day 1 in Wellington

Today I wandered through part of Wellington. There are tons of cool shops and walkways and cafes and such. I must come back at some point to explore these further. # 1 on my agenda was visiting the parliament buildings. I did the 1 hour tour plus intro with a fairly large group, and was befriended by a super friendly Austrian who now lives on the north Island and who invited me to come visit him when I'm up there. I didn't take his address to take him up on his offer. The Parliament buildings are located right next to this funny looking building called the "Beehive"" which hosts many of the office buildings of the cabinet ministers. New Zealand was the first country to give the women the vote back in the late 1800s. They're working on woman PM #2, and also have a woman speaker and GG and about 1/3 of their parliamentarians are women... Neat, compared to Canada. They abolished their senate in 1951 and have recently (not sure of the details) adopted a form of proportional representation. I'll have to look more into this to find out the details. We visited the actual floor of the house, which doesn't look that different from Saskatchewans. I wonder if they hekkle as much?? We also sat in one of the something or other committee rooms and I had the good fortune to pick to sit on the government side of the house. It is interesting, learning a bit of another country's politics and political history.

I also visited the LOTR exhibit at Te Papa. It was really surreal, almost. Before I departed Canada I had begun to watch some of the extended versions behind the scenes. Today I saw things like the mithril, Aragorn's coronation crown, Sauroman's armour, many behind the scene early sketches of what things would look like, the shards, Andruin?? or whatever the reforged sword was called, and various other LOTR stuff including some of the models of some of the places. It was neat- they also had commentary from Peter Jackson and others on the making of the film. They had a demo, for example, on how they made actors look big and small. They also had some of the detail on the programming (called Massive) that was used in the battle scenes- and they commented that early on some of the soldiers started running away. They hadn't anticipated that! They put so much detail into the making of all of the props and such. I found out that Hans Jensen in Nelson who made the ring (or the various rings, since there were many scales used) passed away shortly after completing the project. One of the things they mentioned was that the actor who played Boromir's father was surprised to find a crest or something on the inside of his garment- even though it would not be visible in filming. They believed it would make him seem more like a king. Another interesting tidbit- Viggo, aka Aragorn actually became so close to his horse that he purchased him upon completion of the film. I have SO very much respect for the folks behind the scenes in creating something as amazing as LOTR. There was also a surprisingly lifelike deceased Boromir lying in a boat. Very very interesting. No photos allowed, but worth the trip to Wellington- if only to get a sense of all of the background that went into making LOTR what it is.

I'm not sure of my overall feel of Wellington. Sometimes you know instantly you love a place, and sometimes it takes time to grow on you. I loved Devonport in Auckland. So far I just like Wellington. There is so much culture here though- in terms of theatre and opera and such- I may just have to think about coming back for a short term work stint to get to know the place a bit better. (I did see my first kiwi bird today- albeit stuffed - in te papa).

I'm super duper tired from getting up so early and from walking around and I'm looking forward to a good sleep tonight. But first I'm going to go rustle up some supper and perhaps check out a bookstore that is open until 10.

Kia ora from Wellington

Well, it is becoming a habit with me. The cheapest and quickest way to get from point A to point B in NZ seems to be to fly. Air New Zealand has cheap little link flights many times a day from the popular destinations. This is a good way to do a weekend trip, as I'm saving most of my sightseeing for a big trip by vehicle. Unfortunately I waited a bit to book meaning I didn't get the choice flight times. I was up much earlier than weekdays! Flying at sunrise, though was rather lovely. My flight arrived an an unpleasant time, as I missed the shuttle by 10 minutes, so I waited another 40. I've just arrived at Base Backpackers Wellington. (I decided to give something other than YHA a try.) Wellington is definitely windy! Waiting for the shuttle there were plastic bags just booting across the airport parking lot. My agenda for today includes Te Papa, or walking a bit- depending on the forecast for today and tomorrow. I want to do a tour of the parliament buildings here as well. I expect to spend quite some time in Te Papa. I'm just waiting another few minutes to be able to drop my bag for the day before I head out.

