I like Auckland and Auckland likes me
Trip Start
Sep 05, 2007
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Trip End
May 01, 2008
Auckland,
New Zealand
Monday, September 10, 2007
I didn't get to nap before my orientation, so I was in a "stoned" state of mind. That didn't prevent me from meeting and communicating (poorly) with a large group of Germans. Nice people. It was about 40 hours that I went without sleep.
I got my tax number (well, sent away for it), set up a bank account and picked up a cell phone the first day. Incoming calls are free on my cell, so feel free to call. Just remember, if you call me in the middle of the night, I will return the favour. I had some trouble getting my money out of my bank. Turns out the banks here cannot help you transfer money. Shit. And the RBC won't let you do internet transfers to non-Canadian banks. Shit. And I need to be in Canada to do a wire transfer. Hmm. My life sucks. No worries though
Anti-US Protest
. I've been living off my VISA. I love Visa. Accepted anywhere. Everyone, get a VISA! Recently I found that I can withdraw up to $500 at a time from my RBC account using my banking card here at these ATMs. I'm saved!!! I'll live off of my VISA and use as little cash as I can until I get a job to deposit stuff into my account.The hostel here is in a nice part of town. Auckland is all nice. It's a big city with a small town attitude. Very relaxed.
I haven't had much time to myself to be lonely. The Germans kept me busy for the first couple days, and then my new roommates (Americans) did after that. They are good guys and I don't hold the fact that they can't find America on a map against them (relax, just joking). I've also found a couple of Canadians here, one of which sold me contact lenses in Edmonton (small bloody world). I was alone twice; once yesterday and once today. Yesterday I was eating alone for about 10 minutes, when I was befriended by a Finnish girl. And today, before I was picked out of a crowd by a girl I had never met before, because she recognized me from the University (contact girl).
I went out drinking a couple nights ago (go figure), with the Germans and with the Americans
Me at the bottom of the Skytower
. It was great. Apparently Kiwis like Rugby. And they like everyone when their team wins. I had an "international" conference with an American, a German, me, and two Kiwis in the men's room (politics, cars, etc.) started by a kiwi. The guy gave me his number, which was difficult to explain to my roommates later on (you picked up a guy's number in the men's room? dude...).I've managed to find a place that sell spices and foodstuffs with which to make real food. Yes I'm cooking for everyone again. I made pancakes for the Germans, and stir fry for them the next night, then tonight I made butter chicken with rice and naan bread for the Americans and myself. Cooking and eating food yourself is soooo much cheaper. I think I've been averaging about 3 to 4 dollars per person for a reasonable meal (McDonalds costs about 8 to 10 bucks for a cheap breakfast).
I went to the Skytower today. I managed to get a pretty good discount with my backpackers card, otherwise I probably would not have paid to go up. You get a pretty good view of Auckland from up top. Some people were jumping off the top (tied to ropes, of course). I would have liked to try this, but the cost was a little high, pardon the pun.
Funny thing happened on my way from the market. I was standing at a crosswalk a little while ago when I heard "what part of Canada are you from"? "Alberta", I said. "Toronto" she said. Small world. I wonder what gave me away? The Roots sweater (I love my roots sweater), my Canadian flag on my pack or my "generally confused, yet smiling" appearance? Either way, apparently I stick out like a sore thumb. Probably not a bad thing, as I was left pretty much alone when I got caught in the middle of an Anti-American riot earlier today and was left alone (I was actually with an American at the time, they must have thought he was a Canuck too). The police let us just walk through their line, away from the protest.
Comments
not bad
i think, although i'm not certain, that i kind of like the idea of sticking out as a foreigner. at least right now i do. might make the first few weeks a little easier