Holy crap it’s been a while since I’ve blogged! It’s a bad habit to get into…..not blogging every day on vacation. Wednesday morning I woke up and got ready, then came down to the Mills’ room and watched the kids during their split devotional that they had and the kids and myself walked over to listen to the talk about the town we were shortly going to go visit, Arrowtown. The guy that gave the talk was very informative and had a power point presentation with pictures of the town. It used to be a mining town and was also inhabited by the Chinese. We took a bus over to Arrowtown, there was some BEAUTIFUL scenery on the way over. Upon our arrival to the town we took a walking tour of the town with many MANY photo opportunities. We saw a Catholic church that is where the first ordained Catholic woman (need to look this up b/c I know I have it wrong) grew up. The shopping area in the town is about two blocks long. We didn’t have long that day to shop and have lunch so I just shopped mostly and then had time for a bite afterwards. We saw the camps where the Chinese were settled on the other side of town, one of the sights where the Lord of the Rings was filmed on the river was in Arrowtown as well.
When we got back that afternoon some of the girls, myself, and Jen went shopping for a party they were having on Thursday night. We had a good time doing that shopping for that party together. They were very pleased with the results. I went on shopping by myself after that for a little while to look in some more of the stores and see if I couldn’t find a few more gifts and to look in some more of the stores that I hadn’t looked in yet or to go up some of the streets that I hadn’t explored yet. It was a really great afternoon.
We had dinner together that night and then had devotional as a group that night in Nathan and Jen’s room. It was just a time of singing and reading scripture. A really wonderful time to worship together with the mountains in the background!! I think after visiting for a while I went back up to my room and probably uploaded some pictures and then watched an episode of LOST.
Thursday morning I slept in a little bit and then woke up and went down to their room and watched the kiddos and got them breakfast so Nathan could go to class while Jen was finishing up teaching. So far I haven’t gotten any complaints on my breakfast (aka toast) making skills. Thank goodness!! I went back up to the room and got online and called mom and talked to her for a while. I got ready then Jen, Caleb, Ali, and myself walked to chapel which it turns out we missed so I went on my way to look around town for a bit. I knew I wanted to go up the ski lift which they call the “gondola” which is funny to me because the gondola is the boat I rode in Vegas in the Venetian. So I made my way towards the Gondola.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday into Tuesday
Monday afternoon I went down into the Mill's room and the kids were watching a video so I finished watching the video with them, I got caught up on the Pokemon world and the dinosaur was saved! Whew! Following that was reading time. I read with the boys while Ali played with Simba and Nala. Ali informed me that Simba liked to read to and put him underneath me, that was soon followed by all of her My Little Pony's and barbies. We all read Pride and Prejudice for a while. After that we went to the park which was by the lake and absolutely beautiful despite the cold weather. The sun had gone away and taken it's warmth with it. Jon David met a new friend named Anthony. I got a couple of pictures. To get a bit of warmth after that we walked around the town, went in a couple shops and then went to the school for chapel.
Following chapel we walked back to the apartments and played for a while then had dinner. Following dinner was movie night! We watched Night at the Museum II. It's so funny to watch movies with kids and see them from their perspectives and the things that are funny that you wouldn't think are funny. I love it! After the movie we had hot chocolate and green dinosaur cookies. Ms Pam came by during snack time and stayed for a visit. It doesn't seem like 3 years since I last saw her!
Tuesday morning I slept in a bit, woke up and took myself and my breakfast down to their room to watch the kids for a little bit while Nathan went to class and Jennifer was finishing up teaching her class. The kids had just woken up (as had I) so we all had breakfast together. When Jen got back I came back to my room to get ready for the day. As soon as I got back to the room I called the hot air balloon place to get that scheduled. I scheduled it for Friday morning, I'm really hoping and praying that it's a beautiful morning out! I emailed the photography place because I couldn't get their phone number to work. Mom was on facebook so I chatted with her and Nette for a little while then finished getting ready.
It was raining cats and dogs out when it was time to go to the school for chapel time so we walked by reception to pick up an umbrella for me. Thankfully the school is close by. With the cloudy day and the rain it was a bit cool out. After chapel I went venturing out into town to look through some shops and see what the town looked like. There weren't a whole ton of photo ops holding an umbrella and with the mountains being covered over by clouds. I went into some shops, had lunch at Subway. It was a good couple hours out on the town. I plan to spend more time out there and taking pictures on a sunny day.
I came back and spent time with the kiddos. The sun actually came out for a little bit so Jon David and I went out and threw his football. He would kick it to me and one time it was a bit misguided and it went on the roof so no more football. We had a delicious dinner, I watched the boys play video games for a while after dinner while Ali took turns standing on my shoulders making declarations to the world and doing my hair for me. Then we came up to my room and Ali used my bathtub (they don't have one) and we watched some Discovery Channel. The rest of the evening I've just relaxed in the room. Tomorrow we're going to a mining town to look around and learn about the town. Looking forward to that!!
