I'm finally here in Brisbane and it feels great to be off a plane and on solid ground! I remember my long flight to Thailand as a fun experience with lots of movies and good food. The flight from L.A. to Sydney was not so. I flew into L.A. at 9:30 and had half an hour of free time before I had to go through the fight gates. I used that time to look for free wi-fi and therefore didn't eat dinner, thinking I could get some through the gates. Not so. There were no hot meals on the other side and I wasn't about to pay $8.00 for a sandwich so I sat and ate some M&Ms. Our plane boarded at 11:50, sat around for half an hour, then finally took off at 12:20am. We weren't served "dinner" for another hour. I had grilled Mahi-Mahi in a mustard sauce with steamed vegetables; tiramisu for dessert and a bloody mary to drink (it was free.. couldn't resist!). The vodka managed to knock me out and I slept from 2:00am until 7:30am.
The two ladies sitting next to me were an elderly (unless you take her view that 75 is the new middle-aged) aunt, Theresa, and her niece, Elizabeth. They were wonderful company, full of great stories and comforting advice. When I woke up, they were shuffling a big deck of cards that slightly resembled Tarot. When I inquired into it, they informed me that these were Oracle cards - different from Tarot in that these do not have set meanings for each card, but rather tailor to the "energy" of the holder. They offered to read my cards and I accepted, curious as to what it would say. After shuffling my energy into the cards, I drew one, then five, then an extra because Theresa felt that my oracle was not completed. It was interesting to hear Theresa tell me what her impression of me was; I felt that she had a gift for discovering someone's true personality, strengths, and weaknesses.
Though I do not believe in the spirituality that surrounds Oracle cards, I did enjoy the experience and felt like the advice I was given was good advice, regardless of its origins. I was told to awaken my spirit and embolden myself for the future, to accept offers of kindness and not worry about where my meals or beds are going to come from because they would be provided. I was also advised to tune into my body and meditate, but also to dance and let free. Theresa said I should rise above any situation that might arise and listen to my heart because it would never lead me astray. My final card told me that I would not have to worry about finances because I was provided for. I liked that final card. : )
With a cramped bum and a seriously full bladder, I got off the plane in sunny Sydney at 7:30am on Wednesday the 22nd. We had passed the international date line during the night and arrived in the future! The customs line to get into Australia was an anthill and I immediately began to worry that I would miss my 9:15 connecting flight to Brisbane. An hour and a half later, I was informed at the ticket desk that there was no possible way I could make my flight. Thank you, customs. They put me on a 12:30 flight, which left me with 3 1/2 hours to burn. I was hungry, tired, and eager to find some wi-fi (which the lady at the ticket desk assured me was free throughout the airport). A shuttle bus took me across to the domestic departures building and I found an empty chair to compute on. Wi-fi turned out to be $5 so I packed up and went to the beautiful business lounge I had passed a little earlier. Up the elevator and to the left was an airport paradise. Big comfy chairs, computer desks, couches, coffee, and snack tables. I walked in and sat down, not giving anyone the chance to think I didn't belong there. After connecting to the internet and logging onto Facebook, I picked up a smoked meat sandwich, couscous salad, and cheese/crackers at the snack table. All deliciously free.
At 11:50, I boarded my Brisbane flight and immediately started snoring. We flew over the Sydney Opera House and I got a lovely view of the sunny harbour before settling in for the 1 hour and 8 minute flight. The lady next to me started looking very eager as we descended into Brisbane so I asked if she was arriving home. That conversation led me into a cab with Tanei, heading to her house, with an offer to drive me into town and to sleep at her house should I ever need a place to stay! She paid for the $30 cab ride, called her roommate to give me a ride when it turned out her car was at her mum's, and made it clear that I was welcome at her place any time. I was truly taken-aback by the unabashed friendliness and generosity shown me; it was such a wonderful first-impression of Brisbane!
As for Brisbane itself, it's cloudy, hot, and humid! No sunshine here on the first day of Spring.
I'll write about my wonderful new roommate for the week, my first night's sleep (or lack thereof), and first trip into town tomorrow!
Until then, I hope everyone is safe and healthy and happy!
xoxo - Katrina
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