Let the Adventure Begin - Departure Day

We are finally off on another flashpacking trip we have been contemplating and planning for months. That said, there is still a lot of it unplanned and being left to flex while on the road. Our one-way flights to London are booked, but we have no return options yet. That's a scary thought for two people who are not the spontaneous types. However, we know full well what we are doing and will play things by ear as we go. It will be great!

 "All my bags are packed

Ready to go

I'm standin' here outside your door

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye

But the dawn is breakin'

It's early morn..."

"...Hold me like you'll never let me go

'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again..."

Credit to John Denver for that classic—always worth a listen. It's true we don't know exactly when we’ll be back again, but as Arnold would say, "I'll be back!"

Check-in at Nelson Airport goes well—much better than the online option last night that said we didn't have security clearance to transit through the States. (gulp) That put the stress levels up unnecessarily. No such issue at the airport—we are checked all the way to London via Auckland and San Francisco. Approximately 24 hours of flight time, plus some waiting-around time. (yawn) Wish us luck! 🤞

First stop: Auckland Airport. Six hours of boredom, but not as bad as the time I made us wait here for 12 hours on the way to China.😂 Somehow, I survived divorce that day. We opted for McDonald's for a late lunch/early dinner. It was as disappointing as usual—something we only eat in airports. Hopefully, the meal on the plane is tastier. Time now for some reading and plane spotting.