Auckland Anecdotes
Trip Start
May 31, 2008
1
5
28
Trip End
Dec 15, 2008
Auckland,
New Zealand
Saturday, July 19, 2008
I got to Auckland and spent a lovely few hours wandering around the city. It reminded me of Melbourne moreso than Sydney and I was surprised at the number of people in Hamilton who said "eww I hate Auckland" when I mentioned I was going there. Of course, I live in Toronto which has roughly the same population as the entirety of New Zealand so "big cities" don't scare me. Obviously.
Auckland has cobblestoned alleyways with little cafes ranging from chic and expensive with crisp linen and wine glasses on the table to a little less expensive (haha) funky little vintage-inspired bistros
Off to Auckland!
. Which is where I ate. At a whopping $15/meal. I only ate there once, then I stuck to the walk-by sushi stands. Hooray huge bunch of raw fish for $5!! Hooray for $2 specials on 'flat whites' (see below for more info about coffee), which are normally twice that much. Leave it to me to find cheap places to eat/drink/shop. Fleur lives near Ponsonby Road which reminds me a lot of the area I lived in in Toronto. It's a long strip of cafes, shops, bookstores, bars and generally fun things to do. Her little villa was lovely and her roomates too! We went for Thai food with Angela (the other girl I met in Thailand) and I met a couple of their friends. Afterwards we hit the "locals".
Now, when I think "local", I think of some creepy pub with old guys with weepy eyes and sagging faces. But the Ponsonby locals are all "hip and happenin'!" It was fun to bar hop and there were a lot of choices. Needless to say, the next morning we were all laying in bed watching New Zealand's version of 'Coronation Street'.
I was there for three days and on the last day, Monday, Fleur had to work so I took my time wandering around again. Walking from her house back to downtown through gorgeous neighbourhoods with huge old Victorian-like mansions and 'villas'
Fleur's "Villa"
. It was a beautiful sunny 'winter' day and it was warm enough that I was hot in my coat and t-shirt.Funny story:
Huffing it up a steep incline on my way to some coffee shop (because the levels of caffeine in the coffee here is so through the roof that I now find myself with a shameless addiction to 'flat whites' - damn espresso!) I looked up to see New Zealand's version of McDreamy/Mr. Big/uhhh H-E-L-L-O walking towards me in an expensive business suit. I, of course, had on last night's makeup and was carrying all my sleepover gear with me while trying to balance an umbrella and cursing my lack of ipod to make the incline (in the hill) a lot easier to handle (I'd forgotten it at home). I was puffing a bit and the rain had done cruel things to my hair. He, of course, was walking downhill so there was no exertion there whatsoever. And he had perfect hair. Bastard.
Anyway. We both look at the other and smile as we pass. I give it about three seconds then I turn my head thinking I'll be able to watch him swagger his way on down but imagine my surprise to see he had looked back at exactly the same moment! I laughed outloud and turned back around, maybe strutting just a tad and gave it a full minute before glancing quickly over my shoulder
Uhh?
. Hottie had actually stopped and was looking up the street at me. I waved with a laugh and kept walking. I couldn't wipe the perma-grin off my face for the rest of the day. He wasn't a gangsta with baggy pants, he wasn't some creepy taxi driver calling me a 'beautiful flower', he wasn't a ninety-year-old man hitting on me while I'm cha-cha'ing with him because I felt it rude to decline. (The usual group of men who attempt to flirt with me.) Here was a beautiful businessman checking me out. Finally! (It must have been the jeans.)
In any case....I STILL GOT IT! (I figured that story would amuse many people.)
***
Back here in Hamilton I now have three jobs in true Kristin style. The restaurant, Aratika (disabled adults) as well as a 16 yr old client with an acquired brain injury (I go to her in her home). They are keeping me busy and, for the most part, I'm enjoying the work - even at the restaurant! - though I am not enjoying the broken work day. Meaning that most days I work 9 - 3pm at Aratika and then I work 7 - 10pm with the 16 yr old or 5:30 - 10:30/11/12am at the restaurant. The restaurant is generally on the weekends and the 16 yr old isn't every night. But I really, really, hate coming home in the day and then having to leave again. Once I'm home I have a hard time feeling enthusiastic and motivated about going out again (for work that is).
But, I'm getting used to it and am currently trying to decide if I want to decline an interview I've been offered for another position or if I should just go, see what it entails and see if they offer it to me
Maori Culture
. It's always nice to have options....there seem to be a lot of those here; many opportunities for new experiences and I'm learning quite a bit. Everything from nursing stuff to how to make the oh-so-addictive flat whites (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to get the milk right!! I can learn how to use a catheter and a suction machine but ask me to make you a coffee and I'll screw it up every time!).I'm looking forward to Dad and Jared's visit which is coming up at the beginning of August! Can't wait to see you guys!!
Hope all is well back home.
Lots of love,
K
Comments
Hi
I'll show you mine, if you show me yours...
New Tattoo?
Pics or it didn't happen ;)
M.