ON the road again... - Anne's Travels

February 07, 2005

ON the road again...

Feb 10th, thurs

Hi all!
I'm in the biggest city in the country, Auckland. I heard there's something like 4 million people in NZ and 1.5 mil are here... its still not that overwhelming. I've mainly been getting some errands done and getting my life organized a bit.
Two days ago, i met a girl from Holland with simular travel plans... we came together and bought a car for traveling around. WE called around all day yesterday trying to find a cheap car for sale. There are tons of postings at the hostel, it was a matter of planning a time to meet with out having a way to be reached. We saw this car after a few others and was pretty excited. I had a mechanic friend look it over and said taht its a pretty decent car. The market for a cheap decent car is pretty competitive with fellow backpackers here. The had someone looking at the car the next morning so we couldn't barter the price down much. WE shoke on it last night, allowing them to drive home knowing that they would have to drive back here for the signing over of the title. This morning, we met them while they were telling the other buyer that they already sold the car. She didn't take it well but we got it in the end. IT worked out in the end. *smile*
I bought a car in NZ! can you believe it! ITs a 1988 toyota carolla four door hatch back. we got it for 950 total. we can sleep in it if needed but overall, its MUCH cheaper than taking an organized bus or renting our own car... when we leave we're going to sell it for the same price. We split the cost so it equals about 350 American dollars. The only real cost is gas and maintence which won't be bad at all. I'm SO excited about it! i'm alittle apprehensive mainly 'cause its a stick shift in a country that drives on the other side of the road. i'll learn as soon as we leave the big city. WE already have car insurance so no worries. WE're taken care of. *Smile*

Tomorrow a group of us are traveling north to the bay of islands. From there, we're making our way south. Tessa, my car mate, wants to travel for one month. I'm taking it one day at a time, so far. i would love to stay longer. We'll see.
In the last few days, i've been trampin' around the city. There's some nice pockets. Its kinda expensive here but the exchange rate keeps it reasonable. I hiked to Mount Eden a few days ago and had a great view of the city. Its pretty spread out. Today's my last full day here, so i'll be getting some more stuf done to MY car and then we're off. I'm really excited to get on the open road.

Posted by Anne on February 7, 2005 11:16 PM
Category: New Zealand

Comments

Anne,

What a great life you are leading. It was great to hear your voice yesterday. Dad & I were smiling just talking about what you are doing. Thanks for the note for your big bro worrying about insurance for your car travels. I forgot that they travel on the other side of the road. Make sure you look to the right.....no wait left when you cross the street.Today Elyse told Peggy that she would like to climb the climbing wall at the ymca for her birthday along with have a pinyata and a tresasure hunt and ballons for the all her friends. That brought me back to your party with the gyroscope in the driveway. Maybe I'll get her to travel like her aunts did when she grows up.........maybe we all will be doing the travel thing then.

Be good to yourself.
Love,
Mark

Posted by: mark on February 9, 2005 10:17 PM

Anne,

Be good to yourself.
Love,
Mark

Posted by: mark on February 9, 2005 10:17 PM

Anne,

Be good to yourself.
Love,
Mark

Posted by: mark on February 9, 2005 10:17 PM

Hi Sweety,
Wow, you bought a car! Your rationale sounds good and safe. I'm writing to tell you Ruth Datka's address.
Ruth Mitchell
9 Pounamu Place
Cockle Bay
Auckland, NZ
Phone:011-64-9-533-6694
Email: rudiem@xtra.co.nz
Yesterday was punka (wrong spelling}prune filled donuts the day before Lent. They were good!
LOVE<mom

Posted by: mom on February 9, 2005 10:46 PM

ANNNNNIIIIEEE!!!!! WOW!! There's so much you have been up to since I last saw you!!! Everything sounds amazing! Im so proud of you and all that your doing. It really takes a lot of courage and guts to immerse (sp?) yourself into another world, all on your own....and you seem to do it so well, you really put yourself out there and I've always admired that so much about you. And I've NEVER doubted your ability to instantly make friends! Thats something that seems to come so naturally to you. I can't wait to hear more about your travels. Its been really great reading your updates. You GO GIRL!!!!

Love,Mae

Posted by: Mary (mae) on February 11, 2005 12:43 PM

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