Homeward Bound

Going home today YIHA!  I've really enjoyed being in the land of the Aborigine and Kangaroos but over living in an apartment, eating out and trying to find a new place to try everyday, and not seeing the whanau.

Got to the airport and it was a "MADHOUSE'.  Funny how the weather caves in and everyone hits the panic button.  Got to the airport early with the idea of checking in so that I could miss the back-log and spend more time in Duty Free to buy the last of the gifts and BANG . . . got there and the line was just about out the door - just for the Air New Zealand flight too.  The others were just as busy but I wasn't too worried about them.  Took me an hour to check in.  Man it's amazing how many people get to the airport and aren't prepared for checking-in but instead of letting others go in front while they sort themselves out, no, they stand at the counter and sort out their luggage (so they don't have to pay extra) or get this . . . look for their passport.  How bad is that!

Anyway, got through customs fine as - just about forgot to get out the talking sticks from one of the other bags so needed to do that so when I get home I don't do what I just complained about.  This lady was carrying two bottles of really expensive Port that she had bought too and this guy in customs had great joy in not only taking them from her but then throwing them into the red bin in front of her.  She shouldn't have lost her nut so much and then it may not have been such a big deal.  Not sure what she was on - there were signs all over the place telling everyone to take out the liquids etc out of their bags before moving through to customs and they still don't.  She lost her cool a bit but the oh well that's life.

Now just sitting waiting for the boarding call for our flight home.

Got into Auckland sweet as.  The trip home seemed a lot faster then when we went over but that could be because most of us on the flight were pleased to be coming home.  Got through customs fine.  Everything is always so more relaxed when you get through that part of any travel. 

Home sweet home!  Got home and was greeted at the airport by the kids.  Had some dinner together and then gave them their presents.  Everyone loved their gifts so that was good.  Now time to relax and prepare for the Christmas break.  One more week of work YES