As I packed my stuff early, I was fighting back tears a bit; I knew that getting on the plane and leaving Norfolk would be extremely difficult. Cleaning the suite as much as possible I washed every dish, gave the kitchen a good wipedown and got rid of all the rubbish. When I called Nicki I asked if we could print a copy of my credit card statement. I don't have a ticket out of New Zealand; I could show my credit card statement if I got hassled at customs. The printer wasn't working but I figured we couldn't waste too much time since it was nearly 10 AM and I couldn't check in online for my flight. Gaelene called just before we left; I wanted to make sure she'd be at the airport because I wanted to give her a hug goodbye. With all my gear in the back I was slightly emotional as we drove toward the airport. Many people check in for their flight and then either stroll into town for a bit or go for a short drive. Michelle, the school headmaster, showed up to give me a hug goodbye and wish me well; that was very thoughtful of her! Cristina, unfortunately couldn't be there since she was at a birthday party for Dave's daughter. Fighting tears, I went to check in but they asked if I had an onward ticket. I explained that Auckland was my final destination but the ticket agent asked "how are you getting back to the States?" And I said "I'm not going back there." Juliette, the head agent put NZ customs on the phone and I explained that I was told in Queenstown that as long as I can demonstrate that I have sufficient funds to buy a ticket, it's not a problem. She said "well, they gave you the wrong information." I explained then that I'm on an extended visit doing filming for a documentary. My heart pounding, I was told that I theoretically should be on a work visa if I'm filming for a documentary. "We're not really concerned about that though, the main thing is that you have to have a ticket out of New Zealand to a country you can enter" she said. It was very difficult for me and I said frantically to Juliette "I have a very important meeting in Auckland in a few days that I cannot miss!" Before coming here I even thought of this: if I ran into this problem I could buy a ticket to New Caledonia or possibly Tokyo (where I'm thinking of spending my 30th). I'd read about the onward ticket dilemma many times and have always thought "there's a way out of it." As I sat there nervous, Nicki shouted me a coffee and a muffin and told me not to worry. Juliette returned, shaking her heading saying that I have to have an onward ticket. She then said she could set me up with a fully refundable ticket to Sydney and that she'll put the refund through tomorrow after I email Nicki. She said she's done it many times for travellers, and Nicki even said "I had dinner with Juliette last night, you're in good hands." The only credit card I have is cut in half; I do that so I don't spend uncontrollably with it yet still have it for making online purchases such as plane tickets. Minutes later, Juliette returned with my boarding pass and a printout of the refundable ticket. The only part that's nonrefundable is a $10 "service fee" attached to the ticket. With all that weight off my chest I sipped my coffee emotionally as I filled out my departure card. The incoming flight was delayed about 15 minutes due to a plane change in Auckland so that gave us enough time for a short drive. We drove to Headstone Point for a photo and then into town quickly so I could get a magnet. Gaelene, Kerry, and Carli were all at the airport but I didn't see Troy and Shari. Gaelene, Kerry, and I got a nice photo here.
Wally then showed up so he could say his goodbyes. Hayden does the baggage screening so he's one of the last people I got to say goodbye to before I got on the plane. I must add that Norfolk has to be one of the only places in the world where the local mechanic is a baggage screener (Hayden), a bank teller works at a cafe (Sarah), and so forth. Norfolk Island has really touched me. Being sponsored by Nicki, a fabulous dinner with Gaelene and Rosco, speaking at the school, meeting Cristina and Teddy, speaking on Norfolk Island Radio, spending time with Dave, being set up with a bicycle by Hayden, and meeting Rachael at the party at Foot Nort (being invited even I wasn't really close with anyone), it's all been a highlight. So much was packed into one week! I never dreamed that a tiny island with a peculiar flag would have such a huge impact on me. It appears it was really meant to happen this way. Initially I had thought of going to Melbourne or Vanuatu yet I found a super-cheap ticket to Norfolk after drinking about four glasses of wine that night. On the plane I was crying; I already really miss everyone! The only other place I've left crying is London. The real highlight of this journey was speaking at the school and making an impact! As I flew over the South Pacific back toward Aotearoa today, I didn't say "goodbye" to Norfolk but instead "se yorlye suun."