Following chapel we walked back to the apartments and played for a while then had dinner. Following dinner was movie night! We watched Night at the Museum II. It's so funny to watch movies with kids and see them from their perspectives and the things that are funny that you wouldn't think are funny. I love it! After the movie we had hot chocolate and green dinosaur cookies. Ms Pam came by during snack time and stayed for a visit. It doesn't seem like 3 years since I last saw her!
Tuesday morning I slept in a bit, woke up and took myself and my breakfast down to their room to watch the kids for a little bit while Nathan went to class and Jennifer was finishing up teaching her class. The kids had just woken up (as had I) so we all had breakfast together. When Jen got back I came back to my room to get ready for the day. As soon as I got back to the room I called the hot air balloon place to get that scheduled. I scheduled it for Friday morning, I'm really hoping and praying that it's a beautiful morning out! I emailed the photography place because I couldn't get their phone number to work. Mom was on facebook so I chatted with her and Nette for a little while then finished getting ready.
It was raining cats and dogs out when it was time to go to the school for chapel time so we walked by reception to pick up an umbrella for me. Thankfully the school is close by. With the cloudy day and the rain it was a bit cool out. After chapel I went venturing out into town to look through some shops and see what the town looked like. There weren't a whole ton of photo ops holding an umbrella and with the mountains being covered over by clouds. I went into some shops, had lunch at Subway. It was a good couple hours out on the town. I plan to spend more time out there and taking pictures on a sunny day.
I came back and spent time with the kiddos. The sun actually came out for a little bit so Jon David and I went out and threw his football. He would kick it to me and one time it was a bit misguided and it went on the roof so no more football. We had a delicious dinner, I watched the boys play video games for a while after dinner while Ali took turns standing on my shoulders making declarations to the world and doing my hair for me. Then we came up to my room and Ali used my bathtub (they don't have one) and we watched some Discovery Channel. The rest of the evening I've just relaxed in the room. Tomorrow we're going to a mining town to look around and learn about the town. Looking forward to that!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fuses.....
Forgot to mention that this morning when trying to blow dry my hair I didn' know which voltage to put it on (it has a switch to make it higher or lower) and I of course chose the wrong one and "poof!" A little yellow spark and all the lights went out. I knew where the circuit breaker was so I went to that, and decided that with all of my knowledge of those things, being none of course, I should ask someone. So I called Jen and she said switch the one that's down back up. So I did and of course nothing happened. So I had to call the front desk and some guy came up and flipped something outside of my suite that made the lights work again. Whoops! Thankfully they have a blow dryer in the room for you!
I've Finally Arrived!!!
Prayer answered!! I slept the entire way from Auckland to Queenstown! I got on the plane and for some reason I had a WINDOW SEAT!! How the heck did that happen!?!?! Jaime+window seat does not equal a happy camper! I reminded myself that I'm an adult and would have to deal with the claustrophobic situation I was placed in (and no I was not able to choose my own seat on that flight apparently b/c I did for all the other ones) and just be okay with it. Instead I just slept. Hahaha. I woke up in time to watch us flying in over the snow covered mountains. It was beautiful! The airport in Queenstown is much smaller than I had anticipated so it didn't take me long at all to get my luggage, which all arrived, I had a free trolley to carry it all on which was insanely helpful and I made my way outside. It was really nice out. I was comfortable in my jacket, snapped a couple photos with my "purse camera," and made my way to the taxi. Ian was my taxi driver, he was very nice and was telling me a couple of things along the way. Taxi rides are NOT cheap here. Google said that The Glebe (where I'm staying) is 10 miles from the airport and it was a $38.40 ride. I was shocked at how hassle free the entire process was. I thought it would take me forever to get off the plane, get luggage, taxi and get here.
I got my room, the lady that checked me in was very nice, she called one of "the boys" to come help me with my luggage. He was really nice too (not bad to look at either). I got to my room and absolutely love it! It's the perfect size!! I knew what room Nathan, Jen and the kids were in so I went down there and they were out in the courtyard, I didn't want to call I just figured I'd see what the place looked like if they weren't there. Caleb saw me first and my heart still swells with so much love every time I see their eyes light up and they run to me! I soon had 3 kids smothering me with hugs. It was wonderful. We visited a while and then they went to the park and I came back to the room to clean up. I felt disgusting! I called mom and dad to let them know I got here in one piece. I'm actually not going through as much withdrawal as I thought I would not being able to be on my phone 24/7. It's weird.....I got my stuff "moved in" and cleaned up. I felt a ton better just being able to shower and change clothes. Granted fighting a fever, cough and runny nose in the midst is a bit of a downer but that won't slow anything down. Not here! I was thinking to myself it's too bad New Zealand isn't like LOST where they get to the island and everyone is healed. That would be nice!
I went downstairs, had dinner with them, then it was time for Sunday night devo and communion so I got to see/meet all the students that are here with them. They seem like a really great group of students. There was girl time in one of the girls rooms and I went to that for a while but I was fading quickly so I came upstairs to relax a bit and go to bed.
