Lawyers, Guns n Money

And, if that fails – fall back on the US State Department. They came through in the 11th hour.

And I am grateful. My own efforts had failed miserably.

Thank you Cynthia for having great friends!!! Nothing better then having good friends. In my case, an old friend of Cynthia’s saved the day! After failing to secure an outbound flight (again and again), being told I am not in the Database – No flight for you. Cynthia’s friend’s son intervened. He is a Director at the State Department – and somehow convinced New Caledonia to allow my exit. It was a team effort of several State employees – I thank them all!!

Apparently, I was the last American – and they needed me – you know, just in case! HeHeHe!! Kidding of course. New Caledonia was paradise, and treated me wonderfully. But when it comes to exiting a small South Pacific Island during the Corona Chaos – all bets are off. Fear rules all. It was looking like another month of lockdown at-least. Heading home seemed to smart plan – I worry about the supply chain in these small islands – No TimTam’s would be a nightmare!!

So, I jump to Japan in a few hours as I start this blog. A long flight 9 hours. In the NRT airport I’ll face a long layover in Tokyo. Here goes nothing!!

From Tokyo, I’ll be pushing onto Dallas and another long layover and finally onto Orlando.

If all goes well, and my karma is favorable. I’ll be home in a few days.

Wish me luck.

Another crossing, during a World Pandemic no less. This will be interesting.

This one definitely has its risks. But the prospect of another month in isolation here in New Caledonia isn’t looking too exciting either. Of course, I’ll have to self quarantine at home. But at-least I’m home.

***

The flight to NRT was unique. People spaced out, maybe 30% occupancy. Had sanitizer before a meal. Everyone freaking when they hear a cough. 99% in masks. I’m the freak again – no mask. Only American. They fear me. But actually; I think it’s the most sanitized plane I’ve ever been on. Maybe the safest. – Such a paradox!!

Well – all day to kill in Tokyo. Lounges all closed. But they do have an Expresso café open – Ahh! There is a God. And he loves me.

Good, on-time flight to Dallas. Maybe 10% occupancy on the plane. -empty. And wow, such good future for Dallas FW to have a Hyatt at the airport. I have the perfect refuge for the night. Home tomorrow. Easy.

57 hours transit time from the South Pacific to Orlando. A record for me. Traveling on empty planes, living in empty airports for layovers. I'll not forget this adventure soon!!

Travel update:

- Airport transfer in Noumea: 25 minutes late – I’m starting to panic – going to plan B !! Ahh! Here they are!! Just island time. Relax Bruce.

- NOU to NRT: Success, I’m in Tokyo - Expresso at last!

- NRT to DFW: Success. I'm in Dallas. Grand Hyatt luxury! the land of plenty

- DFW to MCO: Success. I'm home.

- Airport transfer home in Orlando: One of my sons picked me up from the airport. easy!