51 Hours of travel to get 1/2 way around the world

Since I was traveling through a variety of major time zones, I’ll simply put which hours of my journey I’m describing rather than what time it actually was (don’t know if I could be accurate with that anyway).

HOURS 1-3
Departed his place, checked in and flew to Aukland.

HOURS 3-6
The start of a wicked layover!

I landed by noon, but wasn’t able to check in for Dubai until 2:30. Snapped a couple of pics before getting rid of my bag.

I love how this says “Relax”.

Finally checked in, boarding pass in hand and 4 more hours to burn until I get on the flight.

HOUR 6-8
In New Zealand you’re aloud to bring liquid on the flight and I had a left over bottle of Mount Gay Rum (That I purposing picked in  name of all my friends in Barbados, miss you boys!) There was no way I was going to drink all of it, especially alone, so off to the food court to find a new friend!

I walked around the corner of a pub and in front of me is an older woman. She suddenly turns to me and with a confused look, points to a group of gentlemen in costume. Loudly she says “You here with them?”. They naturally turn and look at us as I smile and laugh while saying, “Of course I am…. These crazy boys do this to me all the time!” 

She gives me the “seriously?” look as the guys agree and invite me in their direction….. Found my new friends! This bundle of joy reunited here after years of not seeing each other… Bachelor party… Woohoo! We shared a beverage and a few stories before they debarked. Hopefully those vibrant smiles stayed with them as they made a memorable mess of the weekend… Cheers to unexpected paths crossing!

With more left in the bottle, I approached a table of 4 who were playing cards and said “Have time to finish a bottle before your flight?”. You would of thought I was handing them gold! Sharing is caring.

Roamed through Duty free.

HOUR 8-10
Finally near my gate but still 2 more hours. Hmm, ooh.. I know!

All of the photos were takin with my self timer, so if you can imagine the sight of me running back and forth trying to get the right pic. That alone was half the fun! Either that, or I’m just a dork. Well, in the midst of one of my “running in action shots”,  I hear the voice of Tim. Another new friend? Yup!  “Can I grab that photo for you?” (I must of looked in need of some special help). 

After a pic or two he offered a walk to the nearby cafe, what a treat! We walked for a bit with great conversation and ended up waiting to board at the same gate.  From the hour I spent with this Aussie, I picked up on his kind nature and a very distinct drive for a fulfilled life. What an encouraging person to send me on my way. 

Side note: If I end up working in Hong Kong…. You can blame thus guy.

Time to get on the plane… Finally! See that cute little bugga on the left? That’s your average size for domestic flights. Im riding window in the monster bus to the right.

HOUR 10-14
Fancy warm towels before we depart for the pit stop in Sydney. (I asked this stewardess if I could take her photo and she answered with a giddy energy, “”Everyone always wants a picture of themselves, nobody ever asks for mine!”) glad I could make her smile.

These are little adhesive tabs that you put on the top of your seat in case you fall asleep. I’ll give you one guess on which sticker I picked.

(FYI: it was the green one)

“Soda Water”

HOUR 14-27
Back on the bus for the 13 1/2 hour flight north… Next stop Dubai.

This night flight starts out dark so I decide to leave the flash off so I don’t disturb the other passengers.  Ooh look, another warm towel before the dinner meal. 

Bored.

Tired.

We’re here!

HOURS 27-29
Layover here was a nice treat. Besides your typical airport restaurants and shops, it also had this beautiful Zen garden with benches,  greenery and soothing water running through it… And why wouldn’t they have a hookah shop?

HOURS 29-43
Back to the Airbus! 14 hours to Brazil before the final flight to Argentina. The sun is up now, however I’m totally confused on what day it is.  Should I be tired? Why am I so hungry? Good travelin times!

This plane is a bit smaller, but still a decent size. They turned off the lights for the morning departure, check this out. Remember when bringing your Walkman or Gameboy on the flight made you the cool kid? Times have changed…

Who do I get to sit by? This friendly local of Rio De Janeiro. He wrote down several suggestions that other travelers wouldn’t know about and helped me brush up on my Spanish. Gracias!

HOURS 43-45
A transfer in Rio.

HOURS 45-48
Final flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina… Whew!

Landed safely with all smiles.

HOURS 48-51
Over an hour collecting luggage and going through customs, found my ride and headed to my new apartment. This is where I’ll be living for the next month while I attend a spanish immersion school and volunteer within the city. Ciao till next post!