Checked out a couple of minutes before eight. Used the last of my paper money ($5) to settle accounts before heading to the airport. The run from Ballarat to the Melbourne airport is 90 minutes with only a couple of morning congestion points. Need to put that in the revised directions for WorldMark as well. Rental car was a snap — held up the contract and she said I was good to go. And the International Terminal in Melbourne is right across the street from the rental cards.Surprisingly few people in the check in line — had the full two hours to try and spend my $3.45AUS… $1.20 for the paper, and the rest in the Salvation Army can.
Had a little pre-lunch — half a chicken wrap and a gin and tonic in a bottle (look for that on Twango in a day or do) before the second screening that is standard on all flights going to the US these days.
An hour flight to Sydney — and, guess what, a plan change — turns out our airplane is going to SF and I have an hour and a half in the waiting lounge for the LA flight. Annoying, but time to check email and update the blog.
At least the movies look good for the flight home (well, except for number 3, Happy Feet). #2 is a Russell Crow flick — A Good Year. #1 is about a News Commentator (Robin Williams) running for President who wins, possibly because of a computer glitch, and #4 is Casino Royale, which I saw on the flight to Melbourne, but missed 5 minutes while I was in the loo. Which I slept completely through this time.
More from LAX where I’ll track down the Alaska lounge for a couple of hours of computer time since I have to got through security again anyway… might as well do it twice since there is something like a six hour layover — and still no news on my first class upgrade which means it sort of like pissing in the wind. Of course, to use the Board Room, you have to go from Terminal 6 to Terminal 3 (7 minute walk), get a pass from the ticket counter (since my boarding pass says United and they don’t fly from that terminal), and then go through the strip search (I mean security).
Three vodka and cranberrys, a shave, and my teeth brushed, it’s all worth it.
Wonderful is picking me up at the airport — might stay for a simple meal if I’m up to inviting him. Might just try and get twelve hours of sleep tonight.
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