See Ya Later, USA!

I don't think there are really any words to describe a 30+ hour international travel day with a baby and a toddler, but here it goes:

Left ABQ Sunport (forever?) at 11am to catch an easy flight to LAX.  I remember mentioning to Patrick how interesting it was that, even a year ago, this so-not-a-big-deal hop over to LA would have been such a stressful event.  But since Quenton's been born, we've been to Mexico, to Denver twice, to Philadelphia, to Ohio at least three times, and, with each trip it's easier and easier.  I really believe that sucking it up and schlepping your kids with you on these crazy adventures makes them more adaptable, so my recommendation to all parents and soon-to-be parents: DO IT!

Arrived in LA a good seven hours before our flight to Auckland, which had some pluses and some minuses:  it was nice to have plenty of time to reclaim our bags (read: two carseats, a BOB stroller, an Osprey child-carrying pack, the Graco Pack-N-Play, a huge green roller suitcase, 4 massive duffel bags (each just under 50lbs), a 60L Patagonia Duffel, a 90L Patagonia Duffel, a 75L Back Pack, Computer Bag, Mom's Purse, a mini green backpack for Elise) and drag them over for re-checking to Air New Zealand.  It was, however, a little hard to find something for everyone to do after that.  We mostly just kicked a ball around the airport (Jonny) and drank lots of coffee.

We boarded the awesome Air New Zealand 777-300 at around 9pm and we upgraded to two Economy SkyCouches (basically three seats in a row with leg rests that come up and lock to create a bed-on-a-plane).

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/777-300-economy-skycouch#economy

I could not have imagined the flight without at least this, so Pat and I could each take one baby and hopefully get a little shut-eye for the ride over.

Island Sunrise

MiniBed

13ish long hours later, finally arrived in Auckland.  The flight was what you would expect.  Mostly not sleeping, Elise chain-watching Frozen, Quenton blah-blahing at the people in the row next to us and fastening/unfastening his seatbelt a zillion times.  Whatever, we made it.  Arrived 7am local time and somehow made it to Immigration and Customs, which is actually pretty strict.  New Zealand is an island with very little infiltration from the outside world and the Kiwis are pretty keen to keep it that way.  Our Visa applications required proof we don't have communicable diseases and aren't going to be a burden on the healthcare system (which is basically funded by the government).  We needed to prove we don't have syphilis, HIV, any of the hepatitis viruses.  A chest Xray for TB had to be read and signed by a radiologist.  The government doesn't allow people who are on dialysis, who have uncontrolled diseases like high blood pressure.  The immigration website also says people with BMIs over 35 might have a hard time getting over.  In that same vein, NZ has very few natural predators.  There are no snakes, not even in the zoo.  And they're strict about invasive plants and animals.  When we arrived, we were required to unpack our bags and prove our shoes weren't muddy and didn't have seeds stuck to the bottom.  Had to throw away the trail mix (nuts and raisins).  Had to empty the water bottles from overseas.  Alas, we made it.  I think Quenton's face in these photos really captures how all of us feel.

Arrived in Auckland

Waiting for rental car, Auckland, NZ

Then came the drive from Auckland to New Plymouth (about 5 hours, with a stop in Hamilton).

From the Lonely Planet, NZ website

People who have been to the UK or Australia even can I'm sure commiserate with us about how bloody confusing it is to drive on the left side of the road, make left-turns on red, navigate left-sided round-a-bouts.  Couple it with an 18-hour jetlag and we basically felt like we were down Alice's Rabbit Hole where nothing was how it was supposed to be.  In the end, no one crashed and no one was arrested, so that's about as good as you can ask for.  It was, really, a beautiful drive (think: The Shire).  Didn't take any pictures (sorry), so you'll just have to watch the movie.

We made it to New Plymouth around 3pm and I honestly can't remember the rest of the day.  Probably ran around, got groceries, did some laundry, showered, and tried to keep everyone awake until at least 7pm.  The important thing is that we made it, to a house, with some beds.  Sorry to everyone we forgot to call, hopefully this delayed posting makes up for it a little bit.

There is still so much to say about our experience here even the last few days, but I'll leave that for next time.  Until then, here is a picture of Elise at a new favorite park by the ocean.  Enjoy!

Playground near beach > Playground not-near beach