Traveling to New Zealand

7 AM EST. I woke up a bit too early, and ate my free breakfast at the holiday inn.  After that I repacked to see what I could get rid of to make my packs a bit lighter.

12 PM EST. My mom and Jack pick me up and we headed to the Ottawa airport.  I think we arrived around 1:30pm.  Nothing to exciting, I checked in, got my tickets to Toronto and Los Angeles.  My original layover was Chicago, but it was changed to Toronto.

The security check and wait to leave the airport was rather quick. 

4 PM EST. We left on time, and landed about 1 hour later in Toronto, with a 2 hour layover.

5:30 PM EST. Here is where the fun begins.  When I land, I find out I have to go through USA customs, and security.  I have never had to do this when commuting through the USA.  Normally we just cannot leave the international area of the airports.  However, it was quick and somewhat painless.  An odd setup though. 

Step 1, scan your passport on first computer,

Step 2, answer questions on computer 2,

Step 3, wait in line to talk to USA custom minion.  Who basically said, “You are going through USA to NZ!” “Yes”, “OK, good bye”. 

Step 4, security check number 2.

So I made it through USA customs, and now only waited 20 minutes to board the plane.  Without luck, someone left their carry on in the terminal.  Security stopped the plane and found the butt head that left it. They then empty all checked baggage from the plane until they found that persons bags and then rescanned them.  Little over an hour later, we were clear to leave.  I was a little worried I would not make my flight in Los Angeles because I also had to get a new plane ticket, which I had no idea where I was going to do this.

3 AM EST. Landed in Los Angeles.  The flight was just under 6 hours and wasn’t too bad.  I think I slept for a bit.

I couldn’t find Air Tahiti, so I asked one of the air port helpers and she tells me to left, go up to the second floor.  I go left and it only goes down and to the outside.  Luckily, I see another air port helper and I ask her.  She tells me I have to go outside and walk from terminal 2 to terminal b, and she also says.  Run, its a long walk.  Uhhhh.

Walk walk walk, I made it and I find air Tahiti counter. Got my ticket, and score me, I have to go through security, number 3.

Security was rather quick for the amount of people and I am at my gate.  They are already loading, so I take a look at my seat number and see the girl switch it when she printed my ticket.  I booked the second last row because it was empty, as of 10 hours ago.  I decided to ask if I can get my original seat back, and they tell me it is not available.  Dammit, this is a 9 hour flight.  The guy says he has a better seat anyways and he was right.  I got a row of 3 to myself. 

7 AM Tahiti December 1.  The 9 hour flight was good.  I slept a lot and watched some TV.  Air Tahiti was by far the besting hosting flight I have been on.  They severed dinner and then breakfast 2 hours before we landed.

Too my surprise I have to go through security again, number 4.  I am not a pro at taking off my shoes and belt, and butting them back on.

The terminal in Tahiti is amazing, check out the picture below.  It was mostly open with palm trees, comfy seating, live music and even a crab walking on the asphalt.   

Oh yea, and it was frigging HOT!!! 30 degrees.

9 AM Tahiti. We leave for Auckland and I even have the same 3 seats to myself.

1 AM Auckland.  5 hours later, I am Auckland and it is now just after noon the next day.  I am officially 18 hours ahead of my family.

Customs was really fast.  I thought in about 10 minutes.  My checked bag was one of the first off of the belt, and then I went through biohazard check.  This was again fast, maybe 15 minutes.

 I AM HERE!!! 30 Hours later.

Final move

The stress of moving is almost over.  All that remains is to remove any garbage, do a final clean and it's done.

If it wasn't for amazing parents and friends, I'd still be running in circles not really accomplishing anything.

Thank you mom for helping me box everything.  And a huge thank you to my dad and Kris little for helping me move everything into my storage unit.

5 days and counting.

Nz cash

Just picked up some NZ bills and the 5 has a penguin :)

Getting closer to being ready all the time.

Another great night visiting friends before I depart

Today I spent way to much time around Brockville trying to find a hikers backpack, when I decided to head up to Kingston.   With perfect timing Dave was just finished his interview with OMS the same time I got there.

After meeting up, we hit two stores and I quickly had a new backpack and shoes.  This means I actually have to pack.

We had missed lunch, so I knew it was time to feed the beast. and no better place to take Dave's Thai Food virginity than Pat's.  OMG - I miss eating there.  Amazing spice, with a perfectly cooked chicken.  So perfect, you can almost count down to heart burn, and your windows being rolled down in the car.

To top off an amazing day, we decided to grab some beers and a few bottles of cheap white wine. We also allowed Melissa to hang with the cool kids that night.

Oh yeah, thanks Ethan for showing me your back end and saying .  Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle.  Father like son.  Maybe when he is older he will wear clothes?

 

Goodbye to the Cadillac

Today one last major hurdle was complete.  I sold my 2007 Cadillac CTS to a very nice couple.  I hope they have very little, if no issues with in.

Best of Luck, and Thank You Linda.

Final day at work part deux

Yesterday was my last day at work and to my surprise, even Beth was nice.  However, she never brought me cake.  Lame excuse, I forgot.

The day started off pretty good, as I was excited to finish off a work order I opened the day before.  I don't know why, but I really wanted to leave on a high note.  Plus, I might need to beg for this job back in a year or so.

As I was deep in though and working very, very hard.  Miss Giggles, IE Boss called me into her office for my final review, and to no surprise she had nothing but good things to say, or of course all I heard was.  Rob, you are awesome, and gosh darn nit people like you.  Thanks Simone for the ego boost, we all know I truly needed.

Shortly after my morning ego boost, the DSU Team got together for lunch.  One of my favorite foods, Paradiso pizza.  MMMM grease, and meat, soon time for my regularly scheduled afternoon nap.  Just kidding!

Half way thorough scarfing down my pizza, the team gave me a nice card and close to a million Hersey Cookies and Cream Chocolate bars.  For the few that know the store about them, this is Beth trying to make me sick on my last day.  Either way, it was a pretty cool gift and also proves she does listen to my stories.

One last shout out to Roland my favorite baker.  After lunch he brought in Apple Crisp and Vanilla ice cream. The perfect way to my heart.

After a handful of goodbyes and safe travels from everyone, I will miss you all and hope to one day see you all again.

Thanks for the great memories.

Final day at CCAC

It's been 3 weeks since I handed in my notice.  All will be missed, some more than others (Beth). 



When I woke up this morning, I realized I have a very hard decision to make.  Do I go into work and work hard, or do I annoy everyone as much as possible.


Stay tuned to find out!