I am here. I made it. I am in New Zealand.
But, I must admit, today I couldn't use my usual, "getting there is half the fun" line.
1. 5:45am.
I wake up to my phone ringing. My beautiful friend, who is so kind as to pick me up at this time, is outside. We were supposed to leave at 5:30am. And I am still asleep. I didn't hear my alarm. Apparently my housemate in the room next door has though, as she so kindly knocks on my door at the same time. Oops! I run downstairs and, half-awake, open the door. There's my friend! But what's that noise I hear behind me? I turn on the light. Of course, the ceiling is leaking! Perfect! And now there's water everywhere. It's so bad that it's soaked through the couch onto the floor. Someone turns the water off in the midst of me brushing my teeth. Guess I won't be washing my face today! (A pipe was leaking, so we had no choice.)
2. 6:10am.
On the road. I start to get nervous, because traffic is getting bad. It's morning time in Sydney, hello! Check in closes at 7:55am, FYI.
3. 7:25am.
I head over to check in. I am notified that I am not allowed to leave the country without a return flight back into the country. Um, what the heck?!?! Why did the website say, then, that I should not make arrangements to return into the country before the visa is granted? And why did neither of the 2 people I spoke to in immigration mention this to me? So here I am, backed into a corner, and I have no choice but to buy this extremely expensive ticket. I am advised that I have to return within 6 days. Seriously, this still makes no sense to me. I'm not sure the airline lady knew what the heck she was talking about. Furthermore, my luggage is overweight, and I have to pay a good chunk of change for that. (I was taking carry on luggage only, but had to check in one bag in the end)
4. 7:50am.
I finally check in, and just in time.
5. 8:00am.
I rush through immigration and security. I have to be at my gate no later than 8:25am. And I haven't had breakfast. I'm starting to feel a bit sick to my stomach.
6. 8:15am.
I find a place with some really nice on the go breakfast. I pick up a blueberry and almond muffin, as well as some muesli and yogurt. I realize the queue is backed up, and there is no way I'm making my flight. It's either food or flight. Which one?...flight wins.
7. 8:20am.
I pass a newsagent. I buy a bag of soya crisps. I just need SOMETHING - and other than a candy bar or a bag of Doritos, please!
8. 8:25am.
I board the plane. Perfect timing!
9. 8:55am.
Take off. And to accompany it, what seems like two small children's first time on a plane - screaming, crying, and whining. And just silliness. I get that children have a hard time on planes, but these kids are old enough to be disciplined. And the parents never do. Not a big deal, I have headphones. And bright side of things, I had an empty seat next to me!
Other than the crappy trip here, I actually am having a great time with my friend, Rach, and can't wait to meet the people in her world and spend more time here in her beautiful country!I am looking forward to seeing the heart of Christchurch and what's left of this beautiful place just a little over 2 years from my last visit.
Just a little update on what my day looked like after all the bad stuff happened, because it only got better from there!
We went to a coffee shop after Rach picked me up from the airport and we got to catch up a bit. After that, we came to her house, and she made dinner for her, her brother and me. I applied for my visa, and I just have to sort out some things, but my application has been lodged and is being processed right now. I just have to get a chest x-ray. After I lodged the application, we went over to Rach's friends' house and tried her amazing date scones. They were so yummy! Much better than Baker's Delight.
And well, now I am off to sleep, because it is past my bedtime in NZ. (We are 2 hours ahead of Sydney time. Don't ask why, we just are. Haha)
Goodnight world.
(or Good Morning, depending which side you are on)
1 comment:
Wow! That was crazy. Made me tired reading it! Let's hope the fligt back goes a little smoother. Have a great visit! Praying all goes well with your visa and that they get it issued before you are scheduled to leave on that expensive flight. I love you! So proud of you!
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