Waking at 3.17am … thus waking up 7 minutes before my alarm clock was due to go off.

Seeing a little owl on the road at 3.55am. It flew off as I turned the corner.

Driving to the airport with a pilot about to fly a plane to Sydney; although he flies Pacific Blue and I fly Air New Zealand.

Finding a whole crowd of people awake at the airport at 4.30am, and appearing to think nothing of it.

Shops and banks open at 4.30am — staffed by people who appear to be awake. 4.30am!! Incredible.

Spending an hour and a half in the Air New Zealand International Koru Club lounge, being one of the first to arrive. And being welcomed and a person, and spoken to as a person … “It’s good to have you here” … said the man who welcomed me to the club, and he spoke as though he really meant it. The lounge has recently been upgraded (well, last year, but I usually travel internationally from Auckland), and is fantastic. It’s a great credit to Air New Zealand. Apparently the Auckland one is going to be upgraded in the next 12 months too.

Going business class to Australia (via an upgrade voucher), and thus having enough room to type and write without feeling like a sardine in a can. And having quietness to think and write for almost three hours. Pure bliss.

Leaving the plane at 8.32am, and getting through Customs and Immigration and being on the curb side at 8.39am. No checked in luggage is so cool.

Being here … ready to talk, to listen, to discuss.

I’m looking forward to it.