Finally, New Zealand

Hey everyone,

It sure has been an "interesting" few days. Let's see. I made it to Sydney on the overnight bus. It was absolutely packed but fortunately the giant that was sitting beside me got off 2 hours into the 14 hour drive. So I was able to stretch out and get a couple of hours sleep. But I was still pretty exhausted when I arrived into Sydney. This time around, I was staying with a friend of a friend.

I was able to relax for the few days in Sydney. I went out to a family gathering (not my family) but it was still great. The following day, I went to the Sculpture by the Sea exhibit. That was pretty cool. Over a hundred artists have their pieces displayed along the path between Bondi Beach and Tagawama (I think that was the name). So, Jo and I spent a few hours admiring the art with spectacular backdrops. It is a brilliant idea. Then I met up with another friend for drinks and dinner. We went to the Oaks, where you buy the meat and grill it yourself. Of course, Mark was willing to grill mine. I have been scolded and learned that the BBQ is a man's domain. Say no more.

Next stop, New Zealand. On Monday I flew to Auckland on the North Island. I got into town and it was 15 celcius and raining. I haven't had weather like this in ages so let's just say I was shocked. I made it eventually to a hostel that had availability (this is why I always book ahead) after dragging all my bags up an impossibly steep hill. After that, I was done for the day. I have been fighting a cold for 3 weeks now and it doesn't seem to get better. I'm done the antibiotics for my throat infection but I have so much congestion. So I thought I would get my tours all sorted. That is where the problems began. The travel agent I bought my tours with in Australia took my money but never registered my details into the tour companies system so when I went to book my tour, there was no record of me. I was livid! So two hours later, I have still not gotten anywhere. Oz says it is a NZ problem; NZ says it is an Oz problem. And I am stuck with no tour and $944 in the hole. Not impressed. So, for the first time in the past 10 months of travelling, I actually felt like going home and giving up on the whole "travel the world" thing. I was just done with the frustration and ineptitude of people.

So, yesterday I woke up late (finally, a day to sleep in) and was on a mission. I went to the main office of the tour company and sat until they sorted it out. I am now booked! What a relief: I can now focus on enjoying my time in New Zealand and seeing the country and all it has to offer. With all that being sorted out my noon, I hopped on the Harbour Cruise and went out into Auckland Harbour. It is a beautiful place with thousands of sailboats and dozens of islands. I got off at Rangitoto Island which is the youngest volcano of Auckland. It was a rough hike up to the top but the view was worth it. Spectacular! And this is just the beginning.

I leave tomorrow for the north part of New Zealand. I'll let you know how it goes.

Love, Lisa