Auckland: November 9-10

I made it to Auckland after 14 hours of fly time. Not bad compared to others I’ve met… Some took 28 to 40 hours to get to New Zealand from their home! Yikes. I left San Fran at 8:15a Tuesday November 7, arrived in Honolulu at 12:30p, and made it to Auckland by 10:30p November 8. Those time changes really get me.

I was quite tired so I was looking forward to getting to my hotel but was selfishly unexcited about going through customs. Had to do it so I got off the ginormous plane and went along with the rest of the herd towards baggage claim. After several go-arounds of the conveyor belt, I saw my teal Swiss Army suitcase. I also saw a chunk of my zipper was unzipped. My suitcase was completely zipped all the way around, except for the top middle piece. Urg. Instead of grabbing it gingerly, I used both hands on the same handle and tried yanking it off the carousel. Then it happened. Like confetti, my once nicely-rolled, tightly-inserted clothes were scattered on the conveyor belt. Awesome. Apparently I packed my suitcase a little too tight. I re-stuffed my suitcase as everyone watched me put my life back together. I just told myself “you’re fine” and that’s what I was. I was fine and tired.

Moving on. After I got my luggage, I had to take apart my second suitcase so my tent could be inspected. Who cares at this point? I had to redo my suitcases the next day anyway. After I got my tent back, I stuffed it back into my suitcase. “Jusssst stuff her in Jen. Just stuuuuuff her in.” I repeated as my suitcase grew. When things are tightly packed in a suitcase, it’s not that easy to just “stuff” things back in. I was that girl sitting on her suitcase zipping it closed. I got through customs, had both of my suitcases, and now it was time for some rest.

I found the shuttle that would get me to my hotel. A husband and wife helped me purchase the shuttle ticket. Well, they didn’t just help me, they actually purchased my ticket since I couldn’t get my card to physically fit into the card reader. New Zealanders are truly some of the nicest people. I was so thankful for these two as I was feeling a bit down and out of place in a new city. After a short ride to the hotel, I was off to my room for a good nights rest.

The next day I was supposed to take a bus from Auckland to Wellington. Well, per usual, I ran late and missed the bus. I decided to take a plane from Auckland to Wellington. I felt like such an adult… I mean not when I missed the bus, but whatever. Details. Details. Who needs them?

I met a man while waiting for my 3:15p flight to Wellington at the Auckland airport. I shared my nervousness of flying while we finished our lunch. LUCKILY he warned me that I would be flying into Windy Wellington and to not be scared if the plane starts to feel like it’s diving. Grrrreat. He was right and I’m thankful that he warned me. Later someone told me that some planes have to go back up after trying to land because it’s too windy. Then it’s round two for landing… hopefully not three or four.

Wellington: November 10

I made it to Wellington! I stayed a night in an Airbnb and was picked up the next day, Friday the 10th, by an Uber driver. He brought me to my next destination which would be my base for the next four weeks, the Truby King House on the hill.

The driver shared several stories about his Long Haired German Shepherd, Lola. I got to share some stories about my baby back home as well. Made me miss my Jambers even more (give my babes a hug and kiss from his mom, mom!).

We arrived at the destination and I was greeted by Aviva who showed me around the place. It’s an old and awesome house! Wood floors, big windows overlooking Wellington’s airport (see pic below), and character unlike anything else I’ve ever stayed in. This house will be my home for the next four weeks as I volunteer on miscellaneous conservation projects.

Upon arrival, I was also introduced to Marie and Nicholas. I was happy to find out that Marie and I are around the same age. We are in very similar situations- no husband, no kids, no house… just time to be nymphs I guess and free to a experience the solo life. Nicholas is quite the guy too. He’s 18 and from Austria. Marie is 27 and from Germany.

We three became closer as we took a walk into the city and grabbed some pizza… I even joked that we should get matching tattoos. Thankfully they get my sense of humor even with the occasional language barrier. Hardly though. Marie thinks her English isn’t that great, but I beg to differ. Everyone in the house speaks English when their native language is either German or French. I’m thankful that they all speak English around me so I’m included… Hopefully I’ll learn some German or French during my stay.

Well that’s that. Today is November 11 and I have yet to do anything today. My future posts probably won’t be this long but thought I should get my blog up to speed.