Greetings from lovely Australia!!! I made it. I'll admit it was a close call for a bit...here's the story.
If you know me well then you know my packing style. I over think, plan, scrutinize and then realize I have 3 hours before I have to be leaving for the airport and then frantically run about shoving things into my bag. This trip was no exception to my efficient methods which would have been alright baring one flaw. I bought this new suitcase for my carry on. It's handy due to the four wheels and zip down compartment to grab my laptop quickly for security. In all those planning efforts, I had brilliantly decided to put my camera bag in that suitcase so as I could carry on my backpack (much more useful for storing all the oddities I might want on my long flight). Life is grand for I've now successfully packed my two checked bags even if I'm a bit nervous about weight on the big guy and have just 20 minutes to get my carry-ons in order (and change clothes) before I must leave. Slight issue: It doesn't fit! My stress level just sky rocketed and I'm starting to panic yet I realize I don't have time to panic. My first solution is to simply carry the camera bag and shove my backpack into the new suitcase. I mean I have to have these 3 bags and I need all of these things and oh I've already crammed everything into to the other 2 cases with not an ounce of room to spare. On the surface this is a quick solution, but if you've traveled a bit you know that you've got stuff to survive the flight. Since this would be my longest flight to date, I had a bunch of survival goodies like my ipad, snacks, pillows, lotion, meds, and most importantly, an eye mask. Well all of those things were in that suit case which would get shoved into the overhead big unreachable...yup, that's a problem! So I spent my brief 20 minute drive to the airport in the backseat rearranging these bags attempting to find a better solution. I did by the way solve my problem as well as get massively carsick.
I was just a bit flustered upon my arrival to the airport, but I got in kiosk and tried to look up my flight. Of course, it couldn't find me. Hmmm...that's a problem. I ask the guy and show him my e-mail (after like 5 minutes of waiting since my phone is a tad bit older) and he looked up my code. Whew! I'm in and selected my flight and BAM "Required documents not available. See associate." I grab the same guy and ask. He scans my passport and then says, "It's not showing your visa." My reply, "Visa?" Yup that's right. I've been planning this trip for 6 months. I've even got hotels booked for my 2 weeks trip up North. I've had even had a dinner date with a lovely Melbourne family to pick their brains. Did I think to check what I needed to get into the country? Of course not. The lovely associate brings me to a line and says they can try and help. I'm behind 3 others and the family currently at the desk has about 42 bags, boxes, and things with them. The woman is furiously typing and talking. Five minutes pass no progress. 10 minutes pass I try to smile. At this point I'm terrified I could miss my flight since I didn't pad myself with 2 or 3 hours. I'm attempting calming breaths as finally the line starts to move and others are helped. My mind is now searching all the possibilities of what could happen...namely not getting to go at all. Yup panic setting in and I'm being ushered over. Apparently, Australia is the only country that will issue an electronic visa, so the lovely attendant is going to call and see what we can do. I swear I could feel every second passing praying that it works and that I don't miss my flight and all that furious packing wasn't a waste. Then he says the greatest words ever, "That will be 45 dollars." YES! IT WORKED!!! Never have I been happier to hand over my credit card and sprint to security.
From there my travels were wonderful especially considering I had been bumped up to premium economy. If you get the chance, take it. Pay the extra money. Worth every dime.
I slept. A lot. Like at least 8 hours.
So now I'm in Australia despite my best efforts to stay in the U.S. I guess I better go take advantage ;)
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