And like magic, it's all over

The photo in the last post was the view of the runway at Cleveland airport. I was a little disbelieving that we could take off on that, but we did. As a bonus, we made it to Texas, but not quite as planned.

We sat on the runway for a very long time (damn lake effect, or was it Nigel I can't remember). This had us taking off a little later than planned. This started to cause me concern when I did the maths and had us landing 25 min before my connection to LAX.

I was willing the plane to land and I swear it was the longest taxi to the terminal ever. The stewardess called the connecting flight gate numbers so, in conjunction with the airport map in the back of the American Airlines in flight magazine, I had a plan to get to the next plane.

Little did I know, Fort Worth airport is a series of five semi circles connected by a monorail. I made my way to C terminal and gate 16. I found the monorail terminal and headed to terminal C from terminal B. This of course took me though terminal D???

So I arrived at the gate at what I thought was enough time to get on, and was elated to see people lined up, getting on. I did a final cross check of the flight number with mine and, oh dear, it was not the same (but very close). I checked out the departures board and could not see another option. I approached an American Airlines desk for some help and they directed me to the LA flight which was boarding but had a different number. Bringing the differences in the flight numbers to their attention, I was directed to C31. Same terminal so I had a chance.

Off I sprinted, vitamins shaking to the beat in my backpack. I get to 31 and it was deserted. I checked the board at the gate and it was scheduled to leave at 7.30 and it was 7.15 . . . in the Eastern time zone. I was now on central time so had an hour to spare. Crisis averted, stand down from red alert. This left me time for a bite to eat and some device charging (iPod and BB).

I boarded (on time – woo woo) and was seated in the exit row (it was not the last flight as I had expected). I was seated next to two girls from Michigan, both 18 and both have never been on a commercial flight before. They had not even been in a taxi before. They were also going on my flight to Brisbane, but then continuing to Townsville.

They were up for a chat which suited me fine. I was still feeling the effects of being without conversation for the three weeks of my trip. I spent a lot of time talking about the differences between Australia and America, especially the words. It is easier for an Australian to go to the US and translate as we are exposed to a lot of American TV. It is not true in the reverse- they would have no idea what a jumper was (sweater).

The three of us ended up hanging out together in LAX and I walked them through what was going to happen when we landed in Australia, including the customs cards, the lines, and scanning of bags.

The flight home was a dream. It was 14 hours but I was falling asleep after 10 minutes. Dinner was being served and this was the final meal for 10 hours so I stayed up for that but then promptly took some Advil PM which induce mild drowsiness and slept for about 5 hours.

I woke up at about 3am Australian time, and we were landing at 7.45am. I watched Julie and Julia (was a good movie) and then a few episodes of Top Gear before breakfast and then landing. It was the best international flight I have ever taken.

I met the girls at the end of the aerobridge to walk them through customs. While they were lining up, I went to duty free for some Gin. I then proceeded to the E- Passort line and basically skipped the line of 200. It was great, you scan your passport and then a camera analyses your face. I was through the first line of customs in about 3 minutes.

I got my bags and out of customs in about 20 minutes- was not too bad. I exited and was greeted by my name on an A4 board from Business Class Transfers. I followed him to the car and realised I was walking on the right hand side of the pathway to the car. Oh dear, I have picked up some bad habits. I really was not ready for the heat (29 C or 90 F) - I had on two t-shirts, a jumper, jeans and cowboy boots (I swore they were never coming off but I am going to amend that to never coming off in winter).

I was a little shocked to realise that driving home, I felt a little out of place being on the left hand side of the road. It was really interesting to realise that only three months in the US can so easily over overwrite 29 years of learning.

I was dropped off at Caroline’s so I could get my motorbike, house keys and give her the US chocolate delights I picked up before I left ($11 of chocolates from Walmart would be $50 here). She dropped my bags home as I followed on the bike (careful to stick to the left, although I was being pulled to the right).

I have been home for a day and a half. It has been great to be in my apartment and also my car. Knowing I had a comfortable bed before I actually tried it was a relief. I relearned how to use my shower (and also remembered, a little late, to turn the hot water back on). I have also visited the supermarket to stock up again -$210 later. Apparently I have brought home an American appetite. Not really, only $70 of that had sales tax applied so the other $140 was fresh food – which I am craving after being on the road for three weeks.

I have smiled at the sight of the money (the $10 in blue!!!) and the walk signals at the pedestrian crossings. I’m now sitting on my balcony, enjoying a glass of gin, and composing my final post while reacquainting myself with the spectacular view (pictured above).

I have had a truly amazing experience. Without question, the people I have met had made it what it is (you know who you are). The sights and American experience was much, much richer than I ever expected it would be. I am really happy that I was able to share it with you all as well and thanks for the comments – it was always great to wake up in the morning and have a few emails from blogger with your words.

P.S. Luis, I picked up a bottle of Rum duty free so please come and visit any time. Anyone else who wants to come on over, I am willing to pick up any spirit or beer you need.