This morning (Monday morning) we went to the super market that's a little farther away to do some grocery shopping and there were some little shops around there that we went in. It actually snowed some on the top of the mountain and we were getting some very very light flurries down here but nothing that was sticking. It's cool here but the weather is really not that bad at all. I just made my first "meal" in my room, a grilled cheese and ham. :) I even have a little dishwasher!! Don't know what the rest of the day has in store but I'm excited to find out! Tata for now!
I got my room, the lady that checked me in was very nice, she called one of "the boys" to come help me with my luggage. He was really nice too (not bad to look at either). I got to my room and absolutely love it! It's the perfect size!! I knew what room Nathan, Jen and the kids were in so I went down there and they were out in the courtyard, I didn't want to call I just figured I'd see what the place looked like if they weren't there. Caleb saw me first and my heart still swells with so much love every time I see their eyes light up and they run to me! I soon had 3 kids smothering me with hugs. It was wonderful. We visited a while and then they went to the park and I came back to the room to clean up. I felt disgusting! I called mom and dad to let them know I got here in one piece. I'm actually not going through as much withdrawal as I thought I would not being able to be on my phone 24/7. It's weird.....I got my stuff "moved in" and cleaned up. I felt a ton better just being able to shower and change clothes. Granted fighting a fever, cough and runny nose in the midst is a bit of a downer but that won't slow anything down. Not here! I was thinking to myself it's too bad New Zealand isn't like LOST where they get to the island and everyone is healed. That would be nice!
I went downstairs, had dinner with them, then it was time for Sunday night devo and communion so I got to see/meet all the students that are here with them. They seem like a really great group of students. There was girl time in one of the girls rooms and I went to that for a while but I was fading quickly so I came upstairs to relax a bit and go to bed.
This morning (Monday morning) we went to the super market that's a little farther away to do some grocery shopping and there were some little shops around there that we went in. It actually snowed some on the top of the mountain and we were getting some very very light flurries down here but nothing that was sticking. It's cool here but the weather is really not that bad at all. I just made my first "meal" in my room, a grilled cheese and ham. :) I even have a little dishwasher!! Don't know what the rest of the day has in store but I'm excited to find out! Tata for now!
LAX to Auckland Baby!
Well getting seated next to the bathrooms wasn’t near as bad as I thought it would be. They were facing in towards each other and not out towards the isles for smells to waft. I had high hopes of sleeping most of the flight like I did on the one to Sydney in 2007. That was a fail. Granted there was an empty seat in between myself and the person by the window on that flight so there was a little more stretching out space. Although I’m not complaining as I was able to stretch my legs out on the flight. I started out watching Twilight: Eclipse. Of course I’m going to watch the movie that hasn’t even been released yet and that I can watch “for free.” I have to admit, they did an impeccable job with their food! No wonder they got voted the #1 airline last year. For dinner they had the “special eaters” options if you’re vegan or vegetarian, etc. Then they had either a light salad, beef casserole or chicken penne pasta. I chose the chicken penne pasta, figured you probably couldn’t mess that one up too badly. The food was warm, tasty, fresh, and the staff were extremely nice and polite. They were constantly walking around offering water through the night. For breakfast you could choose from a fruit assortment or a cheese omelet. The omelet was even served with fresh fruit, yogurt, orange juice, and they walked around with other assortments of juices, coffee, tea, etc. I was very impressed.
I was only able to sleep about 3 hours on the plane. And let me tell you the other 10 hours didn’t exactly fly by (yes…pun intended) but it wasn’t horrible until the end. After that 3 hour sleep I tried to get a movie put on as did the woman sitting next to me. We would select a movie but it wouldn’t play. It took us right back to the beginning. So I tried it for several different movies and same thing. She turned hers off first. (Does that mean I’m more stubborn?) Finally I took my headphones off and she said she couldn’t get hers to work which I had obviously observed. I put on the call light; we had way too much of that flight left to not have a functioning movie machine. So they restarted our TVs and all was well again. I ended up watching this movie called Cyrus after my sleep time and it was pretty dumb. I mean I get the point of it and everything but it was just not moving or enlightening. I tried to sleep again and that proved unsuccessful, so I put on Notes on a Scandal. After that I tried sleeping once again with no luck so I put on Letters to Juliet. I wasn’t in the mood to pay attention enough to watch something I’d never seen before. Plus the selection will be the same when I fly back I’m sure.
That pulled me through to morning breakfast, at which point I began to acutely feel like more crap. I’ve gone through 2 of those small “purse size” Kleenex packs so far. I felt bad for everyone who had to listen to me blow my nose. I don’t know if that’s better or worse than a screaming kid (who now that I think about it is the one who woke me up from my whole 3 hour blissful nap). I started to feel flushed and warm again so I downed some more Tylenol hoping to avoid further fever if I had one which I probably did. Boooooo. Not only that but I think the wear and tear of being on the plane for that long was also catching up with me. I felt like crap, couldn’t move, and my tummy was not feeling well. Of course the meds I brought (yay good friend Zofran) got checked in my carry on bag.
