From the US travel front lines: the airports & planes are pretty slow. No problem finding empty areas to eat/hang out in Newark and LAX so far. Lucky to have empty seat rows 2/2. Everyone pretty much following rules. #PandemicTravel #COVID19

Newark had most shops open but required self checkout. RIC's were closed but I was there stupid early. LAX a mixed bag. Some terminals all shops shut, some terminals all open

Ppl are wearing masks for the most part. Overall the airlines & airports are SO MUCH BETTER at messaging/signage than when I arrived end March. Almost NZ levels. Finally feel hopeful. Also is Newark airport telling ppl to dab when they cough/sneeze?? #PandemicTravel #covid19

Tom Bradley terminal @ #LAX

#PandemicTravel #covid19 #spooky

In my #ManagedIsolation bus on my way to my #ManagedIsolationHotel in Mangere. All went smoothly and quickly. Transiters off plane 1st. Customs & temp/symptom check, baggage claim, biosecurity, directly to a desk where they checked me off for my hotel and bus. #TeamOf5Million

AirNZ flight was great. Gave us 4 masks each throughout the flight and told us when it was time to change masks.

Fave people I encountered on my NZ journey were a couple w/ a child. They each wore proper gas masks w/ cartridges, goggle-type eye protection, a face shield, and gloves. I am pretty sure the kid was wearing her swim goggles. Good on yas! I felt positively exposed in comparison.

So, to continue the story (I was just too tired yesterday!). We got bussed to the @Naumi_Hotel_Akl in Māngere. V nice digs. Peeps in full gear came out to unload our luggage. Sarah(?) from #MoH came on board to tell us what was going to happen.

Obviously, we were in isolation for 14 days. We get accommodation, food, laundry once a week, covid checks, and wifi on the NZ Government (thanks!). We can order stuff but everything delivered gets inspected. No escaping.No visitors. No homecooked food (health reasons).

No alcohol delivered (can be bought from the hotel). Wear a mask every time you leave your room. They supply new masks. I was surprised to hear that we can walk around the hotel as long as we wear masks and socially distance.

We social distance-exited the bus by bubble in turns so no one would crowd up inside or have to wait in the cold & rain.

Then I had a sort of health inspection where they took my info--name of my NZ doc, allergies, emergency contact, baseline health stuff.

I then got interviewed by a second person who asked for some of the same basic info, minus in-depth health q's, & if I needed anything urgently. I think they were from different organisations, maybe--one nurse team, one security?

I then went to reception where I was assigned a room. I picked what food I wanted to eat that day. Throughout all this I got a ton of paperwork. Everyone was lovely.

Then I got to get my luggage! They had brought it all into the hotel. I had to point to my cases, because my escort person had to be the first person to touch the luggage (??).

I was led to my room and was told that when lunch/dinner arrived, I had to acknowledge through the door so that the food didn't sit out too long. Breakfast is OK to leave out apparently. :)

Bus to my room took less than 15 mins.

Day 1 went by fast. Breakfast arrived very soon, then I got a bunch of menus for the week. They called me to ask what I wanted the next day. A team of nurses stopped by to take my temp and check on me. I explored my room.

Check out my sweet digs!

There is a patio and an "English Garden" directly off my room, and I went to reception to ask if I had to book a time to go there (I don't--just for the "official exercise area," still not sure where that is).

While walking around for 3 mins I saw 10+ staff/cops/security people. I accidentally stepped somewhere I wasn't supposed to & was quickly told (not unkindly) to move back. I heard two people in the courtyard area get told to wear their masks (again, strictly & kindly).

The wifi is decent. It cuts out sometimes but reconnects ok.

The food is objectively fine. However, it is free AND made by someone else, which makes it AMAZING. We get cereal, pastry, yogurt, milk, and juice/tea for breakfast. Fruit or cake slice for a morning snack.

Lunches and dinners we get a choice of either a vegetarian or meat-based meal. We get various soft drinks/juice/water options for lunch and dinner each day. I find I am extra hungry in isolation so I look forward to the knock on the door :)

Day 2 was the same. Breakfast around 8, a phone call to get my food order for tomorrow around noon, lunch around 1 pm, nurse team check around 1:30, dinner at 7. Today I also got a phone call from Aviation Security asking how I'm getting home from the hotel. They are on the ball!

I left NZ end March in a hurry after Level 4 started due to a family emergency in the US. I had no idea when or if I'd be able to return to NZ. I watched closely as you all did your part (except for a certain someone, ahem) & cheered you all on as the good news kept rolling in.

Y'all made me so proud.In the midst of non-stop horrid US news & personal devastation, the NZ update was often the only good part of my day. I'm so grateful to have lived here for 12+ years & get to call myself a Kiwi. You all rock!

My family sitch is an indefinite, ongoing thing, & eventually I booked a flight back. I'm beyond grateful to have the opportunity to return to a safer NZ--y'all made that possible. From my experience, @minhealthnz is EXTREMELY organised & efficient. They've got this.

In sum, ngā mihi nui to the NZ gov't & every NZ taxpayer & person who followed the rules for making my return possible, and as safe, affordable, & pleasant as it can be.

Super proud to be 1 of the #TeamOf5Million & get to do my part

Day 4 was a big day in #ManagedIsolation! We got fresh linens (this happens every 3 days), I had my Day 3 (actually 4) COVID-19 test (my first ever), & the wonderful @lavagirlnz took the time out of her day to grocery shop and deliver some goodies to me!

I keep forgetting to upload food photos. There's been a lot of lamb recently . Here's some of the other stuff.

Not bad at all

Oh & while waiting in the test line, I saw a lovely reunion in the parking lot between two friends? sisters? as one was released from isolation.

Also got the "wow, you look young for your age" reaction today while v jetlagged & still almost in pj's.

Today was a great day

(The small wins, I take them and blow them very much out of proportion to make myself feel better)

Oh! And I forgot to mention that today/yesterday (who can remember) Healthline NZ folks called me to check on my well-being. I had no idea what was happening so just kind of rambled about volcanoes when they asked me what I'd normally be doing

They offered me a choice of how often they'd call--every day, every other day, every 7 days, etc. I said 1x/week would be fine. I can change my mind at any time. I already get a call about food and a nurse check everyday. I'm not a phone person so that's plenty.

Thanks, NZ.