Getting There; March 5-7, 2004; Flight(s) and 1st impressions
Friday, 07 July 2006
Finally the day has come...
I am leaving home around noon.
It's Friday. Everything packed, wrapped and ready to go. To my horror I have so many things that I am not sure if I can put them on the plane without extra charges. My family is helping me on the way to the airport.
Until almost last moment I could not decide either to box a bike or not. I heard so many opionions (actually 2) - some people box it, other don't. Finally I took the risk.
It starts badly. On the train the guy is going nuts about my bike and does not accept any explanations. Up to now I never had any problems, this was the first time. This idiot was complete ... if I were not hurrying to the airport I would have got of this bloody train. Whole thing ended up I had to pay the fine for not having ticket for the bike!
At Schwechat airport I have completely no problems whatsoever. I just deflate the tubes attach the tag and take the bike to bulky luggage check in point. The only thing that I have to take of later is that I have to get boarding cards for Tokyo and Christchurch in Frankfurt. Nevertheless all my stuff is check all the way to Christchurch. I only hope that it will get there with me on time and without any damage!
Waiting in terminal B in Frankfurt. Have 2 hours before my flight, but that is nothing comparing to 11 hours till Tokyo. Watching all those jumbos, and will finally board one (see below). On the way to Frankfurt I felt I was going somewhere on business but not any more! Now I feel I am going somewhere very far.
The plane is a giant and one wonders how this mass of steel can actually take off. Inside, immediately different atmosphere - Japanese stewardesses, papers and generally lots of Japanese :-) With small delay we are taking off. Landing in Tokyo a bit bumpy, lots of clouds. I am getting off the plane feeling wee bit weak and tired.
I am checking in for my final flight to Christchurch - small Japanese lady asks me where I flying from,
I say Austria, and she keeps repeating Australia like if after Asia there was nothing more.
I am trying to make a phone call and here starts the problem. My mobile does not work, I am buying a phone card for ¥1000 and now fun starts - it is not so easy to use. I had to ask number of people for help. Have 2 hours, 16:00 local time.
Boarding second jumbo, and to my surprise I have a seat on the top deck .... can't really sleep on plane. Another long flight, again over 11 hours!
We land in Christchurch at 9:45 local time, and it is already Sunday! Just hope shops will be opened for I have no food. You cannot bring in any food into New Zealand.
No problems with the passports, mobile works so things look good.
And now the most critical part ... has my bike arrived safely. I got the tent and panniers all right, but still waiting for the bike. After few more minutes finally it is being delivered!!!!! And it is still fine!!
I still have to get through customs since I am bringing in a tent, and had to declare it. Kiwis want to check it for insects or other things.
After first few meters on the bike I hear that the front rack's catch is hitting the spokes, and when I take a close look at the rack I can see that actually it's changed its shape during the transport
Well, I will fix it later.
The camping is only 5 km away.
Around 1 p.m. I am going to Christchurch to do some shopping. There is a shopping mall near by. Inside few things strike me immediately - everyone asks how are you and where you are from, and many people walk with bare feet (I will see it later quite often)!
It is a bit windy, but I hope will be better tomorrow. Gosh I am tired.
.... can't really sleep on plane. Another long flight, again over 11 hours! 
