Sitting in LAX

Most of today has been spent on airplanes, and most of tonight will be more of the same. On the flight from Newark to Los Angeles, my mom and I met a charming gentleman who was travelling with his entire family from Iraq. They were emigrating to California, where his youngest daughter has been living and working for several months.

Amir (sp?) was a successful optician in Baghdad, where his family operated three practices. Life in Iraq has been very hard for them, because they are Christian and not Muslim. But last month his house and all of his shops were destroyed by insurgent bombs and fires. So he decided to move his entire family to the United States. He was very sad about leaving his home, but happy top be in America. We met his wife, daughter, two sons and a cousin, along with 4 or 5 grandchildren and second cousins. They were all very excited when I told him that mom and I are both Christian - I decided not to try and explain Presbyterian. Amir took out a string of prayer beads and began to pray, which was very moving for all of us.

By now they have met up with the daughter who lives here, and are thinking about beginning a new life away from bombs and terror. I wish them all a happy life.

Thirteen Hour Flight

Tomorrow evening beings the long flight across the Pacific from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand followed by a shorter 4-hour flight to Melbourne, Australia. For the 13-hour leg of the flight to Auckland, we're flying Pacific Premium Economy, which will be much more comfortable than regular, crowded economy seats and not nearly as expensive as business class seats (THANKS Mom!).

Premium Economy seating has more legroom, the largest seat pitch in its class (38 to 40") and 50% more recline than economy seating. Each large seat has a leg rest, foot bar and in-seat power. On-demand entertainment provides each passenger with a remote control to play, pause, rewind and fast forward.

Premium Economy cabin service features New Zealand wines and a self-service refreshment area with drinks and snacks throughout the flight. Passengers also receive an amenity pack that includes Pacifica Skincare lip balm, a luggage sachet, socks, eyeshades, earplugs and a toothbrush.

If you're really interested, here's the layout of the cabin:

The Cats

Chico and Maya are staying home in Rochester, and they're looking forward to "Auntie Ellen's" visits!

The Aussies

For those who don't know (or can't remember) my sister and her husband, here are Barbara and Andrew, a couple of weeks before they emigrated to Oz.

Getting Ready to Stand on My Head!

In just 24 hours I'll be headed for Oz, visiting my sister and her husband in Australia. It's 18 years since I've been Down Under, so I can't remember if the water in the toilet flushes clockwise or counter-clockwise. I do rememeber that the night sky is amazing, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Southern Cross, Centaurus and the Magellanic Clouds again.