The Long Trip Home
PERTH
It was the day I was dreading since I arrived. The day that I have experienced a few times now since John and I got married. It’s like an out of body experience. you’re watching yourself pack and leave your husband. It doesn’t seem real, and each time, it doesn’t get easier.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
The problem is that departure isn’t ever until AFTER sundown. That is a long time to be stuck in a small and very boring airport, that charges an arm and a leg for its WiFi internet and everything else. (Tee shirts can be $40 – $50 dollars!)
The coffee seemed like it was going to be the best part of the day. For some reason I could get my 30 minutes free internet, but couldn’t access it to pay for it.
I tried to trouble shoot the issue myself, went to airport help, then went to a phone with a toll free number and still no help. Apparently the service that handles internet at Auckland isn’t physically there with technicians if there is a problem. I think if you’re going to offer a service where people have to pay for it, you should have help ready and at hand. Just saying.
When all seemed lost, I finally went to the Air New Zealand counter to see if the airline itself offered free WiFi to their customers (If you saw the price of the ticket you would ask too!) They replied that no they don’t. But I could perhaps go to the VIP lounge where WiFi was free and showers, and food and all the drinks I could want.
I know nothing is free, “How much?”
“$55,” he replied.
I had to pause to think. By the time I am there all day, and would have PAID for the net, and had something to eat and drink, I would have spent about that much. “Ok.”
So he wrote me an invitation and told me to take it upstairs and present to the person at the counter. They were busy and full and couldn’t take another person. I was directed to another VIP lounge. We haggled on price and then I was in, hoping that John would agree with me that this wasn’t a bad option.
Finally some 15 hours after arriving at Auckland, it was time to board the plane.
Twelve long hours later we touched down in San Francisco. There wasn’t much time there, but I had time to connect with John before he went to work and buy a soda and crackers–with American money again!
My flight to Baltimore was a little bumpy, and I arrived later than the scheduled time.
Now I have been gone from this home for 3 months. I thought Miquel would be first in line to see me. I couldn’t find him, so I thought maybe he would be in the baggage area. No. I looked around, and realized where I should have found him, at the vending machine buying candy and a drink. Nothing changes. 🙂
Later he explained that he read we were running late and that I wouldn’t be there already. Just the same I had to tease him. 🙂
Miquel and I talked all night long, then I met with Enric, later with Laura, and I finally collapsed for 4 hours after lunch.
Now comes adapting to being back.