On the ride in another NZ difference occured to me. They are required to get "WOFs"for their cars (Aka Warrants of Fitness) meaning all vehicles on the road have been safety'd, in effect. They also have to register, but they DO NOT have to insure. Quite different than back in Saskatchewan on both fronts.

I've had more of a chance to meet some kiwis over the past week. I went for supper with a group of the accountants from work on Thursday. It was interesting how the work conversations in Nelson seem, without fail, to turn to family. I've been very impressed with the interest of kiwis in Canada as well. It's funny- to them it isn't at all wierd that I'm here doing my OE as they call it (overseas experience). One of the accountants had done his in the UK. So many of them go elsewhere to live for a while before they settle down. Some of them don't come back though, as apparently it is easier to make a decent living elsewhere- such as in Aus or the UK. One of the folks I met wondered where in Canada the rodeos were- however I thought he was saying it as in Rodeo drive, if that's how you spelled it. It's taking me heaps of time to catch on to some of the words and lingo and accents that make conversation a little different in NZ. It's good fun though. But back to the OE. So far, I'm really enjoying it. Despite the itch I get on the road or running into other travellers, I am happy I settled into a job first. The folk have been really good as well- offering to loan me bikes, giving me rides, etc. The people in Nelson that I've met are really lovely. There is no other way to say it.

Work went all right this week for it being my first week flying solo. But now we're into month end, so we shall see how that goes! My first time from this side of the fence on the month end business. I'm loving the walk in the morning, although it now only takes ~35 minutes. Rochelle (my flatmates) former flatmates tip to walk along the river was great- as it is both more beautiful and quicker. I pass ducks every morning, and check out the tides. (I was rather surprised to learn how much they can vary from day to day.)

The produce here is rather expensive right now. E.g. tomato for $8.99 per kg. Cucumber for $5 each. Green pepper (or capsiums, as they are called here) for $3 each. Rochelle (my flatmate) tells me that the prices are quite seasonal here- as kiwis grow most of their own produce. Prices should drop later in the year.

Speaking of produce, I couldn't believe it when I was walking home the other day and just a block a way a neighbour had out a table with bags of lemons and grapefruits- and a little money jar with a sign $1/bag. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised- bags of grapes and lemons have appeared in the lunch room at work.

I tried my first NZ tuna this week. Surprisingly, I didn't mind it. I'm loving stopping by the grocery most nights for fresh bread, and something to make for supper. That is something I woúldn't have done at home- and I love having the time to actually come home and make supper - even if it is a simple one. The bread here is great- they have so many varieties of grainy bread, and the deli has all sorts of yummy things that you can buy baked fresh every day- and in small portions... Such as 1 garlic bread twist.

Off I go to check out the weather in NZ and plan out my days.

Weekends

I had another nice weekend. Visited the cool Nelson market on the weekend- it is much better than the Regina farmer's market in that it has many more exhibitors and much more variety... such as the fellow selling kebabs and hot seafood chowder. He is always yelling out, advertising.

I took yet another walk up to the centre of NZ. My goal is for it to become EASY! I walked around some more trails up there, which was lots more up and down. Hopefully some day it will be easy.

I haven't yet mentioned how NZ pedestrian signals don't automatically appear. We have the walk or don't walk sign. Here you have to push a button to get it to appear. It seems like it takes longer as a result, but maybe its just my imagination.

I failed at my next attempt to start a fire... Apparently I need to work on cutting kindling. I haven't mastered the ax yet. Luckily it was nice enough last night we didn't need a fire last night.

I learned on the weekend when my flatmates family was in that what they call "biscuits" we call "cookies". I also learned "tea" sometimes means "supper".

Today I booked a flight to Wellington on the weekend- as I have a burning desire to go to the LOTR exhibit before it closes. I can't take photos and it'll be a slightly expensive weekend, but it closes soon and I just don't want to miss out...

Amazing Race is on Tuesday nights here with last seasons Amazing Race.

