Day 03 - Relaxing - even at LAX!

Not a brilliant night’s sleep – again, but at least we were up in time for breakfast.  A reasonable amount of food available, with just scrambled eggs and that terrible crispy streaky bacon that some love, on the hot section.  But plenty of fruit salad, pastries, breads etc., so we were happy enough, as it cost us nothing.  A leisurely remainder of the morning just lounging around and packing.  Paula was fine and we dragged our cases down to the pool area and just enjoyed the fresh air.  Neither of us are too keen on air-conditioning for very long, so with the prospect of the airport and then the flight, with a minimal amount of fresh air and daylight, grabbing it whilst we can is always a good policy.  Paula was studiously watching her dance videos in lieu of actually dancing, so she might need to loosen up a bit between now and the ProAm competition on Tuesday, which is after all, the number one reason for this trip.  Four weeks on the Crown Princess are merely time fillers…

Most airlines for International flights say allow a check in time of three hours, so why is it that when you do arrive three hours early, the check in desks often aren’t open?  We arrived a bit early, to join a small queue, but thankfully, the check-in desks opened a couple of minutes later, so bags dumped, we headed straight through. We no longer have to wait around at LAX whilst the bags are scanned either.

Now LAX has a terrible reputation for slow processing and in December, even though we were in the fast track line, it still took over 30 minutes to get through.  The major blockage being scanning.  This time, zero delay at immigration (though the staff there weren’t as friendly as at arrivals) and we were told we didn’t need to remove electronic devices, didn’t need to remove shoes.  Just empty pockets of anything metal and whoosh.  Through in two minutes. Easy.   Whether they have new scanners or a changed policy, who knows? But it sure was fast.

We haven’t really explored the Tom Bradley terminal since the relocation of Air NZ fights and the revamp, but there are certainly plenty of eating options now.  We just walked around then headed for the Star Alliance lounge, to relax, connect to the internet  - and snack.  I tried to add some pics taken of the hotel – and the directory just disappeared  No idea where that has gone.  

Easy boarding and on time with a great cabin crew once again.

Not really a very informative day, followers, and still no pics, and certainly nothing for new cruisers!

Tomorrow, we arrive in the UK at 11:30am, but sad to say, the five day forecast is rain, rain, rain, rain – and rain.  As Nottingham hasn’t had any rain for ages, the gardeners will be delighted.  Not so sure the NZ dance contingent will be too thrilled. First time I have been back to the UK since 1983 and had more than a couple of wet days per trip.