So anyways, the plane landed (finally!!) and I got off, went straight to the bathroom, and then went to the passport line. It wasn’t a super long line like it had been in Australia…that line was horribly long! I of course chose the lady who was like a drill sergeant when she asked you questions. I felt bad for the 2 girls in front of me who didn’t have some piece of information and looked a bit frazzled. All she asked me was what I wanted to do in Queenstown and where else I was going and I felt like I needed to salute and say “no ma’am, yes ma’am.” Next up was the getting of the luggage. That’s my favorite part. It’s always a coin toss (in my opinion) if my luggage is going to be there or not. I always plan on it not being there that way when it is I’m delightfully surprised! Thankfully my luggage was there, and they have luggage carts for FREE (so did Australia) but then I heard a little man (he seriously was a little man, like probably no more than 4 feet) call them “trollies,” so I had a “trolley” for my luggage. It was quite handy. I actually didn’t get lost at all, I’m terribly impressed!!
Next was the line where they get to look through all your crap if they want to. I had everything prepared in see through zip lock baggies to make the process easier but they asked me what was in my bags and took my word for it. So I didn’t have to wait or explain that I brought grape jelly all the way to New Zealand because I couldn’t find ANY when I was in Australia and that was just unfathomable to me. While I was in that line I was getting something out of my purse and these sneaky old people cut me in line! They didn’t even look around to see if they were imposing they just stepped right on in line. It’s not like my “trolley” and I were invisible. But whatever, let the old people get a 2 minute head start, I don’t care.
I found my domestic flight area all by myself reading the signs (go me!) and they took BOTH of my bags without any question! I didn’t have to explain to them that I came from an international flight and could have two bags, etc. It was so nice! So much smoother than last time! Last time everyone seemed like a jerk, this time they’re all nice. It’s just the getting cut in line twice that wasn’t so polite.
To get to the domestic terminal you could either take a bus or tram or you could walk about 10 minutes to get there. I decided to walk since I’d just spent the last 13 hours on a plane and it was nice outside. What I didn’t think about however was how crappy that cool wind was going to feel on my throat, fail! But it was a nice little jaunt. They have a blue line that you just follow and it takes you where you need to go! If EVERYWHERE could do that I would never get lost! Okay never is a bit extreme, however, it would definitely aide in my efforts.
I looked and found my gate and it didn’t look like there was much past security for lunch so I asked a woman in the book store if there was anywhere to grab a bite inside the gates and that was a big negative. Glad I asked! There was a pretty narrow selection, and if you know me you know that I hate McDonalds. Guess where I ended up eating? Yep…….unfortunately McD’s was the best choice. There was “Noodles” the sushi restaurant or a salad place that looked like it would give me the runs if I ate there. So I got some chicken nuggets (supposedly its real chicken) and picked off the fried top. It was okay, but they had coke icee’s and that made it okay. I had sat down and was eating and this girl at the next table over asked me if I would watch her luggage. I said sure, I guess I look trustworthy enough or she didn’t care about her belongings because she sure did just walk away and go get in line at McDonalds and was gone for like 10 minutes getting her food. Then I got through security, found my gate, and found a bathroom.
The men’s bathroom was being cleaned so I was like okay Jaime, you have enough time to go before that dude (pretty sure it was a dude) starts to clean the women’s bathroom. NOPE! I come out of the stall and there’s that dude refilling the soap dispenser which was just weird because I was the only other one in the bathroom. So I just left and called it good with some lots of hand sanitizer. I thought it would be awkward to have small talk at the sink with a dude in a girl’s bathroom. Hmmmmm……so anyways I’m just waiting on my plane to take me to Queenstown now! Super excited for that, and praying that I can sleep on the plane for a little bit.
I was only able to sleep about 3 hours on the plane. And let me tell you the other 10 hours didn’t exactly fly by (yes…pun intended) but it wasn’t horrible until the end. After that 3 hour sleep I tried to get a movie put on as did the woman sitting next to me. We would select a movie but it wouldn’t play. It took us right back to the beginning. So I tried it for several different movies and same thing. She turned hers off first. (Does that mean I’m more stubborn?) Finally I took my headphones off and she said she couldn’t get hers to work which I had obviously observed. I put on the call light; we had way too much of that flight left to not have a functioning movie machine. So they restarted our TVs and all was well again. I ended up watching this movie called Cyrus after my sleep time and it was pretty dumb. I mean I get the point of it and everything but it was just not moving or enlightening. I tried to sleep again and that proved unsuccessful, so I put on Notes on a Scandal. After that I tried sleeping once again with no luck so I put on Letters to Juliet. I wasn’t in the mood to pay attention enough to watch something I’d never seen before. Plus the selection will be the same when I fly back I’m sure.
