This post comes to you courtesy of Air New Zealand from somewhere East of the International date line at 0303 Hrs local time.
Having left Brisbane at 1230 Hrs Brisbane time aboard the magnificent Air New Zealand Boeing 777 jet, we cruised East toward Auckland. Actually, the trip to the airport was more memorable than the actual flight: It all started when James invited his Auntie Jacq (Jacqueline) to drive us to the airport in his new BMW 323i (so new, that James considered canceling his trip just to drive it around for three weeks!) Jacq had agreed to look after Snowy (the ancient dog) while we are away and is going to stay in our house for the duration. She dutifully arrived at the house at the appointed hour (0730 Hrs) to find the household in chaos and disarray. So much so that we had no sheets for her bed (there's a whole chapter to be told there and one day, the documents may be released to the public.) Packing was still in progress and the travelers had hardly slept all night such was the packing and re-packing frenzy! After peace was restored, we piled into the Beemer (Lidy and Russell sharing the back seat with two massive suitcases. We were away!
On the way to Brisbane International Airport, we needed to make several diversions. The first was for Lidy to buy some sheets for Jacq. Then, James had to call in to his office. Eventually, having circumnavigated Brisbane twice, we were at last headed for the airport. By this stage, Jacq was complaining she was going to miss her hairdresser appointment in New Farm.
We arrived at the airport with ten minutes to spare. We were the second-last group to check in. Then it was downstairs and through Immigration and customs and into the airport proper.
Lidy went shopping and immediately misplaced her hand luggage. James was still fielding calls from his work, while Russell was searching the airport for something he could safely eat.
The announcement that the aircraft was boarding came and went, as did the second and third.
Eventually, Lidy. Russell and James made it onboard the 'plane. We took off and cruised West along the Brisbane river while gaining altitude. The view was extraordinary. All too soon, it was mealtime (one of many that seem to run into one another on a long flight). As it turned out, by the time the steward got to our seat, the chicken rolade was exhausted. All that was left was a cold salmon pasta dish. My doctor has decreed I am not to eat pasta, so I declined and settled back with a dessert and some crackers. That was not to the liking of the wonderful stewardess who, unbeknown to me, sent forward to first-class for a steak and salad. I was blown away by the consideration shown, and by the helpfulness of the staff who simply couldn't do enough for us.
Another hour and a half and we will be landing at Auckland at 1700 Hrs.
An hour to stretch our legs and munch on some New Zealand lamb and then it was boarding time for our 1930 Hrs flight to LAX.
This time we were to board a Boeing 747 jet, a beautifully maintained machine with an excellent complement of staff who couldn't be more courteous and helpful. Clearly, Air New Zealand has invested considerably in staff and staff training. Is it any wonder that people are deserting Qantas in droves and heading to Air New Zealand?
At this moment, Russell is watching a Woody Allen film. James is asleep. Lidy is drifting in and out of the arms of Morpheus.
We land at LAX in nine hours time where we will be met by Doug who will deliver Lidy and Russell to the LA train station. They will then catch the train to San Diego where they will stay with Jim and Linda. We will leave James at LAX, he continues his adventures “solo” in San Francisco. See his blog
for the latest details.
Jacq has threatened to write an exposé as a comment on this blog. Standby for more startling revelations!
