The photo above was actually taken from the window of the Delta Airlines flight back to Orlando.  The remaining images were taken before the departure to New Zealand.

      The photo at right is of the control tower taken from the entrance of The Encounter Restaurant.

      The Encounter Restaurant is located above the ground in the arched structure shown below.  It offers a retro 70's atmosphere.  The elevator to the dining area is small and the short ride plays music that sounds like an Austin Powers soundtrack.

Click to hear the music.

      In all the times that Lynn or I flew in or out of LAX, neither of us dined at The Encounter Restaurant before.  Predictably, we found that the food was over-priced, but it was a great way to help pass the long wait that we had at the airport.

      A view out of the window of the restaurant offers a different perspective of the distinctive arches.

      Before checking our bags in at Air New Zealand, we borrowed a courtesy luggage cart found all over airport property.  A small sign on the front of the cart welcomes all.

      Lynn and Don were surprised to find that Air New Zealand's gates were not located in the International Terminal.  The 12-hour stopover gave them plenty of time to figure out where they needed to go.

      At right, Air New Zealand aircraft awaiting departures a number of hours prior to the one on which we were scheduled.