Jon and I went down for breakfast this morning, Heather couldn't be bothered and then up to finish packing. We had to check out of the hotel at 12.00 and as we wanted to go to Venice Beach we thought we ought to pack and leave our cases in reception then go out. It needed a little planning as we needed to leave travelling clothes at the top of a case ready to change.
We went to get the Big Blue bus as it is called and go to Venice. The travel leaflet said it was a mile but the bus took ages. We walked around Venice looking for a place to get Heather something to eat as she was now feeling hungry. Of course, we couldn't find any place she liked!!!
She agreed with us that Venice Beach is scruffy and very hippy and she said she had never smelt so much 'pot'. She had to tell me when to sniff as I had no idea what it smelt like but I do now!!! It is a little like Ibiza in so much as it has lots of arty shops and craft stalls and lots of hippy looking people. I wouldn't like to walk around there at night. We had looked for a hotel there but wee so glad we didn't find one.
We walked along the promenade back to Santa Monica which was much further than a mile - maybe American miles are longer??? It took us about 50 minutes and Heather still hadn't eaten anything!!!
Finally got back to SM and went to a place on the pier for lunch and it was pretty grim but at least Heather was now fed - that will teach her not to have breakfast!
We then had a boring wait at the hotel followed by a couple of walks out and about, one to get a cup of tea and a look around the shops but as we had no space we couldn't buy anything so not much fun.
Our hotel is apparently famous in Santa Monica and is used for films the most famous one with Arnold 'I'll be back' Schwarzenegger and Danny De Vito called - The Twins. I didn't see it but Jon knows the one.
We went across to the beach and watched a beautiful sunset and then waited some more until our taxi came to take us to the airport which took about half an hour.
We checked in with no problem and I was glad to see the cases being taken away and only be left with ONE small bag.
As Jon is a member of the Koru Club we went up to the Air New Zealand Lounge but as he is only supposed to take one guest in and they were full due to a flight delay we were told we couldn't go in and to come back in half an hour when the delayed flight was due to be called and they would have more room. so we had to go down and wait in the departure lounge.
When we went back we were allowed in and he didn't take any of Jon's guest tickets which was very kind of him. We got something to eat and a drink and waited for our flight which wasn't too long.
It was one of Air NZ new 777 planes and all shiny and new and after having everything explained to us about the seat and TV screens we settled down with our feet on a comfy beanbag and had a really good flight. We liked the new seats but felt they didn't go back as far as the old premium economy seats but the beanbag idea is good and having your own pod is nice especially if you are travelling alone.
There was an American woman on the plane who was very very drunk and at one point fell over in the galley. she was asking for more wine and was told no and she fell over on the way back to her seat. she also put her pillow on the floor and tried to go to sleep but was told to get back into her seat. She woke us all up when we had managed to get to sleep shouting that she couldn't feel her arm. I am sure she must have had a terrible head when she got to Auckland!!! Silly woman!!!
Sunday didn't happen as we arrived in Auckland and it was Monday!!! I ran out ahead of Heather to take her photo arriving in NZ!!!
We just had to nip around the corner and check our luggage in for our little flight to Tauranga. When they saw we had so much they asked us to choose which bags we really needed as they did not know if they would all fit on the plane as it was only one of the little ones. Just as well I was organised and knew which ones had the dirty washing in!!
We then walked across to the domestic departures and into the lounge to wait for the next plane. We had some very nice scrambled eggs and toast with a nice cup of Kiwi coffee. I just really want to be back in Tauranga now, I have had enough!!!
A nice little flight which wasn't full so we could spread out with our bags and duty free and coats etc. I don't know how we managed to accumulate so much stuff on our way. No bumps and a smooth landing in Tauranga which was very humid.
Mike picked us up in a Ute as he knew we had a lot of luggage and even then we only just managed!
Lovely to be back and got stuck into unpacking and sorting out dirty washing. I like to get it done as soon as we get back from any trip but Heather is not quite so keen.
We then went to the supermarket to do some shopping and then onto the kennels to pick up Totty. They told us she had been fine, she looked a little thinner and was very happy to see us. She had been asserting her authority over the other dogs the last week and when they went to sit in her spot she went and sorted them out so the owner told me.
We had dinner but it is such a long time ago now I can't remember what I cooked.
We watched American Idol and it was very hard to stay awake and so I had a little sleep and then we all went to bed.
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