Flying on a jet plane...headed to New Zealand

I had a wonderful last night in San Francisco. I met up with a friend and we had manicure/pedicures at Divisadero Nails. I have throughly enjoyed being back in the Us - 2 pedicures and 3 manicures in a month (as well as my eyebrows done). All very reasonably priced.  

So after an hour in the spa chairs having our nails buffed and polished (blue and pink) we walked up to Lion Pub. Not that we knew its name. Mum had said there was an interesting bar up at the corner of Divisadero and Sacramento. She was right. The bar was not very crowded (It was a Tuesday night). The bartender was fantastic and the mojito was good. Soon it was time for food....

So we headed over to Chestnut Street for dinner at Mamacita's. So that was a cold wait at the bus stop then a 2 bus trip as the bus that goes up Disvisadero ends at Fillmore and Jackson so we then caught the 22 over to Chestnut. Luckily there was a bus shelter on Fillmore. We walked down a bustling Chestnut Street (even though it was a Tuesday) to Mamacita's.

The blood orange mojito was fantastic. I am pretty sure that mojitos are my new favorite drink. We had brussels sprouts with cheese and pepitas, queso fundido and fish taos. The food was fantastic. We did have to ask for more carbs (tosatos/torilla chips) for the queso fundido. I certainly have been getting my fair share of Mexican food while I have been in California. This restaurant served beautiful high end Mexican food. The fish tacos were fantastic. The discussion was varied and interesting. It was great to catch up (especially when it did not involve 1555 stairs!)

Made it back to the house (via a taxi). Watched the latest episode of "The Real Housewives of NEw York City" rather than packing. 

This morning I got up early to start getting organised for my six week trip! Mom and I headed over to the JCC for 8am Pilates Fusion class with Neil. I have really enjoyed the pilates mat classes we have taken with Neil. After stretching muscles I am not sure I had, Mom and I grabbed coffee (and a begel for me) at the JCC cafe. We picked up some strawberries at the farmers market and headed back to the house. 

I then spent the 3 hours organising, cleaning and packing. I cleaned out my suitcases and cleaned up Caitlin's room packing most everything into a portable wardrobe I purchased and tweaked (adding wheels and additional support). Did several loads of laundry. I thought I would get away with packing 1 large suitcase and a carryon. I was wrong! I packed 2 suitcases. Not sure what eaxactly I have packed but think I have everything I need for NZ and Australia including gifts. I have a fair number of new books and I bought the Rosetta Stone to start learning French. I will install in NZ. Will keep you updated on how that goes.

Anyway I managed to have a shower and get out the door 20 minutes later than I wanted. Mom drove me to the airport and I checked in to my flight to LAX. I discovered when I sat down at the gate I had tore my left thumb nail half way down. I always seem to destroy mails when I travel. Am I the only one that does this? 

Luckily there is a spa in the SFO terminal. I was able to get my nail repaired and repainted before I had to board my flight. My flight to LA was completely uneventful. The best kind. I am now in the American Airlines First Class lounge. I have to go down and recheck in with Qantas. I will write more from New Zealand... I intend to post about my travel during March....Ciao for now.