Caught my first rugby game, albeit on TV on the weekend- vs South Africa. I quite enjoyed the pace. They don't stop the game for tv time outs either, which is wierd for those of us in North America who watch sports. Of course, the All Blacks won. Hopefully I can make it to a game live before the season is over, but time will tell.

A full work week

Well- my work week is nearly over, and I'm on my own in my new position. I feel okay about most parts- and hopefully I'll learn the rest in short order by necessity!

I moved into my new flat and it was great to be able to unpack my stuff- and hang stuff up or put a few things in the dresser. Simple pleasures, to be sure, but lovely... I really really love the flat. I have a large room that opens on to the balcony, overlooking gardens- the river is very close. The ceilings are high. It is a big old house with a number of flats- I can't imagine what it would've been like as one home! My flatmate is currently away so I had the "fun" of trying to become like a normal kiwi and learn how to light a fire. (Previously I've mentioned the no heat bit). I did get it going, eventually- it took a long time to catch hold, however. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the general chill in at home in the morning or the evening when you're not by the fireplace! Those who've been here would know what I mean. Kitten, as she is nicknamed is a sweetheart. She kept my feet warm last night.

A few interesting observations. Garbage is collected weekly- and recycling as well. You have to buy certain garbage bags for your garbage pickup- (I guess that is some sort of economic incentive to reduce, anyway- you don't need to buy for recyling).

The plugs have on off switches and tend to be turned off when not in use.

Grocery stores don't seem to carry the same stock. I go one place for their deli, another for frozen, etc. 3 grocery stores- but they're all about a 5 minute walk from each other, so it's not so bad.

I've developed another blister from the stupid shoes from home again- even though I'm walking the 40 minutes to work in my comfy running shoes... Yes- walking around the office in the day has done it. Although they are so nice to look at they hurt so much- so I don't agree with liz about fashion being more important than function... Not if you have to walk, at any rate.

I've been trying to do a bit of planning about things to do over the next while. I'm looking to visit Wellington in the next few weeks- as there is a LOTR exhibit on at the museum that I can't bear to miss- and it's only there for another few weeks. I think I'll walk around Nelson a bit this weekend if it is nice out- nothing too stressful. We'll save the thought of paragliding for another weekend.

Yesterday

Yesterday I visited the Centre of NZ... Which meant climbing yet another great hill- but totally worth it! Great views of Nelson, the mountains in the distance... Beautiful. Nelson has a lot of stuff going for it- it's not super big, the pace is slower.... (Most shops close at 5:30 all week, open only part of the day Saturday and many are closed on Sunday). There are a number of walks in the same area as the Centre- I'll plan to do most of them on the weekends.

It is my last night in the hostel tonight, for a time. In a way too bad, as I'm starting to meet some great people- but in another way- meeting them is causing a travel itch- and I need to be ready to settle down here for a couple of months. I met a fellow from Finland yesterday- and he translated my last name. I'm rooming right now with a nice girl from Belgium- we shared laundry last night, and may movie it tonight. The other night was with a UK ex pat who now lives in Auckland. It was great meeting her as well.

But tomorrow it's onto the flat, with a busy flattmate and her cat, Zepher.

Flat found

My good news of the day- I've found a flat- this one is close to central Nelson- which is the location I had wanted to leave in for easy walking access to the grocery, post etc. I move in Tuesday night and will be provided with a bed/ dresser- and my room opens onto a balcony overlooking a garden all for a good price of $125/week! (Flatting in Nelson is a little expensive). I'll live with one other person and her lovely cat. The other good news- she was looking for a short term person which works out well with what I was looking for.

I think it's funny how very long travel shampo/ conditioner/ body wash last. I'm still using the ones I brought with me, 3 weeks in. I'm very glad I travelled without huge amounts- unlike when I went to Europe.

I wandered through the weekend market here in Nelson today. It's impressive how much stuff there is. I bought a nice bag of mandarins for $3. There were food and crafts of all kinds. I think I'll visit it frequently on weekends for fresh produce etc.

I discovered Nelson has bus service- I can take the bus out to Richmond, or the Nelson beach for a very affordable I believe it is $2. It doesn't run super frequently, but enough that I can head out there on the weekends to check the places out for a few hours.

