March 31, 2009

I arrived in Australia

Vancouver to Auckland, NZ was an OK flight. It was not as bad as I thought - being in a seat for 14 hours that is. We had a late dinner shortly after we took off, I watched a movie, and then went to sleep for the night. I tossed and turned and woke up every hour but before I knew it breakfast was served. Man, if I could eat a breakfast like this everyday I would be very happy! I then watched another movie and we landed. 

We arrived in Auckland and headed to the Air New Zealand lounge. I had a wonderful shower and another latte and then we got to board our plan to Brisbane. My ankles were quite swollen by this point (despite the compression socks - this is because I kept crossing my legs) and I did not want to sit any longer. I tried to focus and read Triathlete to pass the time.

Finally! We arrived! We cleared customs without incident and were off to Carole's house. There was alot of screaming and hugging! We explored her house and then had to walk her to school for her final class of the day. After we dropped her off I was dying to go check out the outdoor pool so we went and saw that and the track. Two high priorities on my list of things to do when I am here.

After Carole's class we came back home and went for a big walk into the city. The pathways are crazy here and Carole keeps having to remind me to walk on the left of the pathway. Don't eve get me started about crossing the street - let's just say I make Carole hold my hand cause I can't figure out which ways the cars are coming. It was a wonderful 28 degrees and I was in shorts and a tank top. So much better than that darn Calgary snow. We walked till we finally hit a Starbuck's! Sweet! But holy cow is it ever expensive here. I didn't mind though as I love Starbuck's! We then wandered over to the CityCat (the catamaran that is the river bus) back to Carole's house. The novelty that the bus was a catamaran was very cool and if we had these in Calgary I would actually ride city transit.

Then a few of Carole's university friend's came over and we hung out I layed against the wall with my legs up trying to get my ankles to return to normal size. We finally went to bed and I had a fantastic sleep and am now fully adjusted to the time change. And, my ankles look normal again!

Ok, I am off for a run!!! Not only do I finally get to go for a run (even if it is only for 1/2 hour - as I promised Ang I would go easy for my first run) but, it is already 24 degrees so I am off for a warm run in shorts and a sports bra! No darn tights, mitts, toque, jacket, neck warmer, etc!

I will try to keep updating as we have an excited few days ahead of us. 

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey Richelle! so great to hear that you made it safe and sound and haven't been taken out by any left sided drivers! ha ha ha :) I never knew which way to look when crossing the street! So jealous of the warm weather! Have fun!
~Rooney