To New Zealand

I had to be up at 5am and I finished off the last bits of packing. I was a bit cross with the other guests who left their clothes hanging on hooks in the shower, no consideration for me. I was a bit worried at 5.30am as the host was going to take me to the airport and there was no movement, thankfully at 5.40 they appeared and off we went. At the check-in, I thought I was in the wrong queue so joined another queue, I rechecked and realised I was now actually in the wrong queue so had to go back to the original queue. In customs I had my bag double checked. I thought Ruby would be in that area and misunderstood what we had arranged. Ruby called whilst I was on the toilet then Tony called. 5 minutes later I explained to Ruby where I was and then realised I was not able to see her. I bought some fruit, but there was too much orange and apple in the small pot so I took it back and asked for different fruits. I then remembered that at check-in, the man had not asked where I would be sitting and I was so anxious. My anxiety levels were sky high as I worried about where I would sit and how I would cope at being hemmed in on a long flight. When the call out came to embark the plane, I asked for assistance and pointed out that I am autistic and that I was travelling alone, at first the staff thought I was talking about my child but thankfully they realised what I was talking about and helped me to get on the plane as I get very anxious if my bags are not near me in the overhead lockers. On the plane, I was sorting my stuff out and I was holding up a lady and I apologised and explained that I am autistic. She was very kind and said that I should take my time. I had a window seat and the room was okay. As I looked around, a group of Fijian men boarded the plane, all wearing the same t-shirts, I asked one of them, who sat down in our row, who they were to which he replied we are the Fijian rugby team!

The flight was only 4 hours and was a Boeing 737-800, a fact I need to know to tell my brothers. My tray would not sit properly but for the short trip, I coped. We had breakfast on the plane and I asked for help with the customs card. As the plane was disembarking, the lovely lady who said take my time came along and asked if I needed help. Her name was Jody. She patiently helped me through customs and even showed me where to be collected for my hire car which would have been quite confusing to find.

I was collected and taken to the car hire centre and was told that all the small cars had gone and I would have to have a Toyota Corolla which is a huge hire car. As I was going to the Airbnb some people were driving way too close to the back end of my car, thankfully I have my dash cam.

Using Google maps. I found the place where I would be staying for the next 2 days. As I was pulling my suitcase out of the boot, one of the wheels fell off my suitcase. which is frustrating as it is very heavy.

After checking in I drove off, to try to find the nail bar, I arrived 1/2 hr late. The assistant said that they could only repaint my nails as there was not enough time to do a pedicure. As I sat there it was very quiet but I started asking questions as my hosts were not around when I checked in. When the ladies heard that my Airbnb was in Phillipstown, they said that was a very rough area and I needed to be very careful.

After I went to a chemist and there was a helpful assistant who showed me the insect repellent range. I opted for a natural one. I went around the supermarket to get some things then had dinner at Joe’s. When I got back to the Airbnb, my hosts were there but not much was said so I retreated to my room and video timed some people. The room is bigger but the bathroom disgusting and no plug!!