That pulled me through to morning breakfast, at which point I began to acutely feel like more crap. I’ve gone through 2 of those small “purse size” Kleenex packs so far. I felt bad for everyone who had to listen to me blow my nose. I don’t know if that’s better or worse than a screaming kid (who now that I think about it is the one who woke me up from my whole 3 hour blissful nap). I started to feel flushed and warm again so I downed some more Tylenol hoping to avoid further fever if I had one which I probably did. Boooooo. Not only that but I think the wear and tear of being on the plane for that long was also catching up with me. I felt like crap, couldn’t move, and my tummy was not feeling well. Of course the meds I brought (yay good friend Zofran) got checked in my carry on bag.
So anyways, the plane landed (finally!!) and I got off, went straight to the bathroom, and then went to the passport line. It wasn’t a super long line like it had been in Australia…that line was horribly long! I of course chose the lady who was like a drill sergeant when she asked you questions. I felt bad for the 2 girls in front of me who didn’t have some piece of information and looked a bit frazzled. All she asked me was what I wanted to do in Queenstown and where else I was going and I felt like I needed to salute and say “no ma’am, yes ma’am.” Next up was the getting of the luggage. That’s my favorite part. It’s always a coin toss (in my opinion) if my luggage is going to be there or not. I always plan on it not being there that way when it is I’m delightfully surprised! Thankfully my luggage was there, and they have luggage carts for FREE (so did Australia) but then I heard a little man (he seriously was a little man, like probably no more than 4 feet) call them “trollies,” so I had a “trolley” for my luggage. It was quite handy. I actually didn’t get lost at all, I’m terribly impressed!!
Next was the line where they get to look through all your crap if they want to. I had everything prepared in see through zip lock baggies to make the process easier but they asked me what was in my bags and took my word for it. So I didn’t have to wait or explain that I brought grape jelly all the way to New Zealand because I couldn’t find ANY when I was in Australia and that was just unfathomable to me. While I was in that line I was getting something out of my purse and these sneaky old people cut me in line! They didn’t even look around to see if they were imposing they just stepped right on in line. It’s not like my “trolley” and I were invisible. But whatever, let the old people get a 2 minute head start, I don’t care.
I found my domestic flight area all by myself reading the signs (go me!) and they took BOTH of my bags without any question! I didn’t have to explain to them that I came from an international flight and could have two bags, etc. It was so nice! So much smoother than last time! Last time everyone seemed like a jerk, this time they’re all nice. It’s just the getting cut in line twice that wasn’t so polite.
To get to the domestic terminal you could either take a bus or tram or you could walk about 10 minutes to get there. I decided to walk since I’d just spent the last 13 hours on a plane and it was nice outside. What I didn’t think about however was how crappy that cool wind was going to feel on my throat, fail! But it was a nice little jaunt. They have a blue line that you just follow and it takes you where you need to go! If EVERYWHERE could do that I would never get lost! Okay never is a bit extreme, however, it would definitely aide in my efforts.
I looked and found my gate and it didn’t look like there was much past security for lunch so I asked a woman in the book store if there was anywhere to grab a bite inside the gates and that was a big negative. Glad I asked! There was a pretty narrow selection, and if you know me you know that I hate McDonalds. Guess where I ended up eating? Yep…….unfortunately McD’s was the best choice. There was “Noodles” the sushi restaurant or a salad place that looked like it would give me the runs if I ate there. So I got some chicken nuggets (supposedly its real chicken) and picked off the fried top. It was okay, but they had coke icee’s and that made it okay. I had sat down and was eating and this girl at the next table over asked me if I would watch her luggage. I said sure, I guess I look trustworthy enough or she didn’t care about her belongings because she sure did just walk away and go get in line at McDonalds and was gone for like 10 minutes getting her food. Then I got through security, found my gate, and found a bathroom.
The men’s bathroom was being cleaned so I was like okay Jaime, you have enough time to go before that dude (pretty sure it was a dude) starts to clean the women’s bathroom. NOPE! I come out of the stall and there’s that dude refilling the soap dispenser which was just weird because I was the only other one in the bathroom. So I just left and called it good with some lots of hand sanitizer. I thought it would be awkward to have small talk at the sink with a dude in a girl’s bathroom. Hmmmmm……so anyways I’m just waiting on my plane to take me to Queenstown now! Super excited for that, and praying that I can sleep on the plane for a little bit.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Trying to Get Out!
I have to start off by saying that I'm a bit impressed by myself for this trip. I planned way in advance, had lists, made several trips to the store and tried to narrow it down to what I would really need. I ended up (hopefully) not packing a lot of excess and leaving enough room to bring back all the goodies I'll find! As nature would have it I ended up getting sick before hand so that's been a bit of a downer but I will not let it defeat me! Oh no! Not this stubborn girl. I had most of my things packed last week since I knew I'd be working the weekend and into the week which turned out to be a very wise decision on my part.
