In LA, we were lucky enough to get to stay on the same terminal so we didn't have to go through security again. Unfortunately, we got in at 6:10 and our next flight didn't leave until 11:45. It was quite the lay over; but if I would have made arrangements any other way, there would have been some freak accident and we miss our flight. I had a gift card from a student and we used that at Chili's. 3 beers, 1 appetizer, a cocktail, and a puddle of water of the bench from my cheap water bottle later, our waiter still hadn't brought us a check. Very annoying. After, we we checked out the entire terminal, 10 minutes if you looked in each store. Then we went to On the Boarder for more drinks. $60 later, Brice finally had the edge off. We walked the terminal, tried to find free wifi (none with a good signal I might add). And got ready for the big plane. I was so tired for the lognest time and then the plan got there, and I was energized. By the way, LAX is one of the dirtiest airports I have ever been in. Those bathrooms are gross, but I kept going because I didn't want to go on the plan that much. LAX is a dirty whore... that's how I really feel about it!
Back to the timeline:
Got on board. We had seats right by the bathroom so I didn't have to go far. Then, no one sat next to me. Which means a whole lot more room to sleep and be comfortable. They fed us like crazy ( I am now feeling very fluffy from the flight) I watched "How to train your dragon" it was so stinking cute! Brice covered his head, put on night shade and went to sleep. I took an ambien layered on the clothes and slept. It was great, but there is only so much rest you get on a plane. Ate more, watched part of a movie and we were here. Pretty fast flight for 13 hours! Auckland airport was easy, although we learned beef jerky has rules at customs: only US Beef, and if it isn' t, it can't be opened. Found our shuttle and went through the bumps and turns to get to our hotel. I have this thing with flying and vertigo... they go hand in hand. I landed and the world feels in motion, all the time. Oh, my fabulous water bottle spilled all over my lap in the shuttle, so I looked like I wet myself. That was fun.
The man at the front desk was a little reluctant to let us check in but I gave him a little sad story and we were good. How nice of him to let us get it early. I changed and went to the hotel gym for a little sweating after the booze, bread, and general crap I ate while sitting stationary. It felt good, even though everything is still moving when I'm not. Showered, and that felt good but I almost fell over from the spinning thing. We got ready and headed out to find A1 sushi. My Lonely Planet book said they had all you can eat for $13 and a little train that passed with sushi on it. No luck there but it was a cool lunch. I was stuffed, and a little less dizzy and Brice wanted more. He is on this gastronomical travel plan. I chalk this up to a lot of Anthony Bourdane in the last few weeks. We went half a block down to Sumo Sushi and it was like fast food sushi. It was all in boxes ready to eat. He got more sashimi and the lady took our picture. I love that. After I forced him into a couple stores and now its nap time... for him. I'm blogging ;) Later we are headed to the Minus 5 bar. Everything is made of ice and well... -5 celcius. I have waited 5 years to go there... didn't get to the first time around. Its going to be great. Planning on going to the casino as well. Maybe we can win a few kiwi dollars. And now... I'm napping to get rid of the spins :) Pictures are on facebook :)Facebook Album <- click the word Facebook to see pictures.