The prices of eating out here continue to surprise me. I'm avoiding it as much as possible, other than the affordable chain type places where prices are equivalent to back home (ie <$10 at Mcds/ Subway). Going out for a burger can otherwise cost $15. Yikes! Anyway, maybe I've just visited the wrong places, but it's not seeming cheap, and I've heard others say the same. That said, the art gallery has very affordable eats for <$10 at lunch - and they are fabulous!!

I had to buy jeans yesterday. This is one thing I wish I had brought with me, despite the literature saying they are bulky and heavy. If you're living somewhere for several months at a time, you probably do want a pair of jeans. (I only brought one pair of non-work pants, other than capris). Jeans are pretty pricy here- I shelled out ~$70 and they were cheaper than the other shop I visited. The sizes are slightly different than home. The smaller sizes are pretty much the same, and the larger sizes seem to go up about 1. I thought it was odd when the lady in the jean store selected a pair of jeans ~2 sizes smaller than back home for me to wear. OF course, I couldn't get them done up at all. SO I went up 1/2 a size and she told me they looked too big. However being as I couldn't get into the 1/2 size down, I figured they were the appropriate choice. I am excitedly wearing them today! (Although, reminiscent of someone from the hometown I went out with the sticker on them until I noticed later in the day. I was just so excited to be wearing jeans again, what can I say : ) )

More days in Nelson

I discovered another amazing fact about Nelson yesterday... The "One Ring" (to rule them all) was cast not in the fires of Mount Doom, but rather by a jeweler in Nelson. I walked by his shop today. Thrilling hey!

I worked yesterday, and had today off. Today I did several critical things- I obtained my working in NZ tax number, did laundry (YAY- clean clothes!), and found an umbrella!! (all over the place in Auckland but the only one I had found in Nelson previously was a $60 souvenier All Blacks one. Although Nelson is the sun capital of NZ, it was raining walking home from work yesterday. I'm happy to be prepared).

I also found a GELATO shop here today! YAY!!!! Although it is only open 12-5, meaning I can only frequent it on the weekend. :(

A few more NZ observations. They seem to be much more environmentally concious than us. First off, they don't seem to heat their homes (granted the weather is slightly different). Many kiwis don't have dryers- but hang to dry. Some of them use something called a "wetback", which I'm not really sure about, but I think it is good for the environment. They use worms a fair bit here - feeding them scraps etc. (The current hostel included.)

On the shopping front, it is interesting how many things are similar or different. Eating out here is expensive (except fast food which is pretty much the same as back home). Tomatoes are currently rather expensive(to my chagrin: about $8,99 per kg). I tried some tabouli today for the first time- not a huge fan. Lots of seafood in the grocery- and LOTS of wine. I guess they make a fair bit of wine, and they stock their shelves well.

In the kiwi vocabulary, "sweet as" or "good as" are frequently used. We might just drop the "as".

Comments on the hostels so far: surprisingly good. Clean, excellently equipped kitchens (except as I discovered making casserole yesterday- no baking dish- I baked instead in a bread pan. It worked). Staff have been generally helpful. YHA in Nelson is a quiet hostel right now, except when the tour groups go through- but there is a nice TV room an ample lounge room space.

Day 2

Today was a big learning day on the job. I learned and performed/assisted with a lot of the roles I will be doing.

Discovered a lovely! little lunch place with 3 of the other work ladies. It was simply scrumptious! They sometimes swim at lunch, I'm afraid I'm not a swimmer so I don't think I'll be joining them. They pretty much indicated that here in Nelson people don't live to work.

On the shoe front, I changed away from my annoying (and expensive) Merrell blister-causing shoes... (Despite the fact I shopped for them for several months and had the assistance of mr salesman, and walked around them in Regina they are causing me grief here...) Today I switched to a nice cheap little pair of shoes from the Warehouse here. (At a cost of ~20 or 13 ish Canadian), they were walking comfort today! Also- I purchased some amazing blister applicators at the grocery last night. I thought the $10 price was outrageous- but they make a huge difference- highly recommended.

