The original plan was to leave Vancouver just before midnight. But the incoming flight was delayed, and boarding was slow. By the time they closed the doors, finished de-icing, and taxied to the runway, it was after 2:30 AM. We were very glad we’d had a chance to eat in the lounge so that we could immediately try to sleep.

I had more luck than Jan – I got a solid seven hours. I’m told there was no doubt that I was sound asleep because I was snoring … loudly … loud enough to be heard over the cabin noise. I can neither confirm nor deny this.

I can tell you that after I woke up, I ate the airplane dinner, which had kindly been set aside for later. Then I spent the next five hours listening to Bob Dylan’s albums, in order. Watching “A Complete Unknown” got me interested enough to focus on just listening to his music. Of course, being stuck on a plane helped. But after seven hours of sleep, dinner, listening to six albums, and having breakfast, we still had two more hours to go…

We finally landed, cleared customs, got our NZ SIM cards and checked into our hotel. Then we went for a walk outside in the perfect summer weather. Along the way we passed posters highlighting all the exciting things to do in New Zealand.

At this point we started to worry that five weeks wasn’t enough time. I guess we’ll need to come back again.

Then it was time for a welcome drink overlooking the Auckland airport. It’s Wednesday here so our Wednesday afternoon pub day arrives early.

Tomorrow we’re off to Queenstown.