Auckland International Airport

“Paging Air New Zealand passenger Mr. Burdell aboard Flight 11.  Please report to gate 5 immediately.  Your plane is ready to depart, and all passengers are waiting for you.â€�

Apparently they don’t mince words in New Zealand.  We had a few hours of layover in Auckland after an incredibly long – but surprisingly comfortable – flight from Los Angeles to New Zealand, and during that layover, we must have heard such an announcement four or five times.

Our flight was but a third full, meaning that every man, woman, and child had a row to him or herself.  Each of us was able to grab more than a few hours of sleep and enjoy a personal selection of dozens upon dozens of movies, TV shows, and that cool flight information system to show you where you are, where you are going, and what you pass en route (water, water everywhere... but not a drop to drink). 

We’ll soon board another 747-400 to fly a mere four hours this time… to Brisbane, Australia, where our journey will begin in earnest.