I had a wonderful departure dinner with my parents at Chili's (yum yum!!) and off to the airport we went. Both of my bags were under 50lbs and I wasn't holding my breath while they were being weighed either which is also new for me. I then proceeded to ask the United gentleman if I would need a visa for New Zealand (NZ) becuase the last time I went to Australia (yes I realize they're two different countries) I held up a plane in Denver waiting on a man to slowly type me out one. It was an anxiety driving disaster!! He then proceeds to freak out ( and become a total jerk, thank goodness I don't feel well otherwise I might have retaliated a bit) and explain that I absolutely need a visa and that I shouldn't have been able to check in without one, and that I would have to pay $50 for an electronic one but that this should've been done before hand. I continued to explain to him, rather calmly for me I might add, that no where in my buying or checking in process did it say anything about a visa AND I "googled the crap out of it" (yes I actually said that) and found that I don't need one for NZ. He then paused and said in a calm tone "Oh no, you don't need one for NZ." I said well that's where I'm going......he proceeds to explain that you only need one in Australia, China and like Brazil or something like that. He thought I had a layover in Australia. I reiterated to him that the visa was an issue WHEN I went to Australia last time. He then became a nice calm United employee and wished me well and on my way. Grrrrrrr, at least we parted on good terms I suppose.
Going through security was harmless, I was about to have to walk through that stupid xray machine that can see EVERYTHING on you for the third time in a row and I was almost in when the lady stopped me and let me go through the regular one. God bless you lady for not letting someone else look at me via x-ray vision. I mean not that ted-hose stockings to prevent blood clots aren't sexy and all......haha.
Bording the plane to Denver they wanted to check all of our carry-on luggage once all the 1,2,3 groups had borded (I was in 4 of course). So when he asked my destination I told him "Queestown, NZ." And as soon as international went through his head they made room on the plane for my carry-on which made me very happy. Not too keen on leaving my lappy and camera. That's why I carry them on with me - duh. The flight there was uneventful, I rested but was unable to actually sleep which was a little annoying but tis life I suppose.
Of course as soon as the tires hit the runway in Denver I turned my phone on, had to get texting and facebooking as soon as possible you know. I checked my facebook and saw that one of our family friends Dave Fincher had updated his status and that he too was in Denver's airport. What are the odds!?!!? We played facebook tag and in the meantime I got off the plane, was walking to find my gate and saw a store (ding ding #1) and then I saw a black long sleeve breast cancer shirt (ding ding #2) AND some of the proceeds went for breast cancer (ding ding #3!). So naturally I had to stop and buy it. But of course since my layover wasn't 3 hours like it usually is there I had ......will update more later!!
Well, turns out I got delayed, so the story continues......so the shirt was originally $14.99 but was crossed out and said $9.50. SCORE! You know I love a good sale! So I take it up to the register and she rings it up and gives me the price of $16. I politely showed her the $9.50 and then showed her my credit card and she called someone on the phone and said they were on there way to put the sale price in the computer (apparently you have to be special to do that). So I waited....and watied....in the meantime Dave came down to the store and we got to say hi and that was about all we had time for unfortunately but it was good to see him regardless of how long! Finally the manager comes (apparently she walks the speed of a snail) and rings the shirt up, I relay to her that I'm in a bit of a hurry at this point since buying a shirt doesn't usually take 20 minutes. She then proceeds to take time to scratch the sticker off.....really?? Apparently this sale is not supposed to happen because she then goes and grabs the entire stack of shirts and tries to go through them finding which one will scan "correctly." THEN she tells me she'll have to call someone to get the sale approved and will I wait? Okay, first of all if you're the manager aren't you deamed worthy to ring in the clearly marked (on every shirt btw) sale price? And secondly, I already told you I'm in a bit of a hurry, I mean it's not like it's an airport and people literally have places to go. So I told her to forget it I'd just pay the full price. Now while you may be thinking I'm a moron for paying the full price I would like to back myself up by saying that I am a hard core supporter of breast cancer, I love black shirts, and I HAD TO GO. So the decision was simple really.
After that little debacle I of course speed walk to my gate and wait. But who was to know that? Bording the flight to LAX from Denver I ran into the same carry on space issue. I tried to make my roller bag fit in the overhead bin in the center isle (yes the plane was that big) but it wouldn't work either way I tried. And the part that I liked the best was that since my bag is so heavy it was falling on my face and not one person got up and tried to help my face out. JERKS. So then the flight attendants told me and this other guy who couldn't find room to go all the way down to the end and look for space...fail. So then they were going to check it, again until I told them my "international destination." So they magically made space for it in a closet on the plane. Good grief people. That was way harder than it needed to be. That flight was uneventful, couldn't really sleep which was annoying. Played some scrabble on the ipod, listened to some in flight music, it was grand.
