Any trip like this is always exciting but having always been the planner in the family it is also a little stressful. Is everything booked? Will the my fussy eaters be able to eat on the plane.
Our day started with a surprise for the girls. They thought we were catching the train down to the airport, but I'd arranged a stretch limo with Central Coast Limousines. Surprisingly my step dad showed up too to see us off.
They spent most of the trip sleeping cause we were picked up at 6.30am which is "too early" for any teenager. To have door to door transportation to the airport was great.
I was concerned about our travels as only 2 weeks ago I'd snapped my ACL and had some mobility issues. I'd made the call to Qantas to let them know which I am so glad now I did. Seems Jamei had a surprise of her own and organised for my dad to meet us at the airport to see us off.
We headed to check in and was told I'd be met by someone soon who would be taking us through all the airport and up to the Qantas Lounge. Another great addition to our travel planning.
Although I've cursed my knee for the last 2 weeks I've got to say it was pretty awesome to skip the queues and be given preferential treatment. Fortunately we had an awesome wheelchair pusher who took me through duty free. Normally they just take you to your gate, thanks Caitlyn.
I enjoyed a glass of bubbly while girls had some breakfast in the lounge and it wasn't long before it was "that time". We headed past everyone waiting to board and were the first people on the plane this gave us time to settle in without the pressure of people needing squeeze past.
I didn't realise there were cool things like a camera on top of the plane so you can see outside no matter what seat you're in. How awesome.
The 14 hour flight to LAX wasn't too bad. The girls were great, they just watched movies, slept and ate. You could tell they were excited and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. It was a little uncomfortable with my knee and muscles on the flight but got up for a stretch when I could.
We arrived into LAX a little late so transferring plans was a bit rushed as we had to clear customs, pick up our bags and checkin again for the flight over to NYC. Once again I was met with a kind welcome and this time the girls and I enjoyed a ride on a buggy. Cleared customs and all other check points to get to our next flight with 15 mins to spare. All staff at LAX were friendly and welcoming to the 3 of us. I got thanked for wearing appropriate travel clothes too hehehe. I wore a tracksuit and slip on shoes. Apparently this was awesome for security in LAX. They love Boston's name and they can actually say Jamei's name right.
Once again getting onto the flight first we were all pretty exhausted. We spent most of the time sleeping during our 5 hour flight to JFK airport. The minute we got off the plane we could feel the temperature drop. It's cold outside which we'd been warned it was 3 degrees.
We had smooth sailing picking up bags and met the car service I'd arrange with Luxor Limousines. Our drivers name was Hans. An African-American guy with 2 kids and a mad follower of the Knicks and looked more like a bouncer than a driver. We chatted for the 45 minute drive into Manhattan. I smiled as we drove past the cab queue at the airport thinking how much the extra $$$ was worth it to once again be greeted door to door. Especially as we arrived in peak hour.
Finally we made it to our accommodation. It's a beautiful older style hotel where you see Time Square when you step out the front door. The girls giggled at me as I managed to trip over myself and bag a couple of times. We were greeted kindly by our new best friend Simone who was great with girls too. She also loved Bostons name - thinking this is going to happen a lot.
We go up to our room when I have a separate bedroom. We notice Starbucks is right on the corner so we decide to get hot drinks and then some dinner. We are all a bit delirious with Boston bursting into songs that sounds like the one the restaurant was playing, and Jamei having a teary laughing fit over me tripping over earlier on. Yup time to settle in for the night. Showers and bed.....tomorrow adventure awaits.
Enjoy every minute girls. Sounds like you've had a dream flight, this is the little blessing to compensate for your injury xxx Times Square.... Look out for the guy who plays his guitar in his white speedos! he is African American, doesn't matter how cold it is he's there in his swimmers! Are you girls going to a Broadway musical?
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