Family Farewell and a Story To Tell

Since deciding to write a travel blog almost 6 months ago, the thought of writing my very first post has, at times, been a more exciting prospect than the actual travelling itself. Yet now, as I sit at 9pm in the food court at Auckland International Airport, munching on a meatball Subway and drinking (probably for the last time in quite a while) an ice cold L&P, I cannot think how to write this anticipated entry.

If I was at home, I would have asked mum and dad for ideas, and no doubt made them proof read and edit this before I posted it. This very thought makes me realise that I’m not at home anymore. I have officially left home, and I’ll have to be a big girl and brainstorm and edit all by myself.

 

 

 My brain food.

 

 

Half way down my cup of L&P and one bite into my double choc cookie, I finally decided what to do. Mum and I decided that I would fly from Tauranga to Auckland the night before my flight and stay the night at the airport, saving us a 3am drive to Auckland. Though I was sure it would be an experience, I was a little worried. This along with that I had always told people that I wanted this travel to be filled with many little adventures. So that when I have grandchildren, every time they come around I could tell them a different story I thought. So what better first blog entry then an unusual sleep over giving me my first story to tell.

9pm (or there about) – seeing as not much as actually happened since touching down in Auckland, apart from getting Subway and glad-wrapping by bag (which was actually rather exciting I must say!) I decided to share a bit of my family farewell.

A few weeks ago time wouldn’t go fast enough and then before I knew it we were off to the airport. A final family photo was taken, and each time I hugged Dad, Mum, Charlotte and Lucy, the idea that I was leaving became more of a reality. Saying goodbye is always hard, but when you are saying goodbye to your family, the people you love most in the world, without knowing when you will see them again, it’s just that much worse. But every time I think how much I will miss them, I know I can just remember my last view of them, my face pushed against the plane window, looking down on miniature figures, all waving as hard as they could. A perfect last image!

 

Last family photo before I left at Tauranga Airport.

 

 

 

Last view of Mount Maunganui.

 

 

Walking from domestic to international at Auckland Airport.

 

 

11pm – Update time! To tell the truth, what is taking most of my attention right now is the total lack of feeling I have in my bum. This airport floor is unbelievably hard! But despite this hateful floor, it appears to be THE room to sleep in. It is a big, empty room with uncomfortable chairs in front of window walls that look out onto the runway below. Lining the walls are heaps of other young travellers with backpacks as big as mine, sleeping or watching movies. I managed to find myself a corner with a small group of Germans to my right and two others (from an unknown country as they have not yet spoken a word) on my left. My late dinner has settled leaving me feeling tired, and ready to sleep if only I could get over this dreadful floor. To add to the problem, apart from my L&P I have also drunk a 750ml of water, leaving me needing to go to the bathroom. Usually this would not be an issue, but being a single traveller, every time I need the loo I have to pack everything up again and lug it all into the toilet with me, luggage trolley and all – thank goodness they have disabled toilets here or I would never fit it all in with me!

 

4am – I managed to have a few hours of painful resting/sleeping on this crazy hard floor. I don’t usually have difficulty sleeping on floors, but this one was a whole new level of uncomfortable. It was very clear those who had past experience of airport sleepovers. Out of their bags they pulled blow up mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows. Luxuries I either didn’t have or had already sealed away in my gladwrap-cocooned backpack! However, seeing the just how many people did sleep the night at airports, I have truly been relieved of any past concerns. I can say without a doubt to anyone that it is 100% ok to sleep over at the airport - but it is probably best to bring a sleeping bag!

8am – Shortly after 4.30am I realised I would not catch anymore sleep before I left, and checked everything in. Just before heading to the gate, I decided to watch the sunrise, as it would be the last one I would see in New Zealand for a while. And the sun rise was perfect. The sky was clear enough that the sun was visible, yet there were enough light clouds that the sky turned beautiful shades of orange, yellow and pink. Watching the sun slowly crawl over the distant mountain (or hill rather) it all starts to sink in. I’m really doing this. I’m leaving on a one way ticket and who knows when I’ll be back!

 

The stages of the perfect sunrise.