Woke up to an alarm for the first time since we left the states - got us to wondering what type of lifestyle would not necessitate such an annoying tool. But at least this 3:30AM wake-up call was for fun - we flew to northern New Zealand today. It was our seventh flight of the summer - Air Tahiti Nui in partnership with Qantas Air. Personal TV screens, several movie options as well as other channels, full breakfast, cup holders, pillow and a blanket, a goodie pack containing: socks, baby wipe, head phones, sleeping mask, and ear plugs - all free! We didn't even have to pay extra for a three checked bags and they arrived on time! So, it appears, airlines in the US suck but not other places in the world.
Took off on Wednesday, landed in Thursday and, no, this was not a red eye. Lost 22 hours somewhere between Tahiti and New Zealand - bizarre. We are officially 16 hours ahead of our Jersey home and 19 hours ahead of California.
Drove four hours from Auckland to Paihia - every mountain looks like it is posing for a postcard. Rolling hills of green open land. Stunning. Oh, and they drive on the other side of the car as well as the other side of the road here! Driving has once again become a conscious act - having to think before even making a simple turn so as not to end up head on in traffic!
We've noticed that shoes are entirely optional. It is winter but still there are so many people, adults and children alike, parading around barefoot - not flip flops - barefoot. Curious.
They use dollars here in New Zealand and speak English so these should ease our adjustment. On the flip side, we took off in the warmth and landed in a chill. It is winter on this side of the globe which didn't mean much in Tahiti but has a much greater impact in New Zealand - highs in the sixties and lows in the thirties.
Thai Garden for dinner. Warmed the soul as well as the tummy.
Lodging at Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge. Steps from the wharf, quick walk to shops and dining. Heater took awhile to kick in. Amanda used the bed to crawl up the wall so her freezing toes could be as close as possible to hot air.
Myth Busted: All airlines gave up on customer service.
Fun new words!
Cheers
Rubbish
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