Today was a travel day. From Auckland to Invercargill on 2 hour flight then to final destination Stewart Island. A first for us both in a puddle jumper. The scenery was so lovely all uneasiness was gone and it only took 20 minutes! A taxi awaited us (Ken) and took us to our bed and breakfast. Turns out he lived here as a child. A true gardeners paradise. We are here until Tuesday.
After getting into Gertrude’s room at the hotel (ours wasn’t ready yet) Bill and I both took hot showers and changed out of our travel clothes. Why does it feel like you are so dirty when all you do is sit in a plane? We met Gertrude downstairs for lunch figuring it would be good to get on the New Zealand schedule. Our room was ready so we headed up and took a nice long nap. We watched a cricket match on tv and before we knew it was 6:30 and time to Uber to a delicious dinner at Manaus Seafood Boil. We came back and got some NZ money from the ATM for our adventure for the next couple days.
Arrived an hour later than scheduled. Got through security even with a dog really sniffing Bill! Searched for our Gertrude and there she was with a huge smile! We are at the hotel now getting our briefing!
When we entered the plane there was an entire section in front of us empty. Confused and feeling like sardines in our seats further back. After take off, passengers started moving up to the empty area. We asked and they said sure but you have to be in your original seats when we land! So instead of three across we have a seat between us! Right now everyone seems to be asleep. The choices of movies, tv, and games like Angry Birds are good and we both have our Kindles to read.
Our bags were packed – yes that’s all we are taking! Our ride arrived at 12 noon sharp! Thankfully he said something about our passports. Bill had asked for mine earlier in the day and it was on the coffee table. The ride only took an hour to JFK. Getting through security was almost 40 minutes! I never expected the pat down. Not quite sure what they saw in my jeans!!! But I’m good to go. We found a pizza place and enjoyed a slice. We’ll find the lounge and hang out for a couple hours. Flight doesn’t leave until 7:40!
Today Sue C. and I drove to Cindy’s to deliver the birds. Darwin kept asking if we were okay! Cindy now officially has an aviary.
Anticipation! 11 days until we fly to New Zealand. A trip of a life time!
Nancy Lee Carlson