OnSno.com

Following on from the previous post – we left Sydney airport relatively on time, at 4:15pm, and were promised a shorter-than-expected flight due to impressive tail winds. Jumping onto the 747 on offer, we secured our three seats towards the front of the economy cabin – much better seating than we had previously been assigned (ie 2nd row from the back).

Although we had only just recently eaten lunch, after a Hungry Jack’s ‘brunch’ – as it was too early to call it lunch back in the domestic terminal, we were soon offered dinner. Although Pip’s ‘vegetarian’ preference appeared not to stick with the airline, the food on offer was more than acceptable for all party members. Unfortunately, Pip wasn’t feeling the best and probably wasn’t going to be appetised by anything offered.

Somewhere around two hours into the flight, the flight attendants politely suggested that we close our window shades to block out the ‘late and bright sun’ that was still shining. Within literally five minutes of this suggestion, we found out the real reason why – tropical thunderstorms left, right and centre.

While we played dodge the thunderstorm for many hours to come, the flight was not uncomfortable and time seemed to go past relatively quickly – although, we were thoroughly disappointed that the January movies had already come into swing, while the movies we had been promised in the seat-back magazine had been ditched into the Pacific.

With just a few hours remaining until our arrival in San Francisco, a small medical emergency unfolded only two rows in front of us. A woman, seemingly visiting the toilet, simply collapsed on the floor in front of the exit row/toilets. While it took the flight attendants several minutes to react to this, it tied up five of them on and off for the next hour or so, while blood pressure was checked and oxygen given. It appeared that their first aid training was not helping much, as they soon put out a call for any medical personnel on the flight to come forward.

Luckily, an hour before the flight landed, the woman simply stood up and returned to her seat a few rows back. She stayed in her seat for the rest of the flight, with oxygen attached – strange but true. Looks like it might not have been as serious as first thought, but still not a good thing to happen.

Unfortunately, for all other passengers on the flight, this delayed the breakfast service which forced some of the final row passengers to eat in the same movement as handing up their rubbish. Pip again wasn’t feeling great, and so had gone many hours now without a proper meal.

After these airborne adventures had ceased, we began our decent into San Francisco. Literally metres from the end of the runway, we simply powered-up to full throttle and took off again – later it became clear why: a plane was trying to cross over the runway we were landing on, but managed to do so right at the point we were trying to use the runway.

Another approach loop down and we finally landed in cool, and slightly hazy San Francisco. After clearing US customs and immigration – wow, there wasn’t even a line up – we had to recheck our bags with one very grumpy (and who could blame him, what a shite job he had to do) airline rep.

From here, we cleared security to reenter the airport we had just left, and were shuffled to a ‘special’ line – one which Ed feared may mean excessive tests, as we obviously looked suspicious. As it turned out, it was actually just a line that was not being used, BUT, designed for ‘first-time flyers’, ‘families with babies’ etc etc. No problem however – we got through with no problems and quite quickly too.

From here we looked for some lunch – now 11:30am the same day we left Sydney. You’ll never guess, but we walked a few hundred metres and had major dejavu – Hungry Jack’s (or Burger King) again! Although, as you’ll see in the photos (when I get around to that), a medium in the US of A is nothing like that found at home.

After lunch we moved from here to the departure gate to wait until we could board yet another plane – luckily the last for the journey. While the flight was running on time, once aboard the aircraft, we sat and waited for more than 30 minutes past our scheduled departure time – for the Captain to arrive. He was flying in from Calgary and moving directly from one flight to another, but unfortunately got delayed on the way in.

The flight was uneventful, and snow appeared quickly after leaving ‘Frisco’. Upon arrival into Vancouver, we saw snow… everywhere. This is a once-in-50-year event, so we’re told – and certainly different to the normal “7C, rain” weather forecast.

By the time we left the airport – 4:30pm – it was practically dark, in the true Canadian spirit. We arrived at the accommodation with no worries, and soon set out to buy some groceries – from our local gourmet supermarket. One thing to note: Canadians do not drink cordial.

After returning with the groceries, we hit Robson street for some dinner, ending up at one of our favourites – Earl’s. The food and service was nice, as always, and the interior decor very fine and funky. It was nice and warm too – unlike outside, which had cooled down significantly from our arrival 2C weather.

Following dinner, we explored the streets a little and discovered the underground Sky Train station (oxymoron anyone?) that we needed for tomorrow. But again, more on that when it actually happens.

If you’ve got this far, you’ve done very well – so here’s your prize. The End!

Stay tuned, and pray for more snow (29cm fell in 24 hours)! Woo! I’ll get some photos up as soon as we can.