THE BIG PUSH HOME

Since we'll be crossing the International Date Line, we have 2 Mondays back-to-back and this is the first of them. Makes up for the Saturday we lost en route. It was the low water mark when, out of boredom, we turned on the TV this morning. Then, pretty smooth sailing when we got to the port for the 3 1/2 hour flight to Aukland. At least there will be no more customs or luggage to manage until we get home. Relief. We wait in Aukland for 3 hours but are very used to finding amusements in airports. I get out all of our Australian and New Zealand money and manage to rid myself of all but a few coins. Ron said he knew I could do it! We've arranged for a row with only 2 seats in it, same as we had from Sydney to Aukland. An added blessing since the very large plane is only about 1/3 full. Ron and I part company for the sleeping portion of our flight when I move to an empty row. Our flight is very bumpy almost THE ENTIRE TIME. Sometimes we cannot even read or work Sudoku, let alone drink anything. I have to talk myself out of being a little sick. The cabin lights go on unceremoniouly at 8 A.M. L.A. time (5 A.M. to us) because it's time for breakfast whether you are or not. Gotta' fit it all in before we land. Funny sitting in my own little row. It's the longest I've been away from Ron for almost a month and we're still friends and getting along amicably. What more could you hope for? This ends my travel blog for Australia and New Zealand. Look for the further adventures of Ron and Jane in May when we go to Vancouver and on an Alaskan Cruise. We are very lucky. Love to you all, Jane