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Published: January 4th 2009
Happy New Year!
The cabin crew on Air NZ Flight 05 festivates as they ring in the New Year 2009.I figured that I better write while things are relatively fresh in my head, and before I get started at work tomorrow. What an experience thus far! Our flight from LAX to AUK was quite eventful with some clear air turbulence about half way across that made Jack "concerned" in that it caused the 747 to bank to the right 15-20 degrees for a short period of time. The pilot asked the in cabin crew to take their seats. Things smoothed out somewhat, then in about 30 minutes became smooth for the duration. The flight was not very full, so both of us got our own row to stretch out in and we snoozed for a number of hours on our 12 1/2 hour flight. When the clock struck midnight (we left LAX on the 30th, crossed the date line, then reached the 31st at midnight), the cabin crew put on their festive garb, put out the balloons and poured champagne for those of us that woke for the celebration.
Arrived in AUK, cleared customs and the agricultural screeners (they are very particular here, as many plant and animal pests have been imported), we checked in for our flight to Wellington
Wellington!
View from the Club Lounge atop the James Cook Hotel, looking toward the Bay. (the capital), where we spent our first night. We arrived at the James Cook Hotel at around 10 am, well before normal check in time, and the clerk at the desk made a special accommodation for us and placed us in an open room on the top floor, giving us access to the Club Lounge and free internet (probably worth over $60 NZ in all). Needless to say she got a tip. By the way, there is no tipping in NZ unless you feel that someone has given you extrordinary service. The GSTax is also added to the price as listed on a menu or a store, so that is, indeed the price you pay, no add ons.
Had a paperwork processing session with a representative of the Medical Council the next morning (the 2nd, normally a NZ holiday, but she came in on her day off) and it was off to Timaru on the smallest plane Nahid had ever been on. Quite a bumpy flight due to winds. We were told that the winds were nearly severe enough to cause us to be diverted to Christchurch and bussed to Timaru. Ross the HR head picked us up in his
Stuffed Kiwis.
Stuffed kiwis in the national museum in Wellington. Mercedes and we barely managed to get all our bags in his boot and back seat. He dropped our bags at the hotel, where my Toyota Ipsum minivan was awaiting, and before leaving us took us to the grocery store so we could pick up some things. Our Toyota was, like many of the cars here, imported used from Japan. Nice vehicle, complete with a GPS, I think, but the screen is all in Japanese, and I think the GPS does not have NZ in its memory, so it isn't much help. I did think to buy a GPS and a NZ add on, so I have one that will help me out. We are a driving team, with Nahid telling me to move over to the left side of the street when I stray. Now if I can just stop turning on the windshield wipers every time I intend to signal a turn (which causes Nahid to laugh hysterically)...I understand it takes about two months. I left the lights on the first night (they stayed on when the ignition was turned off, unlike most cars), but got a jump from a Kiwi that went home to get his cables
Our first meal in NZ.
Can you believe we ate at Subway? Actually it is one of Jack's favorite placed to eat in the states...does anyone remember the time Jared visited St. Joseph Hospital? We shared a footlong roast lamb sandwich...not your usual American fare...actually very good. and returned to help.
We will be in the hotel (Aspen on King Street) for a few days until the locums doc in our house moves out, and it is cleaned. 47A James Street, Timaru, NZ
Went to church this morning, and the pastor and his wife had us over for dinner afterward. They, like almost all of the Kiwis we have met here, are extrordinarily nice and helpful. Most are not in a hurry, we have had to intentionally walk slower so as not to run over them. We can see that this is going to be a delightful experience for both of us...we may not be back!
By the way, my hospital provided cell phone is 027 290 7161. They gave it to me since I will be taking call. Hospital calls are free, others are $0.24 NZ per minute.
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Heather
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What a beginning to your adventure!
WOW! What a beginning to your adventure! Sounds like it wasn't exactly like you had hoped and planned, but you made it this far! Hopefully, you will soon become more accustomed to the windshield wipers and the left lane! How funny that the GPS is in Japenese. Looked like a beautiful hotel stay! Enjoy your new house, it looks small (compared to your CO house) but cozy.