Day 0.5... Turbulence at the Airport

Ah the long awaited, and dreaded airport. A traveler's prison filled with anxiety and angst. The sea of empty seats represent those who have gone before, who have since been asked to board their flight and who've reached their destination. For me, the airport is a necessary evil, if I could take a train or a boat, or even a flying elephant, I might. But those of Alaska and United or similar to, pray on the simple fact that once one enters this this strange land of check points and lettered gates, the only way out is to return.
So here I sit now. Smack dab in the middle of Gate N-13 with a passport stuffed with papers of itinerary changes and time to kill. I can vividly picture New Zealand. But the faint smell of day old McDonald's and crackling intercom announcements of flight delays and boarding calls quickly jolt me back to Seattle. I guess for now I'll keep my mind in this country. One stop per country... Seattle, US to Vancouver, Canada (lay over: 3 hrs), to Sydney, Australia (lay over: 8 hrs), finally to Christchurch, New Zealand (final destination). "The hardest climb is getting there" I was once told "You're over and down the mountain after that". I'm starting to see how this statement holds true. My only thought now, besides my want for some sleep is who will be willing to come pck me up at midnight from the Christchurch airport....

So, a little rocky start with flight complications and baggage. But all in all, a pretty seemless start to a fabulous adventure!