Now we enter the section of flights that will take me half way around the world, across a dateline, through the seasons and into the heart of New Zealand. I hope you have been water loading.
Yesterday for lunch we had a Fridgatta. Basically layer thinly sliced, left over roast vegetables with onion, basil and cheese and anything else tasty that is loitering about in the fridge (hence the name fridgatta). Top with more grated cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. 
Lunch. Then back to waterloading.
In the next 24 hours I face three flights, one that will be about 12 hours long, 15 hours in the air altogether, and about 9 hours of layovers. Actually I prefer not to do an accurate count of the hours of travel. However one of the most difficult things for me is wilst travelling is to stay well hydrated. Public toilets are a necessary evil, but never pleasant. And if I start to hydrate while I am travelling … water is wasted. It takes a couple of days to properly soak and moisten a body.
Imagine your body as a dried out pot plant. When you pour that first cup of water in it will often run through the potting mix, trickle out the bottom and gather in the saucer. Oh, you think, it is watered. But it has not even begun to soak in. The water has run around the dry soil and straight back out.
That pot needs to be watered frequently with little bits of water, so that the little parched cells are softened and cajoled into absorbing water into the body of the mix, allowing the water to be soaked up by the roots of the plant. This takes time. Waterloading.
Three days before I embark on a big flight I begin to water load. Very frequent small glasses of water. My objective is to top each cell right up to its limit, not my bladders limit – which after four sons and a daughter is not much of a limit at all! And it takes time to train your body’s cells to start storing moisture after a barrage of wine and coffee. It is good to drink water while you are travelling but it is essential that you have soaked your body in water before you travel so that your travel water is not wasted. And you know how nasty those airoplane toilets are.
The other thing I do, to avoid jet lag, is I set my watch (yes I wear a watch – how old fashioned!) to the time at your destination at the beginning of my flight. This helps my mental clock.
The advantage of water loading and time resetting is that you are able to pour out of your plane, shake your party dress out, step straight into heels and hit the evening running!
Our first big party is only a few hours after I arrive!
So tomorrow morning, there will be no page, I will still be in the air, my plane buoyed up like a crowd surfer by all your wonderful wishes for safe travel. I will write again soon. Very soon, with our first New Zealand shots.
Have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
55 responses to “Onwards, Upwards and Water Loading”
Ah yes .. hydrating. That’s why I ALWAYS book the aisle seat . And away you go Celi. Virginia
I don’t travel much, but it’s good to know that someday, when I lead a fabulous, globetrotting lifestyle, I will remember to be well-hydrated and on time. ;o) Happy flying, Miss C!
Bonne Route. Frequent sips are also essential while on the plane. B….r the loos! If they’re a mess, COMPLAIN.
I do a similar thing to your Fridgatta which is one of our favourite suppers I pour a big slosh of cream over the veg before adding the grated cheese. I suppose I shall have to forego that now.
try a little Greek Yoghurt instead…? You can get a lower fat version.
That fridgatta sounds good 🙂
That water loading sounds like an ordeal, but I’m not one for drinking water without a flavour to it – often that’s Barry’s tea. I don’t like sleeping much so I’d be out on the town even after a long flight (well, going to bed a a normal time rather than hitting the sack on landing). I’m getting better at naps on planes in my old age too.
Have a good trip 😉
That is GREAT advice C, I’ve never thought about it that way. I usually drink a lot of water anyway but then again I’ve never flown for 15 hours either. Hope you have a safe flight and that your parties are really fun!
Enjoy, miss c. Though I admit, the thought of so much time in the air makes me tired, and I am already so tired that I read “waterloading” as “waterboarding”, and thought of something entirely different when you started talking about “pot plants”. Thought you might be growing a whole new crop on the farmy there for a moment…
Good advice, Celi, as I drink way too much coffee and wine–both dehydrators, I know. I’m wondering if you are able to sleep on planes?
very seldom do I sleep on a plane, but I think tonight i will get a few hours, that would be brilliant.. c
Hi Celi, I raise sheep and follow your blog every day from northern California! I hear there are a lot of sheep in New Zealand. I would love to see some sheep photos during your trip (in the pasture, not on a plate. 😉 Thanks! Dona
I will make sure to take lots of sheep shots for us, and the fences and the gates and hopefully a shearing shed!! Lovely to hear from you.. c
Don’t forget that all drinks, alcoholic and non, are free on international flights! And food too, although the food is usually horrid. A glass of wine (or two) and a snooze during the long bits might just go well together! Thinking of you winging your way back to Kiwi Land! xo Di
Don’t worry i don’t forget, i always ask for champagne! A snooze would be such a bonus.. c
As well as hydration, to avoid jet lag it is good to get into the sun without sunnies for 15 -30 mins at your destination. Also helps to adjust the body clock. Soo… I’m currently 10 hours ahead of you in Cali … but by the time you land you will be 11 hours ahead! Don’t envy you those layovers. Stay safe. Laura
hmm, excellent advice, I hope the sun is out in NZ then, i will do exactly that!! SIT IN IT!! (without sunnies!).. c
All wise advice – enjoy the journey and even more…arriving safely!
Enjoy the trip and hydrate well !
Enjoy the long journey C – think I shall retire an hour earlier this evening and enjoy the extra hours sleep just for you.
See you on the other side.
🙂 Mandy xo
I’m so excited! MY FIRST TIME TO FLY TO NZ. I should have gone to visit while my brother lived there!!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Seems you are well prepared for all the flying ahead of you – good tips, Celi! Enjoy your first party meeting up with everyone, and send lots of pics. I’d love to see some shearing shed pics . . .