Sitting on the couch relaxing with my feet up because my toes had turned blue from sitting. We did this for awhile. Actually starting in the seats in front of us but as the sun moved so did we.
This all looks good from the outside. But what I have failed to mention was David still hadn't received the Visa notification allowing him to travel to Australia. Applied back on Feb 2nd we were still waiting (March 8) Many calls to the Australian service center and Australian Embassy, he was told just keep checking the website for an update, we do not expedite. We had to wait until 6pm to go talk with Qantas and find out what to do.
6pm. Dan and Becky came about 5pm and we waited and together. Looking back, it's sad that stress can take over so much that there wasn't much to celebrate and get excited for, all together again, in the airport, waiting to go to Australia. Checked in. Damn. After spending much time with us, calling the Australian embassy herself, they were no help. I think I stopped listening after 'I'm sorry, Mr Cotton'. Though we had a couple plans in place, it did not help the fact that I was leaving my husband in the airport if LA.
Ok so after the emotional roller coaster ride, I'm finally boarded...hubby-less 😩. Luckily I have Dan, Becky and snacks. 😜 We boarded shortly around 930. 22hrs awake. Ugh. I may just be able to sleep a good nights sleep on this flight.
Who was I kidding. Becky and I talked for a couple hours. Not being able to sleep I watched a movie. It was 3 am when I finally closed my eyes. Only for 3.5 hours though, woke up at 6:30am bright eyed and bushy tailed. Needed to refresh to feel better. Got up and went to wash and change. Well worth the preparing of these items separately. Watched season 10 of Sunny in Philly and another movie to pass the time. The meals on Qantas were very good. I had the tortellini, garlic bread and raspberry cheesecake for dinner and opted for the fruit and yogurt for breakfast. The flight was shortened by about 15 minutes so that was nice. The flight was 15.5 hour
The AA1253 is the largest passenger plane in the world. Double Decker.
Getting through the Airport in Australia was very different. Finally got our bags and got through customs. Met John and Sparti (Anthony) in the arrivals, they had just walked in. Immediately went to the golf course to view the Kangaroos. Such a beautiful creature, really. While they were more used to the presence of people, one male was quite protective.
Can't seem to upload the videos, So I can post one on FB, David and Dina's motorcycle adventure for now. I sent one to David, who was at the LA airport back in the states, and he replied...."I'm going to have to kindly ask you to refrain from sending any more of these". I felt horrible, but I got it. Still no word of a Visa.
After the Roos, we went for 'a bit of a refresher' at Anthony's house. I just love the way the Australians talk. But I will say, not everything makes sense. If you can't figure out what they are saying either they are teasing you or it rhymes with what they are really saying. Its kinda a different language. Thank you Anthony for your hospitality, your home and your dog is beautiful.
Went back to John's where Jenni and Tony met us. I contacted David and it was getting down to the wire on knowing if he was spending a weekend in LA or able to come meet us. While it was only Thursday there, due to the 19 hour time difference it was approaching closing time for the Australian Embassy. He called several more times. They finally told him he would have an answer by the end of the day which was about 2 more hours. After relaxing and cleaning up we got news that David had gotten his Visa but it was 2 minutes after changing it to the next day. It was also too late to try and get through all the check points at the airport and get on the plane. We were all feeling relieved that he would be able to join us Monday when we left for the Great Ocean Road.
We decided to go to Frankston beach for some fish and chips and watch the sunset. It was the 'Australian thing to do' as we were told. The Fish was whiting and it was truly delicious. I wish I had taken a picture. The sunset was serene. We then walked to the Pub for a beer. Well I don't drink beer but they all had one while waiting on the taxi bus.
I have a bit of a thing for stumps
John, Dan, Becky and I went back to John's house while Jenni and Tony went to their motel. I had what I thought was about 10 min to wait until bed at 9pm but then John spoke up as I was nodding off in the chair, '40 min to go, Dina'. Funny, because as I was sitting there nodding off, I was trying so hard to calculate how long I had been up. It took a while in between fighting sleep. In the last 89 hours I had slept on 7 total. I was ready for a good night sleep.
No comments:
Post a Comment