WE HAVE ARRIVED… insert triumphant music and choruses of angels! The voyage was, of course, nothing short of entertaining. I mean really though, why wouldn’t it be super entertaining? We have an eclectic and hilarious family down here in Alex and I could not be happier.
Our flights were truly amazing… with exception of our Dallas to LAX flight where I thought we would, quite literally, fall from the skies and plummet to earth. The turbulence was rather stomach turning. Once we arrived in Los Angeles we snagged a seat by several electrical outlets and charged our various gadgets in preparation for our long 14-hour flight. We were just oozing with enthusiasm and excitement. We were all going to be sitting next to one another and it was a Qantas plane!
Once on the flight we were pleased to see that we all had our own personal television and it was On Demand style viewing. On the flight I watched several movies ranging from dramas like Midnight in Paris to family films like Kung Fu Panda 2. I also managed to hang for a couple of hours with good ole Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope while they chilled in the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department. It was entertaining and surprisingly enough was not as long as it probably could have been. The food was quite possibly the best airplane food I have ever had! For “Supper” I had Chicken Cacciatore with Orzo Pasta and Seasonal Greens as well as this delicious caramel cream cake thing, a mini bottle of white Australian Riesling and peppermint tea. It was TO DIE FOR! It was funny too because we had just gobbled down burgers from the good ole BK and then not 20 minutes later we were met with the feast of all feasts.
I slept for maybe 3 hours the whole flight, and that is definitely an over estimate. We awoke to a satisfying Asparagus Omelets with Bacon “Rashers”, slow roasted Tomatoes and button mushrooms. As well we had cranberry and orange muffins, fruit salad, and delicious strawberry yogurt! It was an enjoyable trip with a beautiful view.
Once we landed in Auckland we were met with a series of challenging events. First we had to go through passport check, which was quick and more efficient than in America. Then we found out by chance, because Alex saw his bags on the carousel, that we had to pick up all of our belongings in the international terminal. Next Alex was hunted by the drug dog but after an inspection from a TSA agent it was found that the dog just truly liked him. Alex likes to say that it’s because the female TSA agent just wanted an excuse to talk to him. Quite a sense a humor on this one, eh?
After picking up all of our belongings the four of us and our 8 bags rolled through another customs check point where I was applauded for bringing delicious Macaroni and cheese with me from the initial check point agent. I was pretty excited he didn’t take it from me! We then found ourselves hunting for a check-in for Jet Star because we couldn’t check in before flying across the pond. We had the choice of “walking 10 minutes” or waiting for the bus that comes every 15 minutes to the domestic flights terminal. I quoted “walking 10 minutes” because it literally was the most dysfunctional parade of people and luggage that I have ever experienced. I am lucky I didn’t wet my pants but one probably wouldn’t of noticed because it was … oh yes… raining. We started trucking along when it started awkwardly raining. Our first struggles hit when Krystals belongings began trickeling off her bag. She and Michelle were slow behind Alex and I because we didn’t notice Krystals coat and then other things fall off her bag. As Alex and I began to continue on I had the realization that perhaps flip flops and slippery sidewalks was not the best idea. Not long after that realization my 2 suitcases, my duffle, my back pack and I took a tumble right into a puddle. Already feeling like I look like a super model (sarcasm) I started laughing out of delerium and exhaustion. Soaked and cold we finished our trek to the domestic terminal. Mom and dad make the note that you should just wait for the bus!
We checked in without a hitch for our Auckland to Queenstown flight… NOT. Michelle almost didn’t make it because the man at the counter kept telling her she had twice the allotted weight for travel. Once he realized that he was mistaken she almost didn’t have enough time to get checked in and go through security. It was a shaky start but our next flight went by like a breeze!
The scenery is amazing in New Zealand and hard to describe. I shall try now to give you a glimpse of what it is like in Queenstown and Alexandra.
Imagine a place frozen in its natural beauty, minimal commercialism, a down to earth society banked on preserving the simplicity of nature and life. When arriving you cross over several small islands blanketed with various greens and pristine beaches. The teal and turquoise waters engage your senses before you even land. Perhaps it was my excitement and fear of the unknown that had my adrenaline racing and heart pacing. Yet, the pure emotion that came when I saw the beauty and wonder from the view took my breath away and had me hooked from the moment I set eyes on this amazing island.
As we landed in Queenstown we lowered in the midst of snow capped mountains and could still see the ocean just past the peaks. The mountains created a narrow valley that we delved down into and opened into a basin much like that of flying into Jackson Hole Wyoming. It was a small airport but very welcoming. Our Vice Dean, Mick, met us inside and helped us get our bags. When he saw how much luggage we had he shouted “BLOODY HELL!” I know I’m going to just love the accents here.
With our carts all loaded we found ourselves at our van for the next 2 months. It has two massive stickers that state “TERRACE SCHOOL” on them, so I can’t imagine we’ll be getting too crazy while driving the van. We drove the long way to Alexandra and saw many beautiful places. Otago is covered with various vineyards, mountain ranges, sheep farms, rivers, lakes, just about anything you could imagine. It has so much variety you could never get bored.
We stopped at the Bungee jumping spot and grabbed a bite at the little café. It is amazing here in New Zealand. With the exception of zero cell service and little Internet I am completely content. I haven’t cried yet… except for in my sleep… but it has dawned on me that this is reality! We are about to embark on a 5 day journey ending in Dunedin where I will see Brett Rosaur and watch the All Blacks (national rugby team) HOPEFULLY BEAT the French! Apparently it rivals watching the world cup soccer matches in Europe! I’ll be posting all sorts of photos so get excited!
Much love to all and miss you oodles! Cheers bro! (Thanks friend)
As Always,
Bee
ps. will add picture soon but the internet is aweful!
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