Back in the Big Apple

I landed at JFK airport at 10pm (EST) last night. It felt like time had stopped because I left NZ on Feb 9 and arrived in NYC on the same date. Yay, that means I have today to recuperate before going back to work on Monday. Well, not really. It's more about getting back into things by paying bills, doing laundry and groceries, retroactively updating this blog, uploading photos. I'll try to get as much done as possible.

Going through security at the Christchurch airport was quick and easy! No lines. Especially since there was an incident there the night before. There was an attempted hijacking of a plane that was landing in Christchurch (it was a domestic flight). The hijacker, a woman, had somehow brought a knife on board. A few people were cut but the suspect was eventually overpowered and arrested. I flew domestic to Auckland, where I caught my flight to LA. Once in Auckland, I had to pay a $25 NZ airport fee before I could go through customs and security. Customs and security in NZ is so fast because there are less people...it's great!

The flight out of Auckland was delayed due to mechanical problems. Thankfully, they caught it before we flew 12 hrs over the ocean! We were put onto another airplane, to my relief. There were many crying children going onto this lonnng flight. They are such annoying little buggers. One mother said she always brings a few earplugs with her for passengers sitting nearby in case her kid pipes up but she's "never needed them". Meanwhile, the kid (toddler) had been wailing for the last 10 min and "he's usually never like this". Sure, lady. I think airplanes should have a special area for families with small children. Like First Class, but in a sound-proof room.

En route to NZ

Wow-I'm going to the opposite side of the globe! I'm so excited to be going to New Zealand and immersing myself for two weeks in its natural beauty and culture.
When I stepped into the airplane at JFK, I had not slept in 24 hours. I always end up packing the whole night before an early flight-that's the procrastinator in me. My flight departed at 9:30 am for LA where I have an 8 hour layover. The flight to LA was 6 hours and we did not get a meal. Well, I guess I could have purchased a pre-made sandwich for $5 that someone should actually be paying me to eat instead. Anyhow, I planned ahead and bought a "gourmet" tuna salad sandwich (it was okay), bag of rosemary and olive oil chips, and a bottle of water for $12 at the terminal. It was either that or Mickey D's. I cannot wait to get on the next flight heading to Auckland, NZ! Mostly because I'll be flying Air New Zealand and I'll actually get fed! I guess they have to for a 13 hour journey. I wonder if they'll be offering kiwi-type food. I remember when I flew to India, they had given us Indian food, which was pretty good! In fact, they even over-fed us!
Now I have some time to waste at LAX. I have books to keep me busy. And I may even walk around and see what's in the duty-free shop. I'm writing this blog right now the old-fashioned way-with pen and paper. My best friend is gonna transcribe it for me as I dictate. Thanks a lot, Alison! :)
I will write again when I reach Auckland-I should be able to access a computer somewhere. Until then, later gators!