After my six-hour flight to LAX from New York, I used my computer in the airport to check email. I then turned my computer off. I then turned it back on again, and to my dismay, was met with the blue screen of death. Over and over. Instead of carrying around a means of communicating with all of those I love, I am carrying around an expensive doorstop.
I am writing this from a hostel in Brisbane; it's big and orange. More on Brisbane the city when I have more time on a computer.
One of my first Australian experiences: I am carrying with me a lot of medication for Crohn's Disease, and it was a big hassle to get enough medication from my insurance company for the duration of the trip. I also stressed about getting documentation from my doctor, and I agonized over what a field day Australian customs would have. I was sure I'd be placed in a sweltering, dimly-lit room in the bowels of the airport upon arrival in Brisbane. They would not give me any water, and there would be a menacing dingo in a cage in the opposite corner of the room.
Hauling my backpack of the baggage claim carousel, I hobbled over to the last customs check. I handed them the customs card on which I filled out "No" for "Are you carrying anything that may be subject to restrictions, such as medication?" because I assumed that having proper documentation, they would not be restricted. My bag passed through the scanner, and I was asked what all the bottles were. I recited, as if from a script rehearsed for fear of this situation, "They are non-steroid pills for treating Crohn's Disease. I have documentation for them."
To my surprise, the baggage lady nodded, and my bag slid gracefully down the metal baggage slide. I turned away from the claims desk and heaved a sigh of relief, only to hear "Wait a minute, mate," spoken from behind me. I froze. How could I have gotten so close to freedom only to have my meds take it away? "Come over here! I'll help you put your bag on."
I am in Australia.
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yay! success/messages. i'm glad you made it there safely (although from the looks of it, your computer did not :/ ) when i went to australia, they were not so nice to me in customs and took all of my hershey kisses with almonds (fine! it's an island and you can't take nuts... dumb) and wouldn't even let me eat a few before throwing them away. it's a good thing a dingo wasn't involved...
ReplyDeleteA note from the far side...
ReplyDeleteSuccesful flight, baggage arrived after switching airlines on its own, no strip search, no drooling slavering dingos, no dimly lit bowels, and someone even offered to help you on with your backpack!
Not a bad start for an adventure!
There's usually more than one dingo.
ReplyDeleteObviously, you've never been in a real Australian prison.
...give it time.