The plane ride when smooth, Steve and I talked for quite a while, but I didn't feel any love connection unfortunatly. We arrived in Auckland quite early around 7 am and caught an hour long shuttle ride into the city and to our hostel, Base Backpackers.
It was too early still to check in, but they were nice enough to let me shower and get myself cleaned up. I went back downstairs to talk with the travel center people about what I should do and see. They suggested I do a free day tour around the city. Perfect! Just what I had in mind, and you can't beat Free!
I stood outside waiting for the bus to arrive, there were a 3 other girls waiting as well. The bus arrives and out pops the driver informing us the tour has been overbooked today but he can take 2 of us. One will have to sit up front in the passenger seat with a dog, and the other on the console. I quickly claimed my seat up front in the seat, I don't mind a dog.a sweet black lab named Ruby who sat on my lap and licked my face off. The other girl who got a seat was Katie, a talkative blonde girl from Liverpool. The 2 of us were lucky to be up front as we had the attention of the guide, Nathan. Very cool and cute laid back guy.He gave us all kinds of tips and really made the tour fun and interesting to learn about the history of New Zealand.
Katie and I become fast friends. We walked around Davenport together, ate fish and chips, bought an apple (feeling guilty after the fish and chips), and took our picture outfront of a candy shop and on a big gun with the Auckland skyline in the background. It's amazing how fast you make friends while traveling!
Nathan asked about my plans and he wouldn't hear of me staying in Auckland. He talked me into doing a 4 day tour with his company, Kiwi Experience. It sounded great, and the cost was reasonable, so i said sign me up!
Katie and I decided to meet up later that night. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around. I wanted to find this Japanese resturant that has shabu shabu, I searched for at least an hour, asked several people about, but finally gave up. Turns out the guide book was wrong and the place had been closed for a while I think.
I went back to the hostel and got myself all dolled up for the night out. I noticed the window my bed didn't shut all the way but didn't think too much of it at the time except hope I won't be freezing tonight. I went to Katie's room and met her friend Becki who she was traveling with. They weren't finished getting ready yet so I waited and had some of their wine.
Minus 5 was rad! This place is small, completely made of ice! The seats, glasses, decor.. everything.. and it's cold of course but they give you coats, boots, gloves and a vodka drink so you hardly notice. The place was pretty much empty and we must have taken 100 pictures of ourselves in all types of poses ,including the bartender. A couple other English girls were there as well and they joined us on to the next bar at the next and that was our group for the night. We all got pissed !! I met so many people, guys from Brazil, Sweden and England are the ones I remember the most. We took a cab home around 3 am or so, and all i remember is tumbling in bed, which was soaked, thinking god i hope this is just water and not pee. Damn window!!
I wish someone would have reminded me I signed up for a tour which would be there to pick me up at 7am...
