New Zealand Trip Feb 2008

I made it to NZ! After flight delays, lost luggage and swollen ankles...

I had knots in my stomach. Earlier that morning before my flight to NZ, we had a storm. Lightening struck a tall tree at the far end of the car parking lot. Two cars had back windshields blown out, five cars had tyres blown, 1 car had its circuits blown. My car was next in line with the damaged cars but thankfully, no damage done. Phew!
Sadly, that was the que to let me know it wasnt going to be an easy trip to see my family, who were waiting anxciously back home.

The alarm sounding off at 3am, nervous me got up out of bed & got ready to head to the airport. Arrived at my inlaw's home and to my lovely suprise, even Linda, my sister inlaw was up to come along for the ride. After the fairwells and safe journeys said, I checked in my luggage and waited in the looong que to go thru security. Yakkin to people in the que, I heard my name mentioned on the overhead speaker.."would Lavinia Smith please return to the checkin couter to UNLOCK HER LUGGAGE".. whoops, didnt realise this was illegal. Got to the counter red faced to unlock my suitcase. Back in line again, the que even longer than before...
Landed in Chicago, stayed unwillingly for 14 hours trying to get a flight out. Thank godness I brought my cell phone. Finally got a flight to LA -Orange County Airport. Airport was closed and no luggage of mine to be seen anywhere. I was supposed to pick up my luggage and take a shuttle to LA Airport which is a 45min drive away, but no luggage-must be at LA airport. Advised I had a hotel booked for me and was directed to hotel. Jumped in Cab, cab didnt take credit card, went back to get cash, got cash, arrived a Hotel, no booking and... no voucher...but I could stay for $238 per night! Walked back to the closed Airport and tired to sleep on a cold metal bench for 5hours!
To my joy I had some battery left on my cellphone and getting really cranky now. Spoke with my dearest mum, who gave me a breath of fresh air. I got my sanity back and able to sleep for a few hours..there was me, on a iron bench, cold as ice, stearing at a store opposite me, which sold blankets and pillows- closed!

Got in a pre arranged (with ofcourse hassles) shuttle finally, and made to....

LAX. Lots of walking to find my luggage, found it, then took the 12 hour flight to Auckland, nearly missed the plane, so cldnt let family know I was on my way. Arrived in Chch, and saw my wonderful sis, Angie..I was sooo happy! Everyone was there, Mum, Arthur, Gene, Rachelle, Bevan, Brian, my nieces and our dearest Oma. We all had coffee then I headed to see Mum & Arthurs new place in Rolleston. Loved the way the place is done..I can say Mum and I have the same tastes! After a relaxing shower and a bit of rest, Genevieve took me out for a drive...I had my reservations but the scary part was remembering I was now sitting in the passenger seat...very scary.
Gene and I went to see Nick and his flatmate (roommate) and Darian. So good to see everyone again. Gene looked after me the whole day, she was so good.
Thsi is Gene washing her 'poo brown' car that she brought with her saved up money

I finally got to have a meat pie after 2years not having one..boy it was good! oh and crunchie bars, vogels bread..it really is like that ad.
Went out for Dinner with Mum, Arthur, Jono, Dom, Gene and Ben when Jono had arrived from Wellington, at a Asian cusine place, very tasty! Had a lot of fun


Dad, Ben and I went out to Dinner at Lonstar, Dad is very popular there as the staff knew him by name! Had a great time, especailly with giving good old Kiwi hassles to our waiter who shrunk when taking our order.
Ben, Gene & I spent a day at the gorgeous Sumner beach, beautiful day to give Gene a 'shower' at the beach, lol. Had yummy kiwi fish n chips after our drive over the Port Hills.


Meet up with seeing my beautiful niece, Alexandra & Abby. Read Alexandra a bedtime story and spent some time with her.


Spent some time in the city of chch and it was great to see a real Police Car!

My last day in NZ, Ben and I went on a driving trip at the last minute over to Arthurs pass, greymouth and over though Hamner springs. Tried to meet up with Claire and Grant, but didnt work out, so we headed to the beach to watch the sunset.
Me in Greymouth with the Train & Car Bridge is.

Lake Lyndon in Arthurs Pass