Return to the Apple Isle

We left our apartment at about 2.20p.m. on Sunday 8^th Dec.  A transfer taxi took us to J.F.K. Airport.  We flew with Qantas this time.  It seemed to take ages to get to check in, then through customs, and then through security – belts, coats, scarves, belts all off.  Everyone except small children and disabled had to stand in an x-ray shell, arms in the air.  This system seemed to be a lot quicker although you feel like you are taking part in a sci-fi movie.  It was good to have the time to then go and have a juice and a quiet sit. 

The plane started to board just after 6p.m..Unfortunately it was so cold that our plane to Los Angeles had to be de-iced before we could take off.  It meant that we were over 2 hours late leaving and then there was a very strong head wind so instead of our flight taking 6 hours we were on the plane for more than 9.  We were lucky that the connecting plane Los Angeles to Melbourne was held for our arrival, so we didn’t miss that connection.  Had to feel sorry for the people on the plane having their plans delayed as well.  So by the time we all got transferred to the next plane it was over an hour late. 

This next plane was newer so it a bit bigger and had a better TV, even a touch screen.   It was a strange feeling moving time forward - three hours between NY and LA and then eleven hours before we reached Melbourne.  We arrive at 11.45a.m. Tuesday 10th ?!?!  No wonder you don’t know if you are hungry and why you just want to fall asleep or maybe go for a walk. 

We said our goodbyes to Julee and Lindsay as they headed off to their home in Melbourne and we headed to the Domestic Terminal to wait for our next flight at 4.45p.m. took us home. 

Our son and one of our grandsons met us at Hobart Airport and took us home.  It was so nice to be back on The Apple Isle.

We had visited ten countries.  Travelled on and over sixteen bodies of water, and gone 10,060 nautical miles and flown 35,400kms.  What a fantastic trip and the best part is we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but exactly where we are – The Apple Isle.