Checked out a flat tonight - the owner works at the same company and has a few other flatmates (and a CAT :) ). It's at the top of a large hill and not central. Have to decide in the next couple of days whether those are critical to my decision.

I'm going to work tomorrow- looks like I'll have the rest of the week off- so perhaps I'll try the walk up the hill and see how it goes in my decision making.

work day 1

I survived work day 1. I made it there without getting lost! Impressive, no? Unfortunately the uncomfortable shoes has created a significant blister problem. Walking time is ~25 minutes from where I am currently staying- not so bad- except the blister problem.

Anyhow, I was introduced to folks today and mostly did orientation type stuff. Tomorrow I get more into what I'm actually going to be doing.

I realized today the reason I've likely been so tired is that I'm coming down with a cold. I will blame the change in weather. Anyhow, I am supposed to only work the first part of the week this week, so hopefully that will give me a chance to find a place to stay, and to recover :)

Hello from Nelson

I spend most of my day yesterday to get to Nelson. First packing and signing out of my Auckland hostel, on the shuttle, at the airport, and in transit to my hostel in Nelson. I arrived ~5pm when it was almost dark, but I went for a short little walk around and chatted with the girl sharing my hostel room- who was from Thailand.

Today I walked around to try and find my new place of work. In Kelly like fashion, I wore uncomfortable shoes on my walk, and took the wrong turn two times. So 2.5 hours later I actually found where I will be working, a 30 minute walk from my current hostel. They tell me there are flat adds in Wednesday's paper, so I guess I'll start looking then. I've managed to locate a few key things in Nelson so far- my bank (ASB), Postie, Glassons, Subway, 2 grocery stores, Kathmandu (which I have yet to visit, but think I may one day soon), as well as spotting a Warehouse. (They say it is the walmart equivalent. It is not quite so bit with so much selection, but what they have tends to be cheap).

I must say that Nelson is set in a hilly area- it reminds me of Kelowna. The cabbie who drove me last night said they have the most beautiful weather in NZ. They've recently had record lows- several days in the -6 degree range. Today is sunny with a little breeze- and not a cloud in the sky. Average winter temperature is around 13 degrees. They get less than a metre of rainfall a year here... Lovely! Although I think it is true that the ozone layer is depleted here, if the ease of getting sunburns is any indication (even on an overcast day).

I'm out to go for another brief walk. Need to find some stamps to mail off my work contract forms, and maybe pick up a few groceries...

Tomorrow- the first day of work... Keep you posted on how it goes.

Photos

at top left- view of Auckland CBD from Devonport.
at top right- Viaduct harbour including view of kpmg building, left middle- sunset in Auckland, right middle- the beach at Devonport, and bottom- City of Sails!

Photos

At left, Harbour Bridge in Auckland. At right, me standing on the glass at the viewing deck of skytower. Even though it's as think as the concrete, it was a little wierd stepping out onto it. You can see the cars down below.

Photos...

At left is the cool looking tower at Auckland University.
I LOVE that area...
Albert Park- so pretty.

At right is the crater thingy at Mt Eden.
Looks rather like an Ampitheater. Anyhow, you can also seek Skytower in the background.

Farewell to Auckland, for a time...

First off- see me and my ice dude date. This was taken at 5 below my first night in Auckland. They supply the parkas and gloves (included in the $27 entry fee... The cost of agreeing to go somewhere before you find out the cost...)

Since I depart for Nelson tomorrow afternoon (aboard Air New Zealand), I thought I had better take the opportunity to do a few things here in Auckland today.

It being the city of sails, I decided it was time to hit the water. I took the Devonport fairy from the ferry building ($9 return). Walking through this area and seeing people playing with their dogs on the beach or out with their kids, and an elderly couple out for a walk made me think if I was living in the area with a family, this would be a nice area. I really enjoyed it. It was really neat to walk the beach and see seashells, and watch the boats go by. The overlook in Devonport that I visited has some historical significance. It was used as an outlook in years gone by, and there are still some remnants of that as well.

