3 notes of wisdom + an update

The fiasco involved with booking our plane tickets is far too long a complaint-ful to take your time with. But first, let me share with you my recently found wisdom.

1, I would suggest NEVER using Cheap O Air as apparently they're booking technique involves presenting  a few ridiculously cheap flights, when you book them, say "Oh No! they're no longer available! But here's a $5 off coupon for your loss." After repeating a couple of times, it develops a panic in you that you have to buy the plane ticket now, even if it's $500 more than the first one you tried to book because they're all getting bought up!!! But I am no fool! Not that many people are trying to get to PNG! so I refresh the page and guess what!?!?! Those "sold out flights" are listed again!!!!
Don't do it friends.
2! Beware 3rd world country airlines. They will arbitrarily decide to cancel flights even though it'll mean you'll miss your connection and they WON'T pay to put you up in a hotel. So wait to book your tickets if you can. Less chaos.
And 3, select your seats as late as possible. Especially if you have to pay. Because the Terms and Conditions of paying to request seats says that if you change your itinerary for ANY REASON the purchase will not be credited to another flight.

But most recently in this chaos, Qantas Airline said I had to fill out information on the site, but every time I tried it gave me an error! Many times I tried! Over many weeks!
Finally I called Qantas (using the number I'm only supposed to use if my flights in the next 72hrs. I know, such a rebel! But there were no other phone numbers on the site!!) And the lady, in a very soothing Aussie accent, told me that as an American, that's not mandatory. And that they'd just scan the chip in my passport when I arrived at check-in.
"Ok, but what if one of my passports doesn't have a chip?"
"You're traveling on two passports?!"
"There are two people in my party..."
"Oh, well I think worldwide, you have to have a chip in your passport. You'll need to call the Australian Embassy and ask them so you won't have any problems on arrival."
(She also booked the seats I requested free of charge even though Number 3)

But now (in theory) are flights are good to go. I just need to see if my husband is allowed to make the flight!!
Calling the Embassy tomorrow!!

Bonding with the Housemates

Well, we have acquired our housemates. The Stocktons moved in last week and will be staying in our apartment as they look for their own and as we are out of country. They will be keeping our cat fed and loved in our absence.
We met Shad when we were interns and Jacob had the pleasure of venturing out to Africa in his company while I was in Papua New Guinea. His wife, Rachel, who neither of us had previously met, turned out to be a delightful woman, a choice expected from a man like Shad.
As a bonding experience, the four of us took a trip to the King's Spa and Sauna a few days after their arrival. It was an experience to say the least. The first segment was a communal soak where gender specific rooms expected us to get quite undressed to soak in tubs of varying temperatures and herbs.
From there, we were given uniforms (of which the men's were significantly more attractive) and were able to venture into co-ed rooms with an array of properties. The favorite of our husbands was the Fire Sudatorium, known for it's 200 degree temperature. Rachel and I braved it for a total of 60 seconds. The men held out until they departed drenched with sweat. Rachel enjoyed the Ice Room which was a bit to frigid for the rest of us. The men went to watch Korean movies in the theatre while Rachel and I went to the Air Room, which featured that perfect temperature where you don't know where the air ends and your skin begins and the scent of oak, where we took an hour nap.
It was definitely fun and Rachel and I will not hesitate to return. And thanks to the Fire Sudatorium and the theatre, our men will be willing to take us back!