We don’t much like morning flights because it’s so hard to sleep when you wouldn’t normally be sleeping. We much prefer the flight, say, out of Los Angeles, when you leave at 10pm or later. You are ready for a sleep then at least (whether or not you do actually sleep). All this is to say, as you’ve probably guessed, that we didn’t really sleep on the Sydney to Los Angeles flight (and of course not on the short two-hour or so hop to Seattle). But, we did each watch four movies!
I watched The Zookeeper’s Wife, Whiteley, Genius and A United Kingdom. I suddenly realised at the end that every one of these was about a real person or people. Of course, Whiteley is a documentary so it’s pretty much a given there, but the rest show just how many stories are out there waiting to be found and told. Len watched the first and last of these, but his other two were comedies. He watched all of his dubbed in German, and Was gratified to see the progress he’s made since joining the U3A German conversation class five years ago.
Anyhow, this is not a film review blog so I won’t say much more except that The Zookeeper’s Wife reminded me once again of how many different, and as yet untold stories, there still are to tell about World War 2. And that Whiteley offers such a wonderful portrait of a driven man. One thing that struck me was his response to colour. He had loved, for example, Drysdale’s use of red to convey something desolate, hellish. And then he went to Italy and saw works by Giotto, Duccio, Piero della Francesca, and recognised that their use of red conveyed warmth and optimism. It was one of those light bulb moments.
Ma’am, do you have metal bits?
It’s been three years since we last flew to the USA, and once again there have been changes on the airport/airline front. We were surprised, for example, when, once on the plane, Qantas Informed us during their safety/security announcements that TSA (Transport Security Agency) requirements are that passengers must not congregate in groups on the plane, and that our cooperation is appreciated! Alaska Airlines, later in the day, were more direct. For security reasons, they said, you mustn’t form lines (ie create a group) at the toilet! Easier said than done, we would have thought.
However, all processes worked straightforwardly for getting on and off the planes, and through the airportS. We had no Mem-Fox moments. There’s more and more technology as you regular travellers know, but my, there’s still a lot of walking and queuing too. At LAX (Los Angeles airport), the so-called Customs-cum-General-Exit queue was huge and the poor women managing it had a bit of a challenge fending off queue jumpers at the point that they’d run out of those rope queue barriers. After all, why walk to the end of the queue, if there’s nothing to stop you sliding in earlier!
People who’ve travelled in America will know that for some years they’ve had total body scan booths where you have to stand spread-eagled with your arms raised above your head. Very undignified it is, but we’ve all watched the cop shows and have an idea what to do! That wasn’t new, but what was, was being stopped, as I was about to go into the booth (this was for our Seattle flight), to be asked “Ma’am, do you have any metal bits and are you over 75?” Well, no, not yet, so into the booth I went.
And finally, Seattle
So, eventually we arrived in Seattle. We got the efficient link light rail into the city, found a Thai (as it happened) place for a light lunch, then did the 10-minutes or so walk, uphill, to our accommodation. We were desperate for a little nap, so did that before going out to explore the local area, the old and apparently hip First Hill/Capital Hill district. We had to keep reminding ourselves we were in the USA. It felt so low-key, relaxed and cosmopolitan. A weird feeling. But when you come to pay for things the difference manifests itself – the tipping, the uncertainty about payment culture, the lack (so far, anyhow) of paywave (though as also happened in its infancy in Australia, some businesses have the credit card devices to do it, but have not implemented the software, so I suppose it’s coming)
Anyhow, our first – and very long – day of our holidays ended up with our sitting outside, at a sort of brew pub, on a beautifully balmy evening, enjoying a beer, g&t, and some bar snacks while watching the world go by.
This is the life – for a little while anyhow. We do know how lucky we are.
Behind those smiles we detect a little (?) bit of tiredness despite the nap so we hope you have slept well or even are still sleeping – though probably just waking up round about now. You sounded enthusiastic about your apartment so I guess the rest of it lives up to the picture you have posted.
Have fun (your) today.
Yes, a bit tired Mum but had a reasonable sleep last night so feel pretty good here today.
You both look remarkably fresh for non-stop sleep across the Pacific and onto Seattle. Well done! The Whiteley shots are great. The portrait is powerful and I love the Opera House/cockatoo! How interesting to hear about (and see) the new emphasis on not huddling in crowds on ‘public’ transport (I guess an aeroplane could be considered a form of ‘public’ transport? However, I hadn’t thought about it like that until your post 🙂 ). And how delightful to float past that majestic snow topped mountain!
Thanks Mary. Actually, I think we did come through pretty well, versus other trips. We just hope last night’s sleep was enough. As for public transport, good question. I somehow think planes, long distance trains and buses are something a little different, but what? Or are they just subset?
Hope you are keeping well and warm.
I enjoy your observations about the travel process and had to google your Mem-Fox reference. Oh yes, I remember reading about her awful experience. I will be on the lookout for over 75 and metal bits. Do you suppose it had anything to do with body replacement parts and pacemakers? The 75 years old part perplexes me. Oh, by the way, when leaving LAX one of the students was detained for an hour and searched extensively. We couldn’t figure out what set off this search. Was it random? They even combed through her hair.
What? Combed through her hair? Poor girl, that must have been nervewracking. As for Mem Fox, I knew the Aussies would get it but probably not others. Glad you found it. Ever since it happened any Aussies going to the USA get the wish that they not be treated that way. Bit sad eh?
Seattle is lovely! I hope you have a great time there.
Loved the penguins on the bus door.
Paywave??? New term for me. More than likely something I don’t do.
The apartment looks really nice. Ya’ll look relaxed and like you are on vacation – SMILES
Carter and I are discussing the snow covered mountain. Which one is it?
He thinks Ranier. I thought he might know. I had multiple choices coming up from LA
could be Shasta or Lassen in CA, Mt Hood, Washington or Adams in Oregon.
He seems confident about Rainer however we have never seen it – always encased in clouds.
We have seen Baker when we are north of Seattle.
Carter says they are all from the Pacific Subduction Zone.
Did they tell you which it was? Just curious.
Enjoy!!
Hi Trudy, no, they didn’t. They pointed out Mt St Helens around thus time but much of the last half hour there were always two in view. Thus may have been it, or Mt Rainier. I think we were past Lassen by the time we took this.
We’ll explain pay wave when we see you. In Aus we never sign for credit card charges any more… It’s either swipe or pay wave, plus pin for higher amounts.
Holy smokes Dad, I’m so impressed! Watching the movies in German – you’re a legend.
Pretty impressive eh, Hannah? They were dubbed too so there were no English subtitles to cheat by either.