So as you may notice, I wrote these as the events were happening. I started writing in one of those little notebooks like Harriet the Spy. And it's actually kind of cool. People seem to think you're a reporter or something. I will be trying my best to keep up as the days go by otherwise I anticipate it will be too much to write all at once. Also, pictures will probably come at the end. My goal is to put it into a slide show format.
Day 1:
I’ve been here since 7:30 am and finally now, at noon, the gate attendants have begun making announcements about flight AR1183 service to Auckland and continuing on to Buenos Aires. Mostly the announcement is apologies for the delay and thanking us for our patience which, really, do we have any other choice? I’m a bit curious why my name is suddenly called over the PA to see the gate attendant. Just a change of seat… still, you can’t help but think the worst when that happens. Like, what the hell did I do? I already randomly got selected to be searched for explosives. No big deal. I go back and take my seat on the floor near the back of the waiting area for Gate 31. A woman remarks to me that the wait is ridiculous. I nod and say yes… yes it is ridiculous. We finally get to start boarding at about 12:30 pm. Since I am flying Aerolineas Argentinas, I have the chance to brush up on my Spanish and curse my lack thereof Spanish education in high school and how that screwed me over during university study. But I digress. Make it to Auckland, New Zealand at around 6:00 pm, local time (2 hour difference from Sydney). The rest of the airport stuff is a piece of cake. My bag comes through the carousel ride almost straight away, I’m waved through customs in less than 3 minutes, exchange my Australian currency for some New Zealand dosh and the free airbus shuttle to my hostel is awaiting me outside the door. The hostel I’m at is nice but I can’t help but feel like I’m at my first day of college except less people speak fluent English. A) I’m in a city that I am unfamiliar with B) I’m stuck in an unattractive dorm room with people I don’t know C) Just confused. But it’s alright – the front desk is more than happy to answer my millions of questions, which is good because that’s about how many I have.
“I’m an idiot! I forgot a towel!”
“That’s alright, mate. We have towels to lend out.”
“How do these pay phones work? My card isn’t working.”
“The phones you need are actually in the internet café.”
More and more and more.
That’s pretty much the first day of my trip. I retreat to bed, read a magazine and listen to Cat Powers until I fall asleep, trying to forget about my pounding headache that has radiated pain down my neck and spine.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the name of a burger joint I spotted on trip from the airport. “Burger Wisconsin: Home of the World’s Best Burger.” True story – I can’t be sure if they were referencing the great dairy state but I like to think they were. Hellooooooo WISCONSIN!!!! (That 70’s Show reference for those who didn’t pick that up).
Day 2
11:06 am
When I laid my head to rest last night, my head was about to explode from pain (and no alcohol was involved – which perhaps this was the issue). I wasn’t pleased to wake up with the same headache in the morning. Despite this, I pulled myself from bed convincing myself that I would probably feel worse for wasting a day of exploring a new city and country even though I didn’t really have much of a plan. I had a few ideas in mind but contriving an execution plan was the issue at hand. I knew that first I needed some coffee-like beverage to fix my head. I found a place and ordered a flat white. After the first sip I could feel the vice-grip around my head alleviate a bit. I know, it’s a caffeine addiction – a bit sad really. Whatever’s clever though! I now had the energy to navigate through the streets of downtown Auckland and figure out what I was going to do with my day. After finding my way to the harbour, I decided upon a day trip to Waiheke Island – a nice day trip from the city (recommended by the tourist brochures – marketers must love me). The ferry to Waiheke Island is about 35 minutes and from there I was going to take a bus tour around the island. I was thoroughly impressed with the atmosphere of this place. It really does remove you from Auckland. By 2:30 pm, I had decided against going to the Auckland Museum and that I needed to hang around Waiheke for a bit. The tour was really nice – we had some really spectacular views of beaches, the crystal blue water and some vineyards on the rolling hills. Evidently this is a big spot for vineyards. I didn’t try any wine but I did try some of the local brew. The one that is brewed on the island sort of reminded me Fat Tire, a bit less bitter, so I enjoyed that one. I’m sipping on one now but to be honest I can’t recall the name right now. It starts with a ‘M.’ It’s ok. Oh yeah, about the tour (imagine that – talking about beer sidetracks me). Evidently it is quite a bureaucratic system to get a house here. But I can see why people want to buy or build a house here. The vibe reminds me a bit of Isla de Mujeres in Mexico or even like the Cayman Islands except a tad cleaner, no beggars or people approaching you to buy a bracelet that they insist will go to charity (Ha Ha, that one goes out to my family. Remember the Bahamas? Poor Jesse). After the tour I was hoping to hire a scooter and explore a bit. After learning that it required $1000 bond on your credit card in the case of damage, I decided I didn’t want to risk that pretty penny (Besides, then I couldn’t sit here and drink local beer). Had I been thinking, I would have dressed a bit cooler and rugged so I could hire a bicycle. Oh well though. I am currently gazing out at the lovely blue water that is spotted with sailboats. It’s a relaxing view I must say. Better than Auckland’s skyline. I have only been here for a day and I’m sure it has cool things to offer but honestly, the city itself is pretty unattractive. If I weren’t leaving on the Kiwi Experience bus tomorrow, I would probably make an effort to stay on this island for a few days more. But the big green bus awaits me tomorrow morning. And then I am off to see a few more places on the North Island: Mercury Bay, Rotorua, Waitomo and Taupo. Should be a cool time and hopefully I meet some good people. I’m told that many of the people are also solo travelers and quite open-minded so that’s good news.
Another side note: Earlier I was chilling on Oneroa Beach when I spotted something a bit peculiar: a sea gull with one leg! Not even kidding – You ever have those moments when the batteries in your camera die at the wrong time? This was one of those times. I will have to let you imagine a one legged sea gull hopping around as it caws. It was kind of a pitiful sight but at the same time, sea gulls are really freakin’ annoying!
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