One of the things I find interesting about travelling is how much I absorb without realizing that I'm absorbing it.

When we exited customs in Sydney, I was struck by how familiar the airport felt. Sure, I had been here before, but I hadn't really paid much attention on my way through.

Or, at least I didn't think I had.

I had.

Jonathan and I arrived in Sydney, he somewhat well-rested, I somewhat not-so-well rested. I managed about four hours of airplane sleep, tipped over onto his shoulder. For the record, he has comfortable shoulders. And sleeps like a rock on planes.

What is it with guys I travel with that they can sleep so well on planes?

We landed in New Zealand early enough in the morning to be painful, bypassing doom, which isn't so painful, wandered through the airport, stood in a line, went through a security check, up a flight a stairs, and into a waiting room which was right above where we entered into the terminal. I was amused by all of the walking we did, commenting that we walked an awful long way to move 20 feet vertically.

Still.

Hello, New Zealand!

My excitement for my first time touching ground in New Zealand, even if we were merely passing through, was dashed, however, when I realized I lost my phone.

I remembered putting it in one of the zippered pockets in my backpack, but did not recall zipping it. I also remembered pulling other items out of that pocket, without recalling the phone was still in the pocket.

Nine years is a long time, and yet, a very short time.

I know where I was when I heard about the World Trade Center Towers' destruction. I know that I called the police four hours before to call about something so trivial as someone unknown stealing recyclables from our trashcan. I know that nine years seems so long ago, and yet so recent.

I also know that the people who are calling out for the cancellation of a mosque's plans to be build near the World Trade Center, and insensitive, unAmerican, assholes for their short-sided, ignorant views.

I know that it's incredible unAmerican how fucking retarded said assholes are being, and how much I wish they could see beyond their kneejerk, irrational, unresearched, disgusting reactions.

Yeah, I'm not biased.

I tell you, Snook totally has the way of this flight. He didn't sleep much last night, choosing to work late and get up early at work last night. He asked me what time it is in Sydney, and decided that the 11 hour flight is perfect for, oh, sleeping.

Me? I'm dumb.

I worked most of this flight. I'm awake at the wrong times, and will probably sleep at the exact worst times.

He's also sleeping with the neck pillow. Smart man. Mostly. He's leaning forward, so I'm not sure how well that pillow is helping out.

He's sleeping.

I'm not.

This is going to be a rough transition, staying awake until 4:00 am and sleeping until noon for the last week not-withstanding.