I’m back in Auckland. It went like this – I woke up in New York City, on my birthday (the 25th, American time), with the feeling of dread and a suitcase that needed packing. I packed it – slowly, and with this sad puppy dog face on the whole time. I packed it and had a shower and went for my last supper – a fried chicken sandwich and chamomile tea. Isaac sang me a song to cheer me up on the walk to grab my bags. That’s what best friends are for. We hopped in a taxi and I sobbed like a little kid the whole way to the airport whilst Isaac sang Whitney Houston songs. We arrived at JFK and I checked in and we got him a taxi back into the city and said our goodbyes. I cried my little heart out all the way through security.
The plane ride from New York to Los Angeles was pretty much bad, aside from the fact that you could buy internet for the flight. I couldn’t sleep and it was uncomfortable and time was passing the slowest it’s ever passed, ever. After 5 hours of attempted sleep, I gave up and paid the US$14.95 + tax for a little bit of interwebs time. I saw Isaac’s birthday post, proclaimed him the nicest person ever and started tearing up again.
Somewhere along the line from NYC to LA.
We got into LAX late, the bags took forever to come through and getting from terminal 5 to terminal 2 seemed to be the biggest mission ever, but I made it, 1 hour and 45 minutes before my home-bound flight was set to leave.
Then it all started to turn around. My mate Kam at the Air New Zealand counter asked me where I wanted to sit on the plane. He moved me closer to the front. Holla. Then he noticed it was my birthday and said he’d priority board me. Double Holla. Then, when I got onto the plane (before everyone else), I noticed my tv screen was personally welcoming me on board. So kind! Air New Zealand really kicks all other airlines’ ass as far as I’m concerned. The plane was one of those new ones, my herb chicken and potatoes was good, and there was a spare seat next to me. Perfect.
12 hours later (and on the 27th) I pulled into Auckland Airport feeling pretty nostalgic and sad and anxious, but now I’ve been home for 5 and a bit hours, I’m in my own bed and already 3 people have called me to hang out so I think everything’s going to be okay.
Why don’t you just move to NYC?
Re: Anon – it’s not as simple as that.
Start work on that Visa, get someone to hunt an apartment for you and someone else to line up a few jobs. Save some moolah and THEN you can go back to NYC? Having said that, WELCOME HOME HOMIE!
Happy birfaday and welcome back. If it’s any consolation, I want your life.
Re: freena – thank you!
Welcome back kath, now you can hang out with your Mum! Not the same I know :)
Happy Birthday,have another year of being awesome! Air New Zealand is so lovely.
I’m sure you’ll be able to visit NY sometime in the future hopefully the near future cause your posts were amazing and it sounds like you had the best time!
What about the great taxi.. Limo service from the airport!
I’m happy you’re home.. :Dad
Happy late birthday Katherine! You are awesome, and you and Isaac consistently make my days better, ever since I discovered your blogs just over two years ago. Something that being a permanent reader of this blog has taught me about you is that your next big adventure is always around the corner. :) Chin up, and welcome home – we missed you.
Re: Georgia – TOO KIND. x