Well, today was the trip out to the Pacific North West. It started off with getting up ridiculously early, getting everything together and heading off to the airport. We were a little early, but there was a long line, so I went through the security a bit earlier than expected. The plane leaving Chicago had us sitting in the plane for about an hour before we could take off… then we arrived about an hour early due to a lack of head winds. Figures.

A nice surprise (which I checked later and was planned from day one) was that the leg from Chicago to Seattle was in First Class. Very nice, hot bagel and cream cheese for breakfast. Drinks before takeoff. Food that wasn’t plastic and horrible for breakfast. All in all, a pleasant experience – I would fly First Class again. ^^

I managed to leave my drink bottle on the plane… again.

After arriving I called Greg, my homestay host for the week, and then waited for what seemed like an eternity for my baggage to come out on those carousel-things. I went outside and hailed down the white VW bug with Greg in it. We introduced ourselves, packed the bags into the car then head off. General chit-chat along the way, Greg pointed out a few sights to be had as we drove back to his place. After we got back we just sat and had a bit of a chat and I checked on my computer that I didn’t need to be anywhere in particular today.

A bit later we went and visited a bike shop (Greg is still waiting for his new bike), and did a little bit more touring around the immediate area. Seattle is a very hilly place (well, it certainly seems that way to the vast flatness of Christchurch, but I have it on other people’s authority that it is, in fact, hilly) and it seems like the weather is grey and rainy, but not too cold. I think it’s about 7 or 8 degrees Celsius, which is about on par for a wet winter day back in Christchurch. I’m er… right at home. ^^;

Anyway, Greg took me on a mini-tour of the UW campus at night (as well as the route I’ll be taking on the bus the tomorrow). Everything was closed up, pretty much so I didn’t get to see the hustle and bustle, but it’s certainly a gorgeous campus. Old, brick, “collegiate looking” buildings well-spaced apart. Massive campus. Huge looking Rec-centre which I’ll explore later this week. Anyway.

Back to the house for some dinner (I played around on Greg’s guitar since he shooed me out of the kitchen) and more chat, then it’s early to bed and a very tired Leith. Tomorrow is going to be a nightmare, as I have a lot of administration to do.