Thursday 23 February 2012

Day 174 - AKL-LAX flight

It's good to be going home, right? I'm a whirlwind of emotion, my eyes keep welling up for no particular reason. Memories of those I've met. Frisbee and cards, the staples for passing time outdoors and in. NZ has eclipsed almost every other country - the regency effect? Or because of all the people I met there?

I'm looking forward to a photo review, stir up some of the older moments, just as wonderful - the Trans-Siberian, Dom's cheeky cheery grin. The majestic Angkor Wat. Motorbiking through Vietnamese highlands with Seb and Nicci. Tubing in Laos with Jay, Diana, Tori and Team Denmark. Meeting Debbie anew in Bangkok. Pub crawling with the 4bg in Melbourne. Camping at Sandbar with Helen and Cathal and all the friendly families. Sleeping under the stars at Uluru - Dan, Erica, Lisa and Marco.

The first - Adrian. Oksana. Brigitte, Hollie, Kim. Lucas and Regine. Team Scotland. Bobby. Tess and Jess. The Dutch Brummie. Scott and Ali. Louise and Lachrissa. Lee. Kelly and Jake. Andy. Emerald, who left such and impression. Jeany. Tour guide Andy.

Reasons to visit places. These people. They are the reasons to go elsewhere. To visit their hometowns. To visit new places, to meet the people who call there home. Travel, and to be travelled. Broaden your own horizons, and help broaden others'.

To bring the world home. To bring your home to the world. To make all the world your home.

***

I've been on the plane a little less than five hours. We are flying into the night, so my body is already confused. My watch says 7.45pm, so it's 6.45am at home, but what time is it in LA? Have we crossed the international date line? I should've taken note of the arrival time... 6.35am in LAX. Then 10hrs of staying awake, then straight to sleep on the plane, get myself in sync... I hope.

***

(LAX) Jumping three time zones is a fun way to trip out. 28 hours of being awake.

Get page, woo! I'm special! They double check my documents.

Not sure what it is, or what time I'm landing. Think I may have told my parents the wrong time. Why did I think 3.30? 24hr clock must've confused me. No delays so far at least.

***

I'm not even sure how much I've slept. Which zone is my watch one? When did we leave? I've flown into two mornings now.

***

(London) A copy of the Irish Times! Joy! I read it cover to cover, finish the Simplex, and actually squeal with delight at the familiar sight of the television listings for RTE.

I'm beaming uncontrollably as I walk down to board my final flight.

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