We were at Nadi Airport and through immigration by 6:30am. Our 8:30am flight was 45 minutes late leaving, but the pilot made up time on the way and we arrived in Auckland just 20 minutes late, at noon. So far, so good. Zooming through immigration everything was going fine but then things turned to custard. Bags started appearing on the conveyor belt and we watched and watched. The crowd thinned as everyone picked up their gear, until there were only about 6 of us left. No more luggage. Grrrrr. We had electronic trackers in our bags so knew they had at least arrived in Auckland. After a bit of stress and hassling an official, the final 6 or so bags appeared on a different conveyor belt, 50 minutes after we started waiting for them. It was a big relief when they finally turned up.
My sister was waiting for us and we had planned an hour's catch-up at a nearby cafe. This turned into a very rushed 20-minute catch-up, but it was wonderful to see her. We swapped items. We'd bought her some Japanese material for her craftwork and she'd brought out to the airport the kimonos we'd got in Auckland on our way through.
We are just about home and just 20 minutes until our flight is called. It is going to be great to catch up with our family and friends again. When we skyped with Rosie a few weeks ago, she told us that she was saving up all her hugs and kisses to give us and they would no longer fit in her house. They'd have to buy another house. How nice.
Time to sign off and settle back into life in NZ. Although, was are only home for one day until we find ourselves on the road down to Queenstown to meet up with Alastair and Sophie who are flying in from San Francisco. Life is anything but dull ............
