Air New Zealand ,Begins My Journey Moving Overseas

Moving overseas, to another country and settling in ,can be scary, or an adventure, especially if the distance is great like from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere.

Let the Journey Begin

I saw the travel as another part of my moving overseas experience and along the cluster of travel delights. Applications to fill out , Visa's,travellers cheques,( if you purchase these at your airport ,call ahead to make sure the service is available there first ,otherwise arrange through your local bank well before your departure date)

Hiccups, and Humour, an experience I am continually experiencing living overseas, long after leaving the terminal !!

As the plane rose above the land I fondly know as the  of the long white cloud of New Zealand ,I  contemplated how many have felt before me moving overseas, and settled back into my journey .I understood now why they called this cluster of Islands Paradise. In 13 hours I would be in the Northern Hemisphere and I couldn't wait!

Finally no more yard sales ,car sold, bills paid up, the 'to do' list reduced to 'plastic zip locks bags for shampoo,medication etc',.Utilities switched off ,apartment cleaned ,now it really feels like Im at least moving on......at this point I'm still not excited ,but I am enjoying no TV,no phone or computer ,an empty clean apartment in the middle of summer is cleansing (in a way).

My sons came to say good bye, and although we figured 2hrs was plenty of time to check in our luggage we almost missed take-off,because I was still in the airport bank area arranging last minute travellers cheques.( click blue travellers cheque link above) to avoid last minute drama. Heard my name being called twice ,and one son and daughter-in-law were extremely anxious, cant say I was radiating the picture of tranquility either!!

So I was literally jogging with two of my sons through passengers ,past floor host.security,weaving and dodging pushchairs and tourists ,up the stairs an threw my overnight bag onto the conveyor belt. and distinctly remember a customs officer snarling, don't rush anymore ,its already been announced on board that the flight has been delayed for a woman still embarking.....ohhh k hate when people do that I replied !!, turned hugged my son's , opened my arms wide ,said love you this much and ...embarked.

I noticed the officer slipped a copy of ' MY TRAVEL PLAN checklist ' in the side-pocket of my bag. (aww nice man)

Yes , I put my head back , relax all was forgiven, and I was now treated like a princess, why even the serious blue suited guy who had to move to let me in appeared more relaxed.

Migration ,Let the journey begin.

Tahiti welcomed us warmly with lei's and a gift of a native flower. The service was professional and friendly, very hospitable and cheerful. Food menu ,delectable and plentiful.Beverages ,large variety available. I am now 2hours into my travel and its a wonderful world!

Touched down for almost an hour in Tahiti to leave some passengers, and welcome others on board. Ukelele's played and Islanders entertained while we stretched our legs.The tempertaure was warm and the ambience relaxing.

If you ever take a vacation check out Air Tahiti Nui's website , we actually got a cheaper deal than the two bigger companies and the service was not compromised at all. They were less picky at check in too , so we would definately use this airline again!

Welcome To America

L.A.X was buzzing with activity ,and serious,poker faced men and woman had replaced flower power ,with um gunpowder.

Although LAX is understandably busy ,we found it to be organised,well sign-posted and every possible need catered for. Because of its sheer size ,never under-estimate the time it will take you to complete the necessary check in's ( even though papers are filled in while you re still on board),depending on other incoming flights , the passengers waiting to be fully processed can be lengthy (up to an hour) or more I heard said, but we passed through relatively quickly.

(USA Homeland Security) have also incorporated a added security system check ,called ESTAperformed at country of origin departing port ,so has cut down some time at the U.S end)....I remember bitching about the cost in NZ $30 ,but well if Uncle Sam says he wants it , I cant get on the plane without it . Grrr...

Brief Layover , left the International Terminal to now board a Nation U.S Airline.

Southwest Airlines (LAX)checked us in ,made us repack some of our luggage and charged us extra for weight etc. The young girl also insisted hubby's fishing pole be now covered ,and identified more clearly,like you cant tell a fishing pole is a fishing pole?? ( it had made it through three other airports secured and tagged onto the side of his luggage, until now. Rules!

Nashville ,Tennessee and melodies and guitars filtered through the air. Its a long way from New Zealand to Nashville ,but compared to LA ,not far at all.

In the blink of an eye we landed in North Carolina ,squeezed in 3hrs sleep a hot shower and my first American breakfast! mmm....delicious waffles , really should have eaten better ,but the hotel let me take some fruit with me ,bless their hearts!.

I left my home country 20 hrs ago ,had 3hrs sleep , and in a small Amtrak depot absorbed some more American culture,the kind they sing about in a rap song perhaps. I embraced it all , listened and for 2hrs became entertained. Charlotte ,NC I had my first biscuit and gravy , yes my very first biscuit from a place called Bojangles.!! I they have some yummy online spices you can order too! I am beginning to bond with my new home , even if they drIve on the wrong side of the road.

The last part of our journey ended in Spartanburg , SC on a Saturday with no banks open ,thank God for thoseTravellers Cheques,although it was some hours before we could find a business who knew how to cash them.! (editors note: Supermarket Chain called "BiLo" cashed them ,yippeeeee) so helpful to know if you arrive at your destination ,hungry ,tired and no banks open to your new country.

I knew the USA would be diverse ,I knew she would be colorful and liberal , welcoming sometimes conservative.,and confusing. I knew she would be all of those things and more .....that is why I came. To see it to live it ,to give and take,so that one day when Im an old lady and cant even walk anymore I can look back and say

..........I followed a dream and took the long journey millions have taken before me, migration,my journey has begun.