid. On my initial flight, before take off, a song started to play. Wandering Eye by Fat Freddy's Drop. And on the second flight, i could listen to their entire second album. Any airline which promotes Fat Freddy is worth endorsing in my opinion
The twelve hour flight was long but an aisle seat meant i could explore the aircraft and also stretch my long, long legs. that was appreciated. The lady in front of me did this amazing thing with her seat where it reclined back so far that i could blow the dandruff from her hair. My knee in her back must have almost felt remedial too! I zoned out, watched Les Mis again and, before i knew it. i was actually asleep.
I may have slept for four hours and felt pretty good. Breakfast was close by and i was two hours from landing. Touchdown was a joy and i raced out of the plane and through the airport to customs. and stopped dead. The line was serpentined around the barricades in what seemed like an endless, writhing, irritated boa constrictor. It may not have squeezed the life out of us all but it sapped the fun and tried to dampen my mood! i knew Laura was close by and put up with the 90+ minute wait to be asked a few queries and then be allowed into the country. My bag collected i made my way out for the happiest of reunions.
It has been such a pleasure to be here and i am really enjoying everything so far. Last night i even heard a "USA! USA! USA!" chant in a bar... ahhh stereotypes! i am getting the royal treatment from Laura and trying to respond in kind. Our language barrier is still apparent. But i am sure my vernacular will rub off on her and not the reciprocal. "Piss Up" is a new favourite of hers.
From the airport it was straight to In'n'Out burger for a double-double and neapolitan shake... if i was going to try and assimilate, i think i should jump in headfirst, fearless.
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