Tuesday April 19 (Napier to Chicago)

I said farewell to Seb and Sylvie, they were very loving this morning and watched my every move, lol! I always hate saying farewell to them but I know Grant is a good carer for them. Grant dropped me at the airport and I had a good flight up from Napier to Auckland.

I enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the international terminal, collected the US $ I had paid for and purchased a new watch. For once the strap is nice and long and it takes me back many a year as it is a Timex, and my very first watch was the same brand, lol!! I immediately wore it and my other one will go in my luggage!

I then headed to the lounge and settled in for the afternoon. I had a light lunch but managed a baileys and ice with a coffee!! I headed to the gate once we were informed and enjoyed a pre-flight drink. We took off on time and dinner was served once we were settled. I watched one film, 'The Lady in the Van', Maggie Smith was superb, and then it was time to try and sleep. I did manage to doze off a few times! 

After a good flight with following winds we arrived in San Francisco early and still on Tuesday, lol! It took two hours to get through everything and on to my gate for the flight to Chicago. Passport control was the emptiest ever but then I had to wait ages for luggage. The "nice" man at PC had decided my luggage needed scanning, so I joined a long queue and with only two scanners working, it was very slow especially as most people had to open their luggage. Mine went through OK of course when it was finally my turn! It was very inefficient and there is no consideration for people who have connecting flights. after dropping my luggage off it was time to go through departure security again. I joined a huge queue and there was with only one security scanner in operation. Finally, they opened up a second line, yet more inefficiency! It has never taken so long to get through. I needed a coffee after all that, lol, so grabbed one at Pete's and headed for the gate!!

The flight was almost full but we left on time and, after a smooth flight, we landed early in Chicago. Once again though, the early arrival was spoiled by a half hour wait for luggage! Finally, I was able to walk across to the shuttle bus area and I did not have to wait for one to my hotel, it was sitting there, phew!!

After a lovely shower and a sandwich I headed to bed!