The joy of a flight delay (part one)...

After checking out, I was left with the straight forward task of catching a bus to the airport. (A word about the bus service on Rarotonga: there are two buses, one that travels clockwise, whilst the other runs anti-clockwise, they both pick-up and drop-off at the same places, with the route taking approximately one hour to complete. So just stand at the side of the road and a bus will eventually turn up that can take you to the airport for few dollars!)

I had arrived at the airport earlier than I would normally but I was taking no chances after I'd missed my original flight to the Cook Islands! So I settled down on one of the benches in the quaint open air reception area to continue reading my book and listen to some music on my iPod. I was soon joined by some chickens!

It turned out that my overly cautious approach to time keeping was unnecessary as the plane that was meant to fly us to Los Angeles was delayed at Auckland due to a fault. As the afternoon turned into the evening, the Air New Zealand staff gave everyone waiting complimentary sandwiches, a hot drink and a bottle of water from the small food stand. It was soon time for us to move through to the departure area, however, some of us who hadn't drunk our complimentary bottles of water were not allowed to take them through with us. After some grumbling the staff brought through fresh unopened bottles of water. The very same bottles of water that we had had to put in the bin a few minutes earlier! What a total waste of money and resources this silly rule on liquids is!

When it was time to board the plane, we left to the same sound of the ukulele that had been playing when I had arrived. Consequently, I think that all airports should employ a jolly old soul to play instruments in departure lounges. So much better than dreary muzak!

Not long after takeoff the sunset outside was staggeringly beautiful: blue to the left going through to red and purple on the right, with total blackness above. I wish I had had my camera on me to take a photo and do it justice.

Despite my best efforts I'd soon fallen asleep but I would wake up in time for the descent into another new country: USA!