Whenever I'm in Google and I hit the return key after typing an entry, there's a long pause before the search seems to start working. Anyone else notice this? I noticed it about two months ago. I'm sure there was a change somewhere. I don't recall having to wait for Google to get started.
probably related to the search-while-you-type thing
Just for grins try shutting off the Safari Extensions and see if you still get the same delay. If not then Turn them back on and then switch them off individually to localize the culprit.
If that doesn't make any change try another browser — such as Chrome.
Does that prevent you from trying another browser to see whether or not this is a browser related issue?