Why, hello New Zealand!

Today I woke up bright and early at 6am and finished packing my bags up. My friend Holly was going to the airport to meet her sister who was arriving around the time of my flight, so we decided to take a cab together to Southern Cross Station and then the Skybus together. We arrived at the airport around 8ish, and got some lunch for later and had a coffee and relaxed. I was exhausted, since I went to bed late, around 3am...

My flight took off pretty much ontime, and it was smooth sailing all the way to Auckland where we arrived ontime. I got lucky and sat in row 3 at the window, just the way I like it, and I am pretty sure the seat I was in was premium economy because I had so much leg room. It was uber comfy, thanks Pacific Blue! I sat next to a couple, Dave and Vicky, who were from Auckland coming back from a trip in Bali. They were around my parents age, and were super nice. They own a pool designing company and also work closely with their son who is a car racer. Totally awesome. Anyway, as we landed they asked how I was going to get to the city. I told them by bus and they said, well, we're going that way! We can drop you off at the Ferry Terminal!

So, we walked through the terminal, stopped in duty free, went through customs, and got baggage and left together just like we were a family of three. We had great conversations and they were so friendly and nice. It was almost like they were family! It was really nice that they drove me, and it saved me $16 dollars and a lot of time! What good karma for them. I was so thankful. They dropped me off at the ferry building, where my Mum was waiting for me. We took the ferry back across to Devonport, where my Nana and Granddad live.

I was welcomed to Auckland by a rainbow!

We relaxed the rest of the day, and I ate a super early dinner, considering I am 2 hours behind NZ time. I am still hungry, and can't seem to get full. Oh well, I will just go to sleep.

Tomorrow I am going to visit my granddad who is in the hospital recovering from surgery, and will go see my Uncle, Cathy, and my 2 little cousins for the afternoon and dinner. It should be a great day.

Alex, me and Douglas

I have only been here for the afternoon, but I have to say, my heart is aching for Melbourne. I know its silly, and I am super happy to be here, but I do love Australian culture so much. Even New Zealand feels super different- with its measly 4 million population. I was watching the news and noticed it seemed to be more grim, and there seemed to be a lot more accidents and bad shit going on, whereas in Australia, things never seem too bad. Of course theres always a bunch of crazy stories, but it seems different here. Also, kids on the news seem so much more wreckless and bratty. Don't get me wrong, I love this country; and it is part of who I am. But, I think that the Australian way of life just suits me better.

It will be a great 6 days in New Zealand. I am excited to see the family and continue to see the differences between Australia and New Zealand.

Gorgeous view of Auckland at Dusk