Flat out

Saturday 25th part 3

I thought of the catchy title because I thought once I'd got to the flat, I'd be out like a light. It didn't quite happen that way.

The flight from LA to Houston was full, no empty seats in first class and I heard just 1 in economy. I had a window seat for a change, usually I like an aisle, so I can get up easily. The seat next to me was occupied by an elderly Asian man who managed to sleep most of the way, so when I did need to get up, it was a bit tricky. The meal was surprisingly nice - soup, shrimp salad and fruit. I also was able to take some photos from the plane, although they never come out as clear as what you can see yourself. LA itself is reasonably green but once you get over the Rockies the land is quite sandy, with some obviously irrigated green patches.

Houston is once again very green from the air, although it was cloudy which made it hard to get any shots. It was actually drizzling when we landed.

It was a particularly unsettled flight. I'd seen the movie that was playing and I couldn't concentrate to read my book for very long. However, I couldn't really get to sleep either. We again left late - just took so long to get everyone on board and seated but arrived more or less on time about 4:45. It took about 30 minutes to get out of the terminal, even though my suitcase was literally the first off the conveyor belt and the golf clubs followed soon after. It was not too difficult carrying all the stuff and it was a 5 minute wait for the Rental car shuttle bus. The driver helped us get our luggage on and off the bus - nice to get a bit of service.

I have a Chrysler Impala. I ordered a "Corolla or similar" and this seems a bit bigger so I may have got the next size up. It has more than enough room for case, clubs and laptop bag in the boot. I think I picked the wrong choice for "Route" in the GPS, trying to avoid the tollway. It keep telling me to turn off the freeway. I ignored this as I knew I needed the I 45 but when it told me to take the first exit, I pulled off and reprogrammed it. It was after 7 by the time I got to the flat. This was 6 am Perth time so it had been 32 hours door to door.

The flat is very nice and has one bedroom with a big walk in wardrobe, a bath room with a deep oval bath, a sitting area, dining area and kitchen on an open plan and a utility room with a washer and dryer. It's on the first floor and has a balcony that has a view of the balconies of the building opposite and the road between them. I guess you can't have everything.

There was a big snack basket waiting for me - chips, chocolate, biscuits, coffee etc. and a new phone. I was only planning to get a Sim card, but perhaps they aren't available here like they are in Thailand. There was also a cable modem sitting on the bench but no cord to connect to the laptop. I headed out to buy a network or USB cable and the GPS directed me to a supermarket. I think it just found the start of the road. Anyway, I bought some cereal and milk, soft drink and half a snow crab for dinner. I then was heading for Walmart where I was told I could get some cables, when I saw a Radio shack, so stopped there instead.

The Internet was up pretty quickly once I'd made the connection and found the right network. There was an email from Tony, welcoming me and inviting me to dinner on Tuesday. I call him up on the new mobile. By this time I was more than ready for a shower. I put on the Qantas PJs afterwards and had a brief stroll around the grounds. The gate to the pool was open and that area looks really nice. I then went to the Welcome centre next to it and found the door was locked. I tried to go back to the pool but that gate was also locked ( from that side, even though I'd been able to go through it out of the pool). I had to climb over the pool fence to get out. There is a small gym there as well.

Back in the room, I started to watched TV. There seem to be about 16 or so channels available so I channel hopped, watching bits of different shows for a while, then fell asleep. This happened several times before I got up and got the crab organised and had it for dinner. Further dozing then continued. I was trying to watch Saturday Night Live.

Its after midnight now so I am hoping that once I get to bed, I'll be able to sleep through and get myself in synch with the time zone. To say it's been a long day would be an understatement.