As I mentioned previously, I planned on skiing all of June in NZ. My parents brought my ski gear over with them on their visit and it never got any real use. So I was traveling around with a massavie as ski bag filled with my gear, speed riding equipment, and some other nonsense that needed to get home. On top of that, my large suitcase, my 45 liter pack, and my camera bag.
Flight 1 - Auckland to LAX: 12 hour flight
It all started off with checking my baggage: $112.50 NZD to check two bags. Fail.
But not quite fail as my friend Taylor had to drop $400 some odd on her stuff. Could be worse for me, so it cancels out.
Kate was on the same flight as me, and I was able to talk to the clerk and have our seats moved so we could sit together. Win.
Went through customs, got brought aside and into the questioning room. Someone reported Wootie on the Otago Peninsula for "Suspicious Wildlife Stealing." So after 40 mins or so of talking to a guy who definitely didn't want to be there but required to write down my every word, having my bags pulled off the plane to be x-rayed and searched for Kiwis or lizzards or something, I was back at the gate in time to board the then delayed flight. Fail.
Kate and my seats however, were the front seats of one section on a 777. Tons of leg room, I got window seat for good sleeping, and Kate got my shoulder for the same, some great tunes and videos on the screen (Jonsi, Animal Collective, Naked and Famous...Megamind, Rango, The Other Guys, Family Guy), and some solid tasting food. Win.
12 hours later, we arrive in LA. After a long as wait in line for customs, we both get through just in time for me to have to pay duty on my speed wing. Fail.
Fortunately, I was able to confuse the guy with the purpose of the wing (as it is very multifunctional) and managed to only have to pay $30 for "Ski and Snowboard Accessory". Win.
After I get out of the terminal I found Kate and Lauren's mom (as expected), but Lauren was there too!! She got the day off of work unexpectadly and came as well. Super win.
Flight 2 - LAX to Charlotte, NC: 5 hours
I checked my flight that was supposed to leave in 8 hours, delayed. So I went to the desk to see what the other options were so I could get back home in time for the surprise party we planned for my parents (them coming to get me from the airport was the distraction). Flight got completely cancelled. Next flight to Albany wasn't until Junly 3rd. Super Fail.
With no cell phone, no Wi-Fi (LAX is rubbish) and only NZ notes still, I had to somehow pay for a phone call. Fortunately, I had enough calling credit on the prepaid card from Arcadia at the beginning of my trip to call home, have Ry find Lauren's number from my Google Voice account, and call her. They were stuck in traffic not too far away so they came back and picked me up. Win.
Plus, I managed to find the only currency exchange place on that side of the airport and get US cash, and buy Chex Mix. Man I missed that delicious taste of Heaven. Win
The next day and a half I spent with Lauren, her mum, her step father, and Kate. Uber win. (Check out the next post for details!)
Sunday morning, Kate and Lo Lo drove me to LAX to catch my rescheduled flight. Worked out perfectly because they planned on heading into the city anyway. Win.
Check in went well, but had to drop another $150 on baggage. Fail.
Got on the plane fine, but ended up giving up my seat to a newly wed couple who had to sit apart. They were very thankful and it didn't bother me at all. Win.
Got to Charlotte on time, 90 degrees, free Wi-Fi in the airport (Suck it LAX) to contact the parentals to confirm the schedule. Win
Flight 3 - Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY: 2 hours
Got on the plane right away after a short layover, sat next to a lovely older woman from Florida who was interested in eharing about NZ. Win.
Plane taxied out for take off, started to go, then stopped. Some sort of minor equipment malfunction. Fail
But was sorted and all sweet within 15-20 mins. So that cancels out too.
Landed in Albany on time for some typical NY weather: warm, humid, with a chance of thunderstorms.
Family was there to welcome me back with open arms. Can it get any more win?
Frustrating times flying for 20 hours on delays and cancellations with no easy mode of communication and high prices. But it's always about mind over matter. It's about trusting God's will and accepting the fact that it is all supposed to happen. His plan is always perfect and pleasing to him, so why get upset and whine about it? I am so blessed to have family that cares about me enough to help me out, and new friends who I would consider family now to take care of me in the difficult time.
God freakin rocks, life is awesome, this trip kicked ass.
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