Day 1

We left home and it all started with a small Miracle.  Our daughter’s dog had 9 French Bulldog Puppies.  The morning, we were leaving there just happened to be a Dog washer next door.  I asked her if she wanted to see our puppies’ Our other daughter’s dog also had 5 Pomeranian puppies.  So, at that stage, we still had a few to sell.  The lady came in and fell in love with one and so she bought one.  Says Rigo and her Great Dane Samson our now best friends

Got an Uber to Airport seamless check-in process, flight and so happy for our daughter.

Day 2

I had hurt my back the previous week helping to get of our old Dishwasher and wasn’t looking forward to the long flights. 3 Hours to Auckland and then 15.5 to New York.  Lots of occasional twinges.  Lots of Deep Heat and Voltaren applied.  The Uber driver didn’t even get out of his car to help us with bags even though I had said I hurt my back.

We walked from the Sydney Domestic terminal to the Hotel and again another small blessing two free drink Vouchers and was Happy hour on food so half price.  Had a great pie for $4.  Viv then conned me into walking to another hotel to get her a Gluten Free Meal. Great nights sleep and I felt way better in extra time even though Viv prefers more risk. 

I had previously tried to check in online, but it said I need to see a Qantas person.  But thought well since I am at the Airport, I will try machines again.  Same story.  I saw a few people with their hands up waiting for a staff member and two service booths with people waiting.  It looked like a wait so I just went and lined up at the booth.  It seemed that many people were having issues and after about 30 minutes we got seen.  Seems like as I made two separate bookings for the flights it didn’t like that.

Next Drama.  I see all the bag drop machines and head to one.  I scan the Boarding pass and nope doesn’t work.  So happy see a Qantas lady and she said USA Bag drops are around the back.  On the way there they have a tiny sign that says USA bag drop.  A screen message would have made it so much easier.  Anyway, seems you must still give them to a real person.  LOL.

When we were going through security all of a sudden, a Qantas Flight Attendant pushes in and starts putting all these people stuff in front of ours.  I recognized Penny Wong (Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister) and she was traveling with a bit of an entourage. I asked her if she was off to see our PM Albo in Delaware.  But she said no off to New York to present at the UN General Assembly.  First clue why we were going to New York.  Nothing is ever a coincidence for us.   I also see a Kiwi All Black Player and so congratulate them on their win. They won the Bledisloe Cup again this year.

Trip to Auckland was easy only 3 hours with a 2-hour layover in Auckland.  Then it was all on board again.  I put on a heat patch on my back and apart from the seat being a little uncomfortable the attendants were very lovely and helpful. Food tasted better than it looked.

After landing in JFK we got through Immigration very quickly and at the Baggage carousel My bag was 2^nd off and Viv’s 4^th.  What a blessing.  I checked the Uber fare to the Accom, and it was going to be about $170 I said let’s take the Public Transport.  This led to another small special meeting.  We bought a ticket for the Air train and subway. First part was smooth Air train.  Got off to walk to Subway and Wha laa escalators not working.  I just went down and lost Viv.   She said she was going to take lift.  I waited and waited no Viv.  Went back up the Escalator no Viv at lift but people were getting in.  So walk back down Escalator with bag again.  Lift opens and Viv pops out.  Said she had to wait ages for Lift.

We get to subway station and meet a nice couple who ask where we are going.  I was going to get off at the World Trade Centre ad then get an Uber.  They suggested Washington Square with a big Arch.  Yep, it was another clue for Viv so we followed their instructions.   

Found the George Washington Arch and then we got out Uber.  Was supposed to be about $66 US we got stuck in Traffic jam.  Ended up over $90.  LOL.  Got to our Accommodation about 8: 30 PM and caught up with our Travel Partners Debbie and Rich.  It was a long day.