After Michele dropped me at the start of the International Departures Terminal, the check in gate for United airlines was all the way at the other end …. At least I got a good walk in before the long flight. There was no queue at the H section where United Airlines are and I was able to check in my bag immediately. The lovely attendant changed my window seat to one that did not have anyone beside me 20 rows closer to the front of the plane …. I think that is a benefit of travelling alone, they can move you easily.

Once bagless, customs was pretty quick. I did get scanned in the machine and then had a minor pat down….all good!

So into the terminal for my first Bloody Mary of the trip looking out over the Sydney cityscape.

I spent the next hour writing the blog and doing some shopping. I bought my obligatory ‘Sleeping pill’ a small bottle of Grey Goose vodka. I also bought the Buttery cape 666 Tasmanian vodka to give to Scott. They sealed the big bottle but let the small one go in my bag.

I then had a last glass of bubbles at K kitchen by Mike. Deb and I ate there when we went to Auckland and Michele and I have eaten there too, I decided that I would wait to eat on the plane as all the options were too much after I had 2 pierogi at mum’s this morning. The glass of bubbles cost $32!!!!! Apparently a Xmas surcharge, but whatever 🙄. 

My new seat was near the wing but since the trip is across the Pacific Ocean, there wasn’t a need to look at a view.

So, the upgrade to a seat nearer the front of the plane put me right near the rainbow Jewish family with heaps of loud kids. My birthday ‘noise cancelling’ earbuds were an absolute blessing 😳 Thank you Scott!

Another snag…..we had to wait for over an hour to get refuelled and on our way. We were offered cups of water which was a relief as I didn’t think to bring any onto the plane.

We were given a snack and drinks once we were in the air. I ordered the Bloody Mary mix with Vodka. You have to link a card or PayPal to your United Airlines App to pay for spirits. (Wine and beer are free). I did this twice but it never registered at their end, although I had proof that I had completed it …. So they were lovely each flight and just gave me the mini bottles. A meal followed about 40 minutes later.

Dinner was pasta or chicken or vego. I chose the chicken and it was ok. The salad was fresh and I’ll give the TimTam to Scott 😂.

The blinds were closed after the meal for about 4 hours and the lights dimmed. At 10pm Aus time we were given a snack.. another TimTam and a small roll with cucumber and a creamy turkey filling.

The lady in the aisle seat was a lovely young American indigenous woman. She activated the tv on the centre chair with the flight maps and we could track where we were all the time while watching our personal screens and having some space.

Breakfast was served about an hour and a half from our destination. It consisted of fresh fruit (watermelon, pineapple and apples), a cinnamon muffin plus an omelette with a small sausage, baked beans and spinach. No TimTams this time 😆

The San Francisco customs border was quick and another bag check was ok except they had to test my Cape 666 vodka (and I just realised that I could have put it into my checked luggage – you have to collect the bags and then drop them off at another spot). My bag was the first off the carousel so I moved through the airport quickly. We looked like we were the only flight that arrived around that time so the airport was not busy at all.

$91USD for 2 small bottles of wine and a small clam chowder! But the San Francisco chowder is tasty except for some chewy pieces. The small portion was too big and I could only finish half of the serving.

While waiting for my next flight I noticed a lot of Polish speakers and met a NZ guy who grew up in Maroubra and is married to a Polish woman. All 3 of their boys are dual citizens.

Boarding the flight is well organised with United. When you check in they place you in a group from 1-5. They call each group so queues are shorter.

Once on the San Francisco to Munich leg, the announcements were in English and Deutsche. The plane was full so no empty seat between. At least it’s a shorter flight! Luckily I have a window seat for the trek across the USA.

America is vast with lots of snow and mountains. We Flew over California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan then Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada before crossing over the UK AND THE Netherlands.

Generous wine pours and free vodka . No complaints about United. Snack was turkey and cheese roll.

Crossing Ireland and England was basically clear but soon as we crossed the English Channel a thick cloud hid the features of mainland Europe .

The food on the flights was more than enough and the service was always efficient and accommodating.

The landing at Munich airport was very smooth. The airport is easy to navigate and I followed the signs to the Sbahn which will take me to the central station Munich for 13€ ($21AUD) where my hotel is opposite the station. So far, so good.

It’s 9 degrees but it feels warmer than that. The thick clouds have not reached Munich yet but rain is expected this afternoon. I only need my grey light puffer and found my woollen scarf too hot with my green tunic, yoga pants and black sneakers.

So, it’s time to work off my jet lag. I will try to sleep through the night to adjust. My hotel room is comfortable and has a small eatery and bar attached. I did not realise that all the shops are closed on Boxing Day … so shopping will have to wait.

Gluten Nacht 😘