As none of us like to
be rushed, the decision was made to head off to the airport early
(around 4:30pm). The plane didn't leave 'till 9:15 and that would
give us a 'ton' of time. We loaded all our luggage into Damian's car
and he took it down to the station at Jannali while the rest of us
walked. It was a bit of a palava getting on and off the train (with the necessary change at Wolli Creek) with five large suit cases and assorted
smaller bags, four adults, one 3 year old and one 9 month old (with
stroller).
 |
| We're all ready!! |
When we got to the
airport we discovered that having a baby in tow had advantages, with
us jumping the queue in emigration/quarantine and security. Once
through all that (and feeding the baby along the way) we set
ourselves down near a McDonald's playground (to keep Christopher
occupied) and went searching for some food. Apparently these days
you don't even get fed on an international flight with Air New
Zealand unless you pay extra. Jill and I settled for some sushi and
a salad. After that we only had enough time to get some New Zealand
dollars (the currency in the Cook Islands – pretty close to parity
with the $A once fees are taken into consideration) before it was
time to board the plane. Boarding was at 8:15 - so much for having
plenty of time.
The 6 hour fight was
uneventful. We managed to get a little sleep and watched a little TV
(Movies were an extra $10 – thought sleep was more important than a
movie at any rate). Damian and Sarah and kids were in the row in
front of us and had a bassinet for Charlotte.
 |
| Sleepy time!!! |
