On my Way

 Nelson to Auckland-flight delay, boarding passes scanned as we go through the departure door.then passengers all waiting on the tarmac in the drizzling rain while the air crew painstakingly check each boarding pass again at the door to the plane. Everyone rather damp by the time they take their allotted seats.No cookie time snacks offered this flight instead gluten free bliss bar (acceptable) or pineapple popcorn(grossed probably GM corn). The international airport truly international with hardly a blond head in sight but quite the opposite in the Air NZ lounge. So are NZ's affluent citizens predominately European stock? The lounge was very busy offering mediocre food and with the only spot to sit at a shared table.

Auckland to Los Angeles- another delay. Masses of people hovering at the gate waiting to be boarded. Privileged business class passengers were first to board the packed bus from gate to plane then settled  into their fold flat seats for the 12 hour plus flight and offered champagne. Then all the economy passengers looking longingly at the comfort were channelled past them to their cramped upright seats . Great advertising for what you can get for more than double the fare. 

Beautiful clear blue sky over 27 degrees in L.A.

A very long airport walk then an excruciatingly wait to get through customs. Over an hour and a half waiting in the long lines at least 12 deep of coughing, sneezing people. Uniformed customs staff barking orders at anyone who steps out of line and loudspeakers repeating the "Welcome to LosAngeles. It is prohibited to take photographs" message every 5 minutes. Such a relief to finally arrive at the formidable looking custom officer to offer up yourself for checking and fingerprinting. It's great to think they are taking border security and illegal immigration so seriously; quizzing this little grey-haired 73 year old where she's going and why. And I'm only in the country for 5 hours! It didn't seem at all lax as Donald T would lead us to believe.