Ni Hao from Aukland
Friday, March 2nd, 2007Nearly two years ago in China I was handed the idea of coming to New Zealand. Now, on my first night in Aukland, I just left the very colorful, very asian, Chinese Lantern Festival. The world, and my life, tied together with noodles.
Yesterday I left St. Louis tugging 200 pounds. Today, I arrived with approximately 30. Delayed flights and lackadaisical LAX are to thank for this good luck. No sarcasm—I am thrilled that I didn’t have to figure out how to get it from the airport (it will arrive at my hostel) and now have $100 “emergency funds” to buy toiletries, flip flops and a shirt.
My first “thin slice” of New Zealand: At first it may seem to be largely “normal,” but it is still salted with the unusual. Funky style, Maori with mohawks, lilty language, and 60 flavors of tuna in Food Town. I know neither how long I’ll be here or what I’ll be doing. My plans are vague (“head South”) and my knowledge little (“there are mountains somewhere”). I guess I’m open to what’s handed to me next….hopefully one of those cars posted on the billboard. 🙂
bimpy_ak