Upon arrival to LAX I of course looked to see where my next gate would be and everything was listed in the 70's EXCEPT the flight to Aukland, it was "TERM2." And of course there wasn't a map I could find that told me where "TERM2" was located. So I walked around looking for a bit, ran across a Starbucks and made a little stop... :D I finally asked someone and they told me where to go. But me being me got lost after the first turn and asked someone else who helped me out. So I proceeded in the direction I was pointed, past the baggage claim, outside, asked someone else where I could look for the "A" bus and was again pointed to walk more. I came to my waiting area and waited....waited..... When the "A" bus finally came I looked around at my surrounding peers (some of whom had been on the same flight as me) and they all had big luggage and I just had small carry-on luggage. So I go "CRAP! Was I supposed to get my luggage!?!?!" I'm sure I looked like a genuine genius at that point. So I go booking it to the baggage claims. Not only have I doodled around getting starbucks and looking for maps (I'm thinking to myself) but it didn't even cross my pea-brain to check and see if I had to pick up my stupid luggage! What a MORON!!!! So I get to the baggage carousels and of course no luggage for Jaime.....so I ask the luggage lady and she's like "I've not looked on there yet, you go look." Thanks a lot lady. I still see no luggage. So I go to a United kiosk where apparently you can check the status of your baggage - GENIUS! So I enter all 3 numbers I had and they all said that my luggage was forwarded (or whatever) to my final destination. WHEW! I wasn't as big of an idiot as I thought! (I'm sure I'll redeem myself later) So I take a picture of that message as evidence in case I am luggage-less in NZ.
I then made my way back out (with no directions necessary thank you very much) to wait for my "A" bus. I got on my bus, got off on the correct terminal, and proceeded to get in line to go through more security. Finally through I found a place to eat. I got a panini and a drink for the low low airport price of $14.03. It was food though. Then I just walked around, got a passion fruit lemonade for the throat and shopped a bit. Then decided to find a plug and charge the computer, phone, and ipod. I had no more plugged everything in and they call overhead "If you're flying Air New Zealand and you purchased your ticket through anyone other than Air New Zealand please come to the desk and get a new ticket." Really? So I had to pack everything back up to go get one of their tickets. AND a lady cut me in line. Oh well, didn't crap my pants about it. Wouldn't do me any good. I then went back to my hold and plug to facebook and blog. That's been my evening so far.
They then announced that if your carry-on is more than 14 lbs you have to check it, which of course mine is. 14 lbs is the size of a 6 mo. Give me a break! So I got some stuff out of my carry-on that I had packed to just take out during the flight to have handy. But I didn't put my computer plug in there b/c you can't charge computers on a plane. Well I didn't anticipate being delayed so I sure could use that stupid computer plug right now! Oh well. Crap happens. Before realizing that I sat down next to a plug that was also by a trash can, BAD idea. Mega fail. It smells really bad. And now it's boarding time. Talk to ya'll from New Zealand!!
I had a wonderful departure dinner with my parents at Chili's (yum yum!!) and off to the airport we went. Both of my bags were under 50lbs and I wasn't holding my breath while they were being weighed either which is also new for me. I then proceeded to ask the United gentleman if I would need a visa for New Zealand (NZ) becuase the last time I went to Australia (yes I realize they're two different countries) I held up a plane in Denver waiting on a man to slowly type me out one. It was an anxiety driving disaster!! He then proceeds to freak out ( and become a total jerk, thank goodness I don't feel well otherwise I might have retaliated a bit) and explain that I absolutely need a visa and that I shouldn't have been able to check in without one, and that I would have to pay $50 for an electronic one but that this should've been done before hand. I continued to explain to him, rather calmly for me I might add, that no where in my buying or checking in process did it say anything about a visa AND I "googled the crap out of it" (yes I actually said that) and found that I don't need one for NZ. He then paused and said in a calm tone "Oh no, you don't need one for NZ." I said well that's where I'm going......he proceeds to explain that you only need one in Australia, China and like Brazil or something like that. He thought I had a layover in Australia. I reiterated to him that the visa was an issue WHEN I went to Australia last time. He then became a nice calm United employee and wished me well and on my way. Grrrrrrr, at least we parted on good terms I suppose.
Going through security was harmless, I was about to have to walk through that stupid xray machine that can see EVERYTHING on you for the third time in a row and I was almost in when the lady stopped me and let me go through the regular one. God bless you lady for not letting someone else look at me via x-ray vision. I mean not that ted-hose stockings to prevent blood clots aren't sexy and all......haha.
Bording the plane to Denver they wanted to check all of our carry-on luggage once all the 1,2,3 groups had borded (I was in 4 of course). So when he asked my destination I told him "Queestown, NZ." And as soon as international went through his head they made room on the plane for my carry-on which made me very happy. Not too keen on leaving my lappy and camera. That's why I carry them on with me - duh. The flight there was uneventful, I rested but was unable to actually sleep which was a little annoying but tis life I suppose.
Of course as soon as the tires hit the runway in Denver I turned my phone on, had to get texting and facebooking as soon as possible you know. I checked my facebook and saw that one of our family friends Dave Fincher had updated his status and that he too was in Denver's airport. What are the odds!?!!? We played facebook tag and in the meantime I got off the plane, was walking to find my gate and saw a store (ding ding #1) and then I saw a black long sleeve breast cancer shirt (ding ding #2) AND some of the proceeds went for breast cancer (ding ding #3!). So naturally I had to stop and buy it. But of course since my layover wasn't 3 hours like it usually is there I had ......will update more later!!
