Feb.3 2010

Leaving was harder than it's ever been. I haven't cried that much in public probably ever! 

1st flight to Denver: 2 hours 35 minutes

The guy beside me was really friendly. He showed me pictures of his grand kids and together, we entertained the 5 year old in the seat in front of us. I read a lot: Bill Bryson's In a Sunburned Country, and we were there. 

At the airport I transferred my bags, went through customs and got immediately on my flight to LA. No time to spare, and I was getting HUNGRY!

2nd flight to Los Angeles: 2 hours

I get stuck in the middle of three seats. The man to my right is.. already asleep?? And I chat with the man to my left for the first half hour. Same old: where you from and where you going. I start to feel sick because I'm so hungry, but who buys a mini can of Pringles for 8$!!!

I turn my attention to an episode of 30 Rock.

3rd flight to Sydney: 14 hours 50 minutes

I am in the middle seat of three.. AGAIN. And this time it's for the long haul. I had time to pick up some food in the airport and we'll be fed supper soon. The man to my right is a retired principal from Fort Saint John's (and originally England) named Bob. The woman to my left sleeps almost the whole way but I find out later she is studying Marine Biology, on her way to Townsville. 

4th flight to Melbourne: 1 hour 15 minutes

Bob and I change gates, head through security (I get randomly selected for a pat down in a small cubicle) and hop on a plane that might as well have been the very same one we just came from only with fewer people. 

Upon arrival in Melbourne it is cloudy and 18 degrees but I am JUMPING! It's hard to think I just left the harshest part of winter back home. 

I drop my things at the International House at the University of Melbourne and head right back out. Time for lunch. 

By 7:00 I am zonked and head to bed.