The only problem with being upgraded so late, is we don’t get to lose the lounge. In the process of trying to change our flights, I’d managed to lose my Go Pro. I retraced all my steps, asked around, but it was gone. Bugger. Thankfully we had most of the footage copied off up until a couple of days ago, but still, it’s an expensive camera. While we waited for our flight Mike filled in a lost form for the airport.

And then it was time to board the plane, excited about our business class seats. As soon as we got on board if felt like being home. It may sound crazy but after so long away, hearing the familiar accents was somehow comforting. In all of our travels, we hadn’t met any kiwis or aussies.

We climbed on board, ony to find our seats couldn’t have been further apart. Mike was at the back of the cabin and I was at the front on the other side. But the great thing about Air New Zealand is, we can eat together. The pouffe doubles as a seat and the table is way big enough for two. So I joined Mike for dinner while they made up by bed, ready to dive into after dinner. (It was a late flight, 10.10pm)

There was bad turbulence as we climbed out of LAX. The pilot did warn us, as apparently all the other pilots had warned them. It was bad, but I think I’ve had worse. And it only lasted about ten minutes.

Then it was time for dinner! I hiked over to Mikes seat, and tried to get the seat belt out for the spare seat. But it was stuck solid. I didn’t want to sit here without a seat belt. If that turbulence decided to fire up again, it might have been scary. Thankfully the flight attendant, who was also a hard case, came to the rescue.

He tried to lift the seatbelt, but he failed too. Next thing, he’s kicked off the edge of the seat with force. It looked like he’d broken it. But he clearly knew what he was doing. He extracted the seatbelt, and I was able to sit and enjoy a yummy meal.

We both chose the same thing (there is a menu) and we had the smoked salmon for starters, and the lamb for main, and it was delicious. There was cheesecake for desert, but it was average. So I let Mike eat mine and I scurried back to my seat for sleep. Mike followed me as he wanted the toilet. The same flight attendant that fixed my seat thought he were heading for the same toilet, and said in a firm voice: “Only one at at time in the toilet please.” It was funny.

I woke up about 5 hours later, pleased to see there was only a couple hours to go! I joined Mike for breakfast. Mike made a huge mistake (probably because I wasn’t there to help him). He didn’t order a cooked breakfast, only opting for the continental. I, on the other hand, am more savvy. Always order the cooked breakfast, and you don’t have to eat it. 

Our continental came out first. A lovely fruit salad, followed by granola and a mango smoothie. Then my cooked breakfast. It was an open bagel with smoked salmon, hollondaise and two poached eggs. I was going to share with Mike, but it was so delicious, I scoffed the lot!

Mike was jealous, so thankfully he was able to order his own.

Anyway, a very nice flight, always a treat to be upgraded. We arrived at Auckland airport, were through security and biosecurity in exactly 18 minutes, grabbed some coffees and met sister Jenny at the pick up point. Thankfully it was school holidays and there was no traffic! It was nice to be home after the stress of the last few days. Just hope there’s no tarantulas hiding in our bags!