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Published: April 8th 2012
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BA
Room with a view?? Yesterday (or is it today? same date but with an overnight sleep) started with early pickup to go to the airport in Brisbane. Eileen had organised the first leg of the journey - Business class to Auckland. It was nice having a Champaign breaky in the Emirates lounge. Followed by more champers on flight over. The space, entertainment system and service made this leg of the journey a real joy, thanks to Eileen's airpoints.
In Auckland Craig and Glenys very patiently ran us around to do a couple of last minute things in NZ - replacement travel shoes for Eileen and sorting the mouse for the laptop.
At check in, the Aerolineas Argentinas chappy told us we needed tickets out of South America before we could get on the plane (which of course we do not have!). A little discussion and he was willing to let us on to try our luck at immigration - saying we would need to show proof of $5,000 US dollars. The luggage wrapper lets people use his internet and printer - only his cap had run out and it was the world slowest internet - however 30 minutes later I had a printed bank statement. So with some trepidation we set off for boarding.
Aerolineas Argentinas were not noted for their efficiency. Finally boarding 45 minutes or so late. The first things I noted was the age of the plane and size of the seat - designed for small people - the head rest started before my shoulders finished. Some slight turbulence sent the crew scurrying away so dinner took till 11pm to arrive - but not too bad as far as airline food goes, the beef was good. A restless night ensued, I got up several times to unravel the legs and imagine what it would like to be comfortable.
Arriving at immigration i was conscious of the potential difficulties. I had done my best to tidy myself up and not look like an aging hippy! Then I thought I should relax, but not too be too relaxed, smile but not be too smiley etc... As it happened he did not ask a single question!!
Eileen noted the welcoming committee at the baggage carousel... a large 2 inch cockroach that ran between the feet of the lady next to us to hide under her suitcase.
The taxi driver was the chief entertainment on the ride into BA. Stilted conversation, as he knew as little english as we knew spanish. He did however know the international hand gesture for w*nker, when car next to us took off too quickly from the toll booth and collected the barrier arm!!
The thing that struck me was the living conditions of the local populace. Eileen pointed out some not too good blocks of flats, but out the other side was worse. I am sure that we will see some sights on our journey that will make this look like luxury, but it is still a long way from NZ.
Arriving at our apartment we were expecting to meet a middle aged woman who Eileen had dealt with before. The young couple that had actually come to let us in did not connect the couple standing in the lobby with travel bags looking tired as their guests. Eventually the concierge arrived and connected us. A tidy bed sit with everything we need for a week.
A visit to the grocers to purchase supplies was the next thing on the list. Spanish labling and an absence of favorite brands added to the entertainment. So it is Paso De Los Toros Tonica instead of Schweppes Indian Tonic for the G and T - now thats ruffing it!! Also interesting was that the green grocer in the superette was run by a little lady who gathers the veges for you and is paid her seperately.
Leigh
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