I've been writing the blog as I travel, but I now have internet access so I can post. I'm not sure how much of the snafu with the plane ticket got posted here, but to summarize, I spent a total of 8.5 hours on hold with Orbitz (which only plays Pachelbel's Canon) for hold music) because my trip had suddenly gone from PNS to CHC via Memphis, LA, and Brisbane to PNS to LAX by way of Memphis, LA, and Brisbane. Huh? yeah, that's what I said. Anyway, It was all straightened out by Supervisor Danny.
So I finally got things straightened out with Orbitz and went to the Pensacola airport Monday afternoon. I was in line foe a while waiting to check in. When I got to the counter, the agent informed me that I needed a visa to enter Australia. What? My original flight's layover in Brisbane was only two and a half hours, so no visa was required. When the new flight gave me a 12 hour layover, that triggered the requirement (more than 8 hours).
He had me call V Australia and the very helpful agent talked me through the process of applying online. I had my laptop with me and thankfully PNS had free wi-fi. Once I had the confirmation number, the agent at the counter finished checking me and my bags in. I had just enough time to make my flight.
I made it to Memphis and LA without any issues. I got on the flight to Brisbane with no issues. The flight was great, and I think V Australia is a great airline. Their inflight entertainment had around 35 movies in it as well as many TV shows, CDs, and games. I watched The Social Network and Unstoppable. I also knit. I think my gauge is off on the gloves, so I've set them aside for now.
When we landed in Brisbane I proceeded to immigration. I asked about whether I'd be able to get out of the airport for the day and was told that I could. I didn't have to pull my bags off the carousel as they were checked all the way to Christchurch. I just had to go through with my carryons. No problem.
After customs I headed out into the day. I purchased a train ticket to get downtown and also rented a locker for my bag. I got on the train and went to South Brisbane. I walked along the riverwalk and stopped and had lunch at a cafe. There were several sections still closed off due to flood damage, but it was a beautiful walk. Then I went to the museum to see the dinosaur exhibit that was advertised in the train brochure. That didn't happen because the exhibit was in the museum basement and suffered damage in the floods. I did walk around for a while and looked at some of the other exhibits.
Then I got back on the train and went back to the City Center. I walked to the Queen Street mall and found a Starbucks. The wi-fi wasn't free, but it was reasonably priced ($3/hr). Unfortunately my battery was low, so I only got about 15 minutes. Supposedly I have a credit and if we find ourselves somewhere with that kind of hotspot I'll try it again. I had a nice conversation with two gentlemen that were in there. Then I left and headed to the Botanical Gardens. What a beautiful place! The smells were great, it was green, and it was neat to see tall city buildings poking up behind the trees. After I walked around it, I found a place to sit for a while and just watch. I saw dozens of joggers and cyclists. I wanted to grab my stuff and run. The weather was gorgeous.
Following that I meandered back to the train and back to the airport. I retrieved my baggage and headed to the terminal. Security and customs were smooth. Our flight was delayed an hour, but that wasn't bad. It was an uneventful flight, though a little bumpy at the end. We landed and went through immigration. Then I went to retrieve my bags and go through customs. Great idea, only ... my bags weren't there! Great. Everything was in those bags. Everything for me and for Bill. I have toiletries, a change of clothes, and some running gear, but no jacket, no additional clothing, no nothing. I am going to think positively. They will be found and they will be delivered to me in Dunedin. The B&B has laundry, so if I need to, I can wash these clothes. They need a wash anyway. I can buy anything else I need I'm sure.
The airport here has 30 free minutes of wi-fi. Unfortunately the system kicked me off after about 10 minutes. Now I can't login again for another hour or so. At that point I want to be in my gate getting ready to board my last outbound flight.
So now I'm in debate whether I should get some coffee and stay awake or sleep on the plane. I got hardly any sleep last night. I'm afraid that I'll want to sleep when I get there and that will throw off my system. I have no idea when Bill is showing up. I haven't gotten an email with his itinerary. I'm sure it is coming, I just hope I have internet access to get it.
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