The Longest Day: From Sydney to Houston

We were awake by 5:00 on Monday, November 3rd, because we wanted to have one last hotel breakfast before we headed to the airport for the trip home. Clearly, our month of fabulous eating was not yet enough!  The Uber came a little early, about 7:30, so we got to the airport in plenty of time.  Since our tickets were in Polaris class, we were able to drop our bags in a special line. I texted Rachel while in line to report that the four other women in line ahead of us were all around my age and dressed exactly like me -- denim jacket, knit top, comfy pants and shoes, and scarf. We'd all nailed Retired Academic Style.

The Security line was short and moved pretty efficiently, so we were soon headed to the New Zealand club, a partner with United Airlines.  The club wasn't very crowded when we arrived, though it filled up soon afterward.  Yes, that's my head you see.

I think Charlie was most impressed with the serve-yourself adult beverage center. I made do with one mimosa, myself. After quite a while in the club, it was finally time to board our flight.  

We got settled into our pods, which were very comfortable for the long flight. I did find the seat position controls a bit challenging, but finally Googled how to use them. Yes, really.  Charlie was in the front-most pod, beside the bathroom and galley, which meant more noise and activity. I think he'll avoid that seat next time we get to fly in Polaris class. I was two pods behind him (both window seats), and it was much quieter.

Our departure was delayed about 30 minutes, so we were really ready for lunch by the time we took off (about 12:30).  The food was quite good -- a burrata salad to start, then short ribs with potatoes, followed by their famous ice cream sundae cart.  

Charlie took this great photo from the plane as we left Sydney. Find the opera house in the center, and you'll also see our ship to the right, which was back in port after a three-day cruise.

I wasn't at all sleepy after lunch, so I read, finishing two books, and watched three episodes of Janet King. (I highly recommend the Netflix series by that name, which follows Crownies, if you liked that one.) Then I tried to sleep, but just couldn't get comfortable. I'm a side sleeper, and there's just not enough room for that position. Charlie reported dozing a little, but we ended up awake for over 24 hours before we finally got to Houston.  

I was glad we'd packed snacks, because nothing else was served until breakfast shortly before we landed. There were some snacks available in the galley, but none that appealed to me. The Polaris veterans, Rachel and Eleanor, had advised bringing pretzels, cheese sticks, etc., and those were most welcome. The breakfast was billed as Full English, and it was, down to the broiled tomato, mushrooms, and baked beans along with the eggs and sausage, fruit, and croissant with butter and jam.

The flight was scheduled for 15 hours and 30 minutes, and that's almost exactly how long it took.  Although the flight was long, it was definitely bearable, and now a trip to Europe looks like a breeze. And we were lucky to have a direct-to-Houston flight. Another couple on our cruise were going to LAX first, then DFW, before they got to Columbus, Ohio.

Global Entry went quickly, although Charlie's card didn't match his passport for some reason, so he had to see an agent for a few minutes. Our bags were ready by the time we got to Baggage Claim, then we headed out to meet our driver. It was wonderful to relax in the car and be driven home. Our valets welcomed us home and insisted on bringing our luggage up for us, so that was nice. Yes, we are very spoiled.

Charlie quickly heated up some soup (it was about 12:30), then we took showers and collapsed for a long nap.  Somewhat revived, we unpacked and I started some laundry. Charlie ordered pizza and salad for dinner, and we managed to stay up until our usual (ridiculously early) bedtime.  We both slept well, but were wide awake at 2:00 this morning. We got up, had two cups of coffee each, did more laundry, and THEN felt sleepy enough to go back to bed. Two hours later, we were ready to walk shortly after 6:00.  Here's hoping that by tomorrow our bodies will have adjusted to Texas Time!