Arriving back in the CBD I went for a stroll. It had been receiving negative reviews from others I talked with, so I decided it was my turn to try some kiwi food- meat pies with wedges. Despite what people had said, I didn't mind it at all.

An update on the job situation: I head to Nelson and I've booked my first couple of nights in the YHA hostel there. I work Monday/ Tuesday this week, and have Wed-Friday off before I start full time the following Monday. I'll have a better sense about what is ahead in the next few days.

I'm ready to move on from Auckland, for a time and see what Nelson brings.

Nelson bound

I received a call this am and I am going to be heading to Nelson, NZ by the end of the weekend for a short 2 day work week next Monday/Tuesday, prior to starting full time the following week. It's a term position of somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2 or 3 months. I'm going to work as a contractor as opposed to as an employee.

I'll now proceed to cancel my Wellington interviews for Monday. I've continued to receive calls from my applications last Thursday- Auckland seems to be the slowest in call backs (today is one week) although there are opportunities here.

It appears you can land a non-professional job in a day or two here. The accounting ones seem to take a few days longer.

I'll have to book my flight now, and book a hostel. Finding accomodation in Nelson could be tricky... It's a smaller community (read no public transport) and will be made harder as I don't want to purchase a motor vehicle.

Off I go to do some research / booking.

The waiting game... and more interesting NZ bits

So I mentioned my big stress yesterday of whether to travel, or whether to look for a job... Zero job calls yesterday didn't encourage me. I woke up early this morning still stewing on my decision, as my friends were booking their trip today... I narrowly decided to try and look for work. However when I got up to shower I spotted my cell and it turns out I had missed a call last night from Patrick at the recruiting firm for the Nelson position. He called me later this am indicating they do want to talk to me. I also received 3 other phone calls. 2 were recruiters in Auckland so I told them I was heading south. (Leading me to hope I find something south, but you have to draw the line at some point). The other was another Wellington recruiter. I'm lined up to meet with him next Monday as well...

So ... if Nelson lines up that is my number 1 choice. Otherwise, Wellington seems to be a hotbet of contract work, so I guess I'll head there and meet with some folks. If that doesn't work out, I'll come back to Auckland and call back the folks who called me today. And if that doesn't work, I guess I'm destined to travel around for a while... (However despite my desire to see the beauty of NZ (and try some adventure activities), at this point, it is overweighed by the desire to actually get to know NZ a little better, by living at least a little "like a kiwi".)

In terms of more interesting NZ stuff... ("Hots" just for Liz...)

For the ladies- Hot- Boots... Worn over pants, or with short pants at the office, or with skirts.
Hot- Pumpkin. Yes indeedy... Seems to be a popular food.
Hot- Subways- at least in Auckland- they are everywhere!
Hot- Smoothies- These things are everywhere - from the grocery to many smoothie shops on the street. I just had a lovely green one for supper. I thought it would taste more like kiwi, but was a little disappointed. I did have a lovely strawberry one in the bookstore last night.
Hot- Auckland's weather this past week! For the dead of winter, I have yet to be caught in the rain and I've done a lot of walking! Also, the dead of winter tends to be in the ~ mid teens here so far during the day time.

Another observation: I think Auckland seems to be more humid than back home. I suppose that shouldn't be a surprise, but I think the lotion producers probably don't do so well here. Apparently one of the girls asked a hairdresser for advice and she was advised to not use conditioner... Interesting indeed...

Also- you can buy sliced rhubarb at the market. This would lead me to believe it sells in small quantities, like you see sliced fruit at home. I wonder who is buying it?

Did I ever mention, I can't stand decisions???

No news on the job hunt today except one email saying someone will be in touch "soon".

A few friends look to be departing on a mostly north island tour - likely on Wednesday. If I haven't heard anything on the job front by tomorrow I may book to travel with them for most of the month of July- and cover off most of the north Island anyway.

Alternatively, today I researched the cheapest way to get to Wellington where I am supposed to have my head hunter interview next week... Answer- by plane. Yes- this beats the by bus and by train option.

