We Made It to Brisbane!

After spending two pleasant weeks at my brother’s house, the long awaited date of October 14th had arrived. Although I had originally anticipated those two weeks would drag on, in fact, the time flew by, filled with boat projects, last minute lunch dates with friends, and a trip over to Hood Canal. We even had an offer on the Rev four days before our departure date. (A yacht broker friend is working on the deal, look for the up-date in few days.)

As mundane as it may seem, our grand adventure began with a taxi-van ride to the airport. Our 12 bags (9 checked and 3 carry-ons) were loaded into the back, and we set off down 15th Ave. NW. As we were cruising along the Alaskan Way viaduct, I began pointing out the many things we would no longer see, the familiar white and green Washington State ferries, Mount Rainer. Then, trying to join in the conversation, Erik astutely added that we wouldn’t see those telephone wires anymore, that warehouse or the cement factory. Oh well, so much for being sentimental!

The process of checking in all our bags was amazingly simple, just pay the skycap, and those extra bags, put them on the corporate credit card. It’s amazing how much this trip differs from my previous travel adventures.

The flight to L.A. was pretty uneventful. The only comment I have is for potential visitors. When you arrive in L.A. the transfer from the domestic terminal to the international terminal is a little confusing. You need to exit the building down by the taxi/ shuttle drop off area, turn right and walk over to the next building over for QANTAS Brisbane flights (Sydney flights are yet another building down). You also have to check in at the ticket counter again where they check your passport and Australian visa status (Yes, you do need a visa to enter Australia!). Of course, this means you have the pleasure of going through security once again, so that two-hour layover is actually not such a bad thing.

Now, for those of us flying business class, the thirteen and a half hour flight went by pretty quickly. I can’t speak for those flying coach. The QANTAS Skybeds in first and business classes recline all the way back and really allow passengers to get some sleep. (The champagne before take off, wine with dinner, and cognac with dessert help a bit too I suspect.) In any event, Erik drifted off to sleep shortly after the 11:30 pm take off, and didn’t wake up until we were halfway across the Pacific. After waking up, he played some video games, watched a few nature shows (the Nick Junior Channel didn’t seem to be working) and played with some of his bon voyage gifts. Mark and I took turns playing with him and getting a bit of shut-eye.

We arrived in Brisbane to be greeted by pouring rain and long lines at immigration, but it was a good exercise in patience for Erik and we didn’t have anything pressing to do, just find all our bags, pick up our rental car, check into the Marriott, open Erik’s suitcase of toys and play Lego’s until the rain let up.

Today, Monday the 17th will be a bit busier. We’ll be looking at houses, finding out more about schools and cars, and if the weather permits heading over to Beach Street for a swim.