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My first rainy day

Wednesday, October 19th, 2005

If it makes anyone feel any better, it rained today. Not a downpour, but just enough to be annoying. So, I slept in and did some laundry. Tomorrow, I have to get up at 5AM and catch a train to Wellington, the capital of NZ. It’s a 12 hour train ride but there is suppose to be some great scenery.

I was thinking that NZ is kind of like Florida. It is October, but they are heading into Summer. Christmas decorations are out but no one seems to know what to wear. I have seen so many variation of clothing, it’s hysterical. It is only in the 50s here today but the number of people in tank tops and shorts is too funny. They do dress creatively here in NZ.

I just checked on CNN and saw the news on Wilma. Good luck to you in FL! Hope it bypasses and just heads back out to the ocean.

Rangitoto Island

Wednesday, October 19th, 2005

Today I went via ferry to Rangitoto Island. It was just about 20-30 minutes away. The island is situated in the Hauraki Gulf. It is a dormant volcano, which last erupted 600 year ago. The island is about 250m above sea level-almost the same height as the city’s Sky Tower, which I visited yesterday.

It took about a 1/2 hour to climb to the summit but unfortunately, it was quite cloudy and I did not get the spectacular view of Auckland I thought I was going to get. We then took a train/tractor through the Pohutukawa forest. The Pohutukawa is NZ’s Christmas tree. The whole island turns crimson when these trees flower. There were also lava trails and fern glens on the island. It was a nice day off the beaten track.

Me amongst the lava rocks:
IMG_1398[1]

Okay, now here are some obervations I have made so far about Auckland:

-Every other person has a backpack.
-The McDonalds here is much nicer and has a million more choices than the one at home!!! (McCafe)
-I have seen every nationality but can count on one hand how many black people I have seen .
-There is no pollution in Auckland because there are no major industries. Tourism is the Big one for them. As a result, the air is so clean and fresh and cool, that I am exhausted by 9PM:)
-I have only met 2 Americans in the week I’ve been here so far-2 guys from California who are surfers. Most people I’ve met are English or Irish who are here on a working visa.
-All in all Auckland reminds me of New York, only cleaner.

Ki Ora, Brilliant, Cheers!

Tuesday, October 18th, 2005
Well, did a lot of sightseeing today and took an afternoon tour. It included the Auckland Museum, Mt. Eden, various neighborhoods, and the Sky Tower. It is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. It was very similar to ... [Continue reading this entry]

Hiya mate…

Sunday, October 16th, 2005
Today (Monday) I did alot of walking around. Spent about 3 hours at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. It was pretty interesting. Barbara-you would have loved it. I now know why they call Auckland, the "city of sails." The streets ... [Continue reading this entry]

I’m in Auckland!!!

Saturday, October 15th, 2005
Yep, arrived here and what's the first thing I do? Buy internet time. Guess I'll have to get used to that:) It was another long flight and crossed the Int'l Date Line so a bit strange. There were not one, ... [Continue reading this entry]

Bonjour from Tahiti!!

Saturday, October 15th, 2005
Well, arrived in Tahiti to the pitch darkness at 6PM on Thursday. Airport was small and had to climb down the ladder on the tarmac. Nice. They did have a tahitian band playing island music and gave everyone a flower. ... [Continue reading this entry]

Leaving Los Angeles

Saturday, October 15th, 2005
It would have been nice for the pilot to tell us that we were leaving. People were still standing in the aisles as we were taking off. My flight was on Tahiti Nui-super laid back for an airline. ANyway, I ... [Continue reading this entry]

Less than a week to go….

Thursday, October 6th, 2005
All I can say is Yayyyyyyy!