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Monday, March 5, 2000:  Home

Our last day in New Zealand, we enjoyed a late breakfast prepared by Gordon this morning.  We lingered at the table as Gordon asked Doug about places to see in the Bay Area and wine country and the East Coast.  Gordon and Isabel were planning a trip to California in August.  We insisted they look us up when they’re in town.

After packing and taking photos, we waited for our airport shuttle to arrive around 11:30 am; then flew from Queenstown to Auckland.

Auckland to Los Angeles:  Our flight was delayed by an hour and 45 minutes, due to a brake failure.  While our plane waited on the tarmac for the go ahead, I watched The Bachelor (Chris O’Donnell) before our plane’s taking off approximately 7:30 pm.  At take off, I watched Tarzan (Brendan Fraser); and then Double Jeopardy (Ashley Judd).  I fell asleep about half way into the flight.

Due to the delay, we arrived in Los Angeles approximately 11:10 am, missing our 11:05 am connection to San Francisco.  We still had to go through immigration, claim our bags, go through agriculture/customs.  We stood in line about an hour for a connecting flight re-assignment.  After which we then proceeded to recheck our bags.  It’s the having to claim and recheck my bags and go back through security that I don’t like returning via LAX.

We proceeded upstairs to the United Airlines desk to check-in only to discover that the newly assigned flight was cancelled.  When I asked how could that be, I was informed that due to the rain in San Francisco, every other flight had been cancelled or delayed.  United Airlines confirmed us on their 8 pm flight, and put us on priority standby for their 2:15 pm flight.  We reported to the gate for their 2:15 pm standby.  Shortly thereafter, we were confirmed on their 2:15/2:30 pm flight.

Upon arriving at San Francisco, we claimed our baggage and taxied back to Berkeley.

Dinner at Thai Cuisine, and then said goodbyes around 6:30 pm.

I was home by 7:45 pm.  The kids were not home, yet, so I unpacked my luggage and then sorted/read my mail.

Kids came home approximately 9:00 pm.  We were very excited to see each other.  After hugs and kisses, I distributed gifts.  They really liked their tee shirts and other gifts.

After excitement eased, the kids readied for bed and I read them a story.

Routine returns.

Until the next adventure; thanks for sharing in my experience.

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