California Drivin'

Inching our way home around the world, we flew from MCO to LAX today. The new Clear Reserve system worked really well to get us through a disorganised airport full of people who know their rights and live to express them. We were there at 7am and we shuddered at the thought of what the airport would have looked like later in the day...

The flight itself on United was fine. It somewhat grated that despite having round the world business class tickets, we were unable to use the United lounge at MCO. I was kind enough to be "gifted" as entry as a member's guest. Anyhow! We arrived at LAX safely and luggage pickup was surprising quick and painless. 

We hired a car from an ultra budget mob called Fox, but so far they've been great to deal with. With 3 nights before our flight home we decided to try something different and head to Palm Springs as a base to explore the Joshua Tree National Park. Along the drive, we discovered that Driver Mal driver and Navigator Lara was a much better combo than Driver Mal + Navigator Bel. Hurray for me, I get to play with my phone lol! Mal and Lara survived the multi-lane freeways and motorways out of Los Angeles and we arrived at our destination intact.

Hilton Embassy Suites at Palm Desert was our home for the next 3 nights. It was kinder to our wallets than being based at Palm Springs, and for good reason...it was old and tired and due for a major renovation. This was scheduled for sometime after our stay. For us, it meant only requiring one room for our family of 5 but our room was MASSIVE with lots of space. It did the job! We were able to open up ALL our suitcases and duffels to rearrange with ample floor space to spare!

Was nice to see green mountains 

Finally...she was craving Chipotle. A reward for great navigation!

Not so healthy mochi donuts

Heyday circa 1985...

BUT...rooms are spacious

Look at our living space! It didn't stay tidy for long

How did they know we were MALcolm and BelINDA?!? 

Dec 9 Revisited

Traffic to Sydney Airport was absolutely horrendous! We checked in at about 2 hours before our flight. Somehow, time disappeared on us and we ended up being one of the last ones to board the plane. According to Malcolm, our names were very nearly called out...

At Sydney airport, waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive

Just before entering the gates. No turning back now!

Jonah looking at the Delta plane taking us to the USA

We started our "day" again in America at 6am in LAX. Other than Malcolm having coffee spilt on his pants by the flight attendant, we made it through our 14 hour flight relatively unscathed. Hallelujah! Passport control, baggage claim, customs, bag drop and security check were surprisingly quick and painless. We were through everything and transfered into the Delta Terminal within the hour. Even after a long visit to McDonald's, we still had over 2 and a half hours to kill. Jonah thankfully had his afternoon nap on the flight to Orlando and the other children stayed awake.

Still happy and chirpy before the flight!

The giant McDonald's iced coffee purchased to keep us awake. It was nearly twice the sice of Elyssa's head! We should have known better to only keep to small...

Awaiting our flight to Orlando at LAX

The flight to Orlando so far has been very pleasant. The flight attendants are so much friendlier than their international counterparts and the free wifi onboard is just awesome. Can't wait to get to get to Port Orleans Riverside!