Day 1 Evening

2 April 2010

A very unfortunate circumstance of the recent times is that all overseas vacation has to involve being in an airport. Unless, of course you are one of those who own their own private jet and have their own hangar, you will have to be subjected to the perils of commercial airplanes.

I consider myself an occasional flyer, and even so, I wish I do not have to fly as often as I do (which is not very often). I don't have problems flying, I just dislike long waiting times, queues, sterile airport conditions, baggage scans and cramped economy class.

Melbourne International Airport

Day 1 of vacation is quite un-happening. Our plans only include touring around the South Island of New Zealand. The journey inevitably begins with the boarding of a Jetstar plane. We were supposed to land in Christchurch 4 hours later, at 1200 hours NZ time. We did not.

We ended up in Wellington airport, all the way in the North island due to bad weather conditions and low visibility caused by the fog. Pilot has attempted 2 unsuccesful landings. It was then 0100 hours and we were quite tired.

Had a bit of delay in the immigration department as our arrival was unexpected and D had to share the same name as one of NZ's wanted fugitives. Thankfully, he was cleared and released 15 minutes later.

It was 3 hours later before they finally allocated a room for most of the passengers, including us, to spend the night. Apparently our plane was not the only one that was 'stranded'.

some had to resort to sleeping in airport

We had a measly 3 hours' sleep, then went to board the 0940 plane. Was told to unboard plane at 1030. Legal problems. Christchurch continues to evade us. ~ groans ~

Finally get to board the plane again at 1500. It was not unlike a bad deja vu.

Wellington Airport

It was of great relief when the plane finally did leave Wellington soil. It was of even greater relief when we felt the plane bumped to its landing on Christchurch Airport. The passengers were ecstatic and we broke into a cheerful (or rather, grateful) applause. Most of the Kiwis retained their sense of humour even after loosing a full day off their schedule.

Take off!

Christchurch - the garden city

Hello and welcome to our vacation!