“With the coming of Auckland began the part of my life you could call my life on the road”
We're strangers on the other side of the earth; nothing but a single pack stuffed to the brim with our life.
It can be quite overwhelming at first, I’ll say. Ask Ovie: I’ve misplaced and scrambled for my belongings on several occasions in the last few days- trying to stay focused while in such a strange, unfamiliar environment can be challenging. But even after a few days, one settles in and everything seems more natural. I've managed to not lose anything- many, many close calls. Those of you who know me- this was to be expected. I've scraped by so far.
Our flight in was comfortable and easy. Ovie and I met a lovely Saskatchewan girl named Sierra, who was a great travel companion- a real genuine person with such infectious, peppy energy. Her excitement coupled with our own made ribbons of the 13 hour flight- it flew by. She was on her way to perth to teach yoga and reconnect with her sister. Hopefully along the road we’ll see her again.
Auckland is a cool city. Not nearly as big as Ovie and I had anticipated. It’s an odd mix of new-world skyscrapers, old-world cleanliness and efficiency, and pacific culture and climate. It’s often hard to remember that we’re on this tiny island, so far removed from anything else. The cityscape may not be the most glamorous of views in NZ, but considering this is the largest city in the country, it’s not bad!
Getting ourselves settled with bank accounts, hostels, accomodation- it’s all been a task to adapt to- but Bryan and I are well on our way to finding our stride- we’re living in the moment, day to day, fending for ourselves and tackling each day as it comes. It is a real genuine human feeling- primal, even. One of our favourite things to do is buy local, fresh ripe kiwifruit for the road (hikes, bikes, you name it) and slice into it whenever we need a pick-me-up.
New Zealand will ruin kiwifruit for us. The when we slice into the emerald green fruit, peel back the skin and devour the ripe flesh- it’s such an nourishing experience for the body and soul.
The people come and go- Base hostel is quite abuzz with people flying each and every direction- looking for work, play, and whether bungie jumping is worth it, and how best to survive in Auckland on a budget (don't get too attached to the Kebabs.)
The first night I played poker till 6 am with three English, a Brazillian, two Argentines, a Kiwi, an Aussie, two Germans, and a Finn. And that was just the first night. We’ve met people from South Africa, Chile, Uruguay, the US, France, and Portugal. And, of course, a few fellow friendly canucks. Its interesting- Ovie and I have found identifying fellow Canadians to be quite natural- almost before they open their mouth we know- it’s very odd- I’m not sure either one of us really understands the process- we just know. I think, overall, our country has some good ambassadors out here on the islands.
We spent some time just getting a feel for Auckland’s nightlife, but that proves to be expensive (booze in Auckland is particularly pricey). Weather is fickle- four seasons in a day- wet to dry, overcast to sunshine: it’s good we have layers.
The highlight of our time in Auckland was day 2, we took a ferry to the nearby Waiheke island- a small island full of hills, beaches, and vineyards. Bryan and I busted our legs apart biking the hills, but our top speeds on the decent- very fun. It was low tide on the beaches so we scaled the shoals- some light rock-climbing- and wicked views of the bay. We continued on biking up the very challenging hills. After some time we stopped at Obsidian vineyards and tasted some wine. The first, a Pinot Gris, was so fruity and refreshing, we could’ve slugged back the whole bottle right away. The wine was a bit above our price range though- not to mention we had a hilly ride back and keeping weight down is very key!
We spent yesterday hiking Mt. Eden, which is a dormant volcano, followed by a day trip to the museum which was really cool- lots of interesting Maori Carvings, artefacts- and really cool naturally exhibit of the flora, fauna, and geological info of NZ. Highlights: the life-size model of a Moa bird ( a 3-4 m tall flightless bird, now extinct- it was HUGE) and a life-size great white shark named "Bridgette."
NZ is a pretty wicked piece of land- so unique, so young, new, and exciting! The people and the land alike- so energized, friendly, helpful, and beautiful.
Next stop: Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty for some beach life, wine, and maybe some surfing!
Till next time,
Ciao,
-K