We are here!
Trip Start
Mar 14, 2008
1
3
23
Trip End
Apr 28, 2008
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Las Vegas,
Nevada,
United States
Saturday, March 29, 2008
We are here. Wow, what a journey. The trip went well, for me relatively quick. The departure was tough on everyone. Tears flowed as loved ones said goodbye. Kids were left feeling numb as mums and dads headed through the doors. Tears of sadness rather than tears of joy. "I can;t believe we are doing this" I said to Narelle as we headed up to the immigration line with tears welled up in our eyes. We had to just leave, we realized we couldn't drag out the goodbyes as it just got sadder. But we were off. Our adventure had begun. Through immigration without a hassle, processed by a very friendly immigration officer.
Narelle went straight for duty free and the rest of us headed up to the gate. We didn't have much time to spare as the plane was being boarded. Wonder what the plane will be like? Nice and new, maybe some TV screens on the backs of seats? We are we all sitting? Not all together, but nearby.
The Sydney leg goes quick, no hassles and plenty of room in good seats. But things wouldn't always be like this.
A quick stopover in Sydney, Luce and I spend a couple of minutes chatting about what's ahead. Wonder what the host families will be like?
Back in the plane again. Now where are we sitting. Shock horror, Luce, Rhonda and Peter in Economy Plus, while Narelle and I in the second back row, shoved in like cows on the way to market. Cozy and intimate with a poor view of a 1980's movie screen and projector. Looks like conversation was going to be the best entertainment for us up the back.
Tim on The Strip (New York, New York)
I sat next to a talkative US Marine listening to stories from Iraq and actually heard of some positive things that are coming out of that war-torn region.Time went by relatively quick. Some reading, some talking, toileting, Narelle climbing over her neighbor like a nimble gazelle leaping a fallen tree. Some sleeping pills to aid the relaxation, did they work, maybe a bit. About 2 or 3 hours sleep for me. Narelle tried sleeping on the floor up the back but was soon moved along like a vagrant being moved from sleeping on Flinders Street steps.
Me, I was still steaming about receiving a new MP3 player 2 days before departure, but not being able to connect it to my computer at home to load music. Every time I closed my eyes I saw my new MP3 player sitting at home, unable to be used on the trip. One of my saving graces, music, was reduced to my old MP3 which has battery life of about 1 hour or so.
But we made it. LA. A couple of hours to kill. Luggage just dumped in a pile hoping it would be transferred to Las Vegas. Through customs, some McDonald's and onto the next plane. Ready to meet our welcome party at Vegas. A short flight over the desert and there was Sin City. Appearing in the desert like a freshly born pimple on the side of a teenagers cheek. But captivating and full of fascination.
We were greeted by the local Rotarians, including District Governor Charlie Barr and GSE coordinator Pamela Hayes and others. They had a large sign which we couldn't miss. Some quick hello's and a couple of group photos. All very friendly and excited to get to know us.
Luggage collected, except for Rhonda's, left in LA. But soon to arrive.
Now at the hotel, very tired. I just had a swim to freshen up, and will head out a bit later to check out the Strip.
Long trip, but we are here.
Hooray.
Signing off, from Tim and the Team. More info may follow.