I'll likely be doing one or the other on Wednesday or Thursday.

Upside of travelling the north island now: I want to cover the north island and really like Alisha and Steph, AND it would mean I wasn't sitting around waiting for a job. Who is to know whether my leads actually lead me anywhere. I might be doing a lot of waiting if they don't pain out.

Downside of travelling now: May delay or hinder the job hunt if any of these leads actually may lead to something.

Decision day: Tomorrow...

A sunny weekend

I'm starting to feel extremely lucky. Auckland weather has been ABSOLUTELY beautiful! Let me say that again. Both yesterday and today, blue sky and warm. Yesterday I didn't do too much- just more walking, picked up groceries, and hung out with a few folks I met. (Including a Canadian- Happy Belated Canada day!)

The hills here are more than I had bargained for. This prairie girl finds herself climbing up and down inclines throughout the CBD in Auckland. I figure if I was to stay here any period of time, I would be in great shape. Today I frequented the Auckland Museum. For the cost of $5, I observed a number of archeological artifacts from the south pacific, wandered through the animals/ plants exhibit, and got distracted by the pretty interesting volcano exhibit. I wasn't aware of some of the past volcanos in the NZ area. Interesting stuff- and lots of types of rocks, and such. Neat! We also wandered through the top floor, which was a little more sombre- as the mood was war. I realized that my knowledge of Canadian history is rather weak, as I couldn't remember who our own prime ministers were during certain of the wars. Mental note to read a history of canada summary when I make it back home. Also to read up a bit on NZ history- ie what created Anzac day.

The Museum is located in Auckland Domain- a lovely green space with interesting sounding walks, such as "lovers lane". I can't get over the trees. They are just so different. If I was a biologist, I am sure I would like NZ for the plant life. We also made our way back through Alberta Park- again- just so beautiful!

In terms of the resolution of my banking issues mentioned in a previous post- the problem has been settled by simple cash withdrawals from my credit cards, which I subsequently deposited in my NZ bank. My interac card wasn't an option, as my daily limit for ATM purchases is still rather low. Under $500. Maybe as low as $300. I can't exactly remember- just know that it doesn't work if I try to spend more.

I've been excited to see how favourable the FX rates are on the transactions that have posted to my credit card statements. In the range of .68. This makes things here a little bit of a better deal.

An interesting note on parking. They don't have meters everywhere- just a central depository every so often that services a whole part of a street. I'm not quite sure how it works.

My tentative plans are to head south this week. But due to the volume of my work related stuff, I hesistate to trave around much until I can get my work things in storage. (My "backpacking" things are under control. I had to purchase a few things for interviewing this weekend, having realized that my one blazer didn't coordinate either of the 2 pairs of work pants I bought. Doh! Victims of the last packing downsize. Mental note to keep coordination in mind in the future). I may wander down to Wellington/Nelson for about a week for my interview(s) there. If something pans out there, I'll likely do a stint of travel after I'm done that term job.

But I'm really liking Auckland so far. I hope to return at any rate for a stint of work here after the south, if something would line up.

My big walk

Yesterday I decided to try and the Coast to Cost Walk, a 13km walk leaving from the Harbour and through some of Auckland's sites. I ended up not talking the 13km walk, as the walk was not so well marked and I surprise, surprise, ventured off it! At any rate, I did make it up to the top of Mt Eden and all the way back in about 3 hours. Albert Park near the University is absolutely beautiful, and I really like the charm of that area of Auckland.

Alisha and I went to a veggie restaurant on K road for supper last night. (Hare Krisha vegetarian). For $5 you get a huge plate full of veggie food- and it was delicious! We then decided to take in a movie. A few slight differences- you actually pay for the movie at the concessions stand, which seems to make some sense. And- the seating was pre assigned, which again in a busy movie can make some sense as people often leave an empty seat between them and the next party. I think it might be a little harder if you were meeting someone there.

Nothing too exciting on the agenda for today. Looks like another nice blue sky day out in Auckland. I'll try and post some pics one of these days.