Partly Cloudy, Always Sunny at the Ritz

Tahiti - Halfway Home in Both Directions

Wow. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I'd be living in New Zealand, working for the New Zealand government on what could really only be described as an opportunity of a lifetime, I'd have totally believed it. This is the type of thing that really speaks to me because of the foreign travel and exotic location of the work itself. I've been waiting for something juicy and challenging since my last big trip to China a few years ago. And it doesn't get any more juicy and perfect than this.

My career has historically been one of incredible good fortune, but ironically the biggest blessings have always presented themselves via obscure moments that could be easily mistaken for misfortune. It really pays to be objective when life throws you a basket of lemons. Eventually, the real texture of a gift like that becomes clear. And this, I can only really view as being nothing short of that: a true gift.

The beauty of this particular adventure is more and more intriguing now that the actual event has finally arrived. Living in the US, most of us take for granted the level of effort required to live in a foreign country. I mean, after all, we are all so blessed as American citizens that few of us realize what is involved when moving your family and household around the world.

Well, I know now what kind of preparation and planning that entails, not just for me, but for my potential employer and clients. That has been a surprising nuance, the genuine welcoming and mutual excitement that has come about while we each prepare for the event. Because let me tell you what, without that, the months waiting for contracts to pan out, arrangements to be made and sheer coordination of everyone involved would be simply overwhelming. But as with anything truly important and worthwhile, it still happens step by step. No other way is possible.

And of course it can only happen if you have the love and support of family and friends. And that, my partner and I have had in abundance. Both of our families have embraced the substantial change with nothing but positive encouragement and enthusiasm, which has touched us both deeply. How could we not do it?

We are both super excited to finally be here in the city we will inhabit and get intimately familiar with over the next couple of years. Wellington is the capitol of New Zealand and we were awestruck by its beauty today as we arrived after a significant overnight journey which started two weeks ago.

Exhausted by the culmination of months of planning this overseas journey, we could finally allow ourselves to sink into the experience. And while planning a modest vacation en route to Wellington wasn't exactly a part of our original agenda, the timing worked out to be extremely good and wonderfully appropriate. And quite advantageous.

Did you know that Tahiti, French Polynesia is exactly halfway to New Zealand?? I learned this by looking at a world map online and trying to make flight arrangements that ensured the most direct route to our new home away from home. Oddly, when trying to book the most cost effective and efficient route complete with refueling stops, you end up with layovers in Tahiti or Honolulu. Hmmm..... knowing this, I decided that the best way to get around the world with a minimum amount of jet lag was to break the trip up intentionally. I mean if you are stopping anyway, why not do it intentionally and stay for a bit to break up the monotony of a very long time spent in an airplane? The move was exhaustive, but that done and adieauxs bid, we decided that chilling on the beach had been well earned.

As I began to plot our date of arrival, I realized that splitting up each leg of the trip overseas might actually have some added benefits such as an opportunity to slowly adjust to the time zone changes, as well as vacation in a spot where neither of us had ever been. Turns out that the best part ended up being a cheaper way to fly the most direct route.

Hello Tokyo!

Upon arrival in Tokyo, I had to exit the plane and then pass back through security to make my connecting flight to Hong Kong. As expected, I did not have to pass through immigration. Easy peasy Japanesey, it turned out. My layover here was just under an hour so to be on the safe side, I didn't dilly dally, although I wanted to explore a bit. In an unfamiliar airport with a short layover, it is better to head to your next gate right away so you don't get lost or become frantic if you need help finding it.

Tokyo's Narita airport is smaller than Houston or Minneapolis airports but it is safe, very clean and has the same high end shops you would find in other airports. It also had some super fun looking tea shops, cafes and souvenir shops. But, I will have more time for exploring and less to carry if I wait to buy goodies and "surprises" on the way home. It will be more enjoyable because it will be a bit more familiar and I will know how much time is necessary to get from gate to gate.

What I found challenging was determining which gate I needed to head towards in order to catch the next leg of my flight. The flight monitors did display both English and Japanese but I didnt see my flight listed. Not to worry. I asked a passing flight attendant to kindly point me towards the airport information desk. There, they could look up flights that were not on the monitor. I think I was just a few minutes early which was why my flight wasnt displaying when I first looked.

The point to keep in mind is: even if you think you are lost or feel disoriented in a new airport, there will usually be a service representative somewhere who can help you. Be courteous and respectful and remember when you are in their country, you are the foreigner so leave your insecurities at home and be as pleasant and courteous as you would expect a guest to be in your home county. Even total strangers are often very willing to assist and help you if you mind your manners and ask politely.

Back in my seat, heading to Hong Kong. 6 more hours and I will be in Hong Kong. But my journey won't be quite over yet. A driver is meeting me at the airport in Hong Kong and will drive me across the border into China.

Next stop, Hong Kong. I am very excited to see this famed city. I have been told that it is a bustling city like New York City and Manhattan, but cleaner. :) Can't be bad, right?