Well, turns out I got delayed, so the story continues......so the shirt was originally $14.99 but was crossed out and said $9.50. SCORE! You know I love a good sale! So I take it up to the register and she rings it up and gives me the price of $16. I politely showed her the $9.50 and then showed her my credit card and she called someone on the phone and said they were on there way to put the sale price in the computer (apparently you have to be special to do that). So I waited....and watied....in the meantime Dave came down to the store and we got to say hi and that was about all we had time for unfortunately but it was good to see him regardless of how long! Finally the manager comes (apparently she walks the speed of a snail) and rings the shirt up, I relay to her that I'm in a bit of a hurry at this point since buying a shirt doesn't usually take 20 minutes. She then proceeds to take time to scratch the sticker off.....really?? Apparently this sale is not supposed to happen because she then goes and grabs the entire stack of shirts and tries to go through them finding which one will scan "correctly." THEN she tells me she'll have to call someone to get the sale approved and will I wait? Okay, first of all if you're the manager aren't you deamed worthy to ring in the clearly marked (on every shirt btw) sale price? And secondly, I already told you I'm in a bit of a hurry, I mean it's not like it's an airport and people literally have places to go. So I told her to forget it I'd just pay the full price. Now while you may be thinking I'm a moron for paying the full price I would like to back myself up by saying that I am a hard core supporter of breast cancer, I love black shirts, and I HAD TO GO. So the decision was simple really.
After that little debacle I of course speed walk to my gate and wait. But who was to know that? Bording the flight to LAX from Denver I ran into the same carry on space issue. I tried to make my roller bag fit in the overhead bin in the center isle (yes the plane was that big) but it wouldn't work either way I tried. And the part that I liked the best was that since my bag is so heavy it was falling on my face and not one person got up and tried to help my face out. JERKS. So then the flight attendants told me and this other guy who couldn't find room to go all the way down to the end and look for space...fail. So then they were going to check it, again until I told them my "international destination." So they magically made space for it in a closet on the plane. Good grief people. That was way harder than it needed to be. That flight was uneventful, couldn't really sleep which was annoying. Played some scrabble on the ipod, listened to some in flight music, it was grand.
Upon arrival to LAX I of course looked to see where my next gate would be and everything was listed in the 70's EXCEPT the flight to Aukland, it was "TERM2." And of course there wasn't a map I could find that told me where "TERM2" was located. So I walked around looking for a bit, ran across a Starbucks and made a little stop... :D I finally asked someone and they told me where to go. But me being me got lost after the first turn and asked someone else who helped me out. So I proceeded in the direction I was pointed, past the baggage claim, outside, asked someone else where I could look for the "A" bus and was again pointed to walk more. I came to my waiting area and waited....waited..... When the "A" bus finally came I looked around at my surrounding peers (some of whom had been on the same flight as me) and they all had big luggage and I just had small carry-on luggage. So I go "CRAP! Was I supposed to get my luggage!?!?!" I'm sure I looked like a genuine genius at that point. So I go booking it to the baggage claims. Not only have I doodled around getting starbucks and looking for maps (I'm thinking to myself) but it didn't even cross my pea-brain to check and see if I had to pick up my stupid luggage! What a MORON!!!! So I get to the baggage carousels and of course no luggage for Jaime.....so I ask the luggage lady and she's like "I've not looked on there yet, you go look." Thanks a lot lady. I still see no luggage. So I go to a United kiosk where apparently you can check the status of your baggage - GENIUS! So I enter all 3 numbers I had and they all said that my luggage was forwarded (or whatever) to my final destination. WHEW! I wasn't as big of an idiot as I thought! (I'm sure I'll redeem myself later) So I take a picture of that message as evidence in case I am luggage-less in NZ.
I then made my way back out (with no directions necessary thank you very much) to wait for my "A" bus. I got on my bus, got off on the correct terminal, and proceeded to get in line to go through more security. Finally through I found a place to eat. I got a panini and a drink for the low low airport price of $14.03. It was food though. Then I just walked around, got a passion fruit lemonade for the throat and shopped a bit. Then decided to find a plug and charge the computer, phone, and ipod. I had no more plugged everything in and they call overhead "If you're flying Air New Zealand and you purchased your ticket through anyone other than Air New Zealand please come to the desk and get a new ticket." Really? So I had to pack everything back up to go get one of their tickets. AND a lady cut me in line. Oh well, didn't crap my pants about it. Wouldn't do me any good. I then went back to my hold and plug to facebook and blog. That's been my evening so far.
They then announced that if your carry-on is more than 14 lbs you have to check it, which of course mine is. 14 lbs is the size of a 6 mo. Give me a break! So I got some stuff out of my carry-on that I had packed to just take out during the flight to have handy. But I didn't put my computer plug in there b/c you can't charge computers on a plane. Well I didn't anticipate being delayed so I sure could use that stupid computer plug right now! Oh well. Crap happens. Before realizing that I sat down next to a plug that was also by a trash can, BAD idea. Mega fail. It smells really bad. And now it's boarding time. Talk to ya'll from New Zealand!!
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