Greetings again from Auckland. I’ve been here a few days and plan to leave tomorrow evening bound for Wellington, the Southernmost capital in the world. Now that I’ve gotten a chance to get over some of my jet lag, I’ve made some observations of Kiwi life in Auckland. Speaking of jet lag, I’ve had this weird motion feeling, like vertigo since I’ve gotten here. I don’t know if its jet lag or that I’m adjusting to the opposite coriolis effects in the Southern Hemisphere? A few other Americans have said they felt the same way.
I’ve gotten a bank account now and was very pleased with the options. In addition to the fact that you don’t have to be a resident of NZ and have no address here, the interest rates for a savings account are 7%! Many things are I think pretty expensive here. Cell phones aren’t as prevalent and calls cost 49-89 cents/min. mobile to mobile or to a landline. However, cell phone companies don’t want to screw you out of money as bad as it seems in the states. You can sign up for month to month plans, 1 yr, or 2 yr. There are pretty much no start up fees and definitely no hidden fees.
Environment: Auckland is cleaner than Seattle, reminds me of Portland or San Diego. Saw 2 or 3 homeless people but no one actively asking for money. Plenty of green parks around full of people playing soccer, cricket, and reading books. No trash or homeless. Handguns illegal here but theft and break-ins seems to happen a lot in certain neighborhoods. Weather is nice (65-75 F) and its springtime, like the month of May. Lots of flowers in bloom and the air smells really fresh, botanical and sweet. Its funny, all the trees and flowers are pretty different; I feel like I’m in a far away land (and I am!). There are a few familiar things like snapdragons, orchids and fox gloves. Air is clean and pollution is not a problem. Kiwi’s are really into conserving their ecology and environment which is great.
Yesterday I went to a suburb called Devonport and hiked some extinct volcanoes which were scattered with old gun turrets and military barracks-beautiful parks were well kept and green. Saw some people in parachutes floating the thermal updrafts. Not attached to anything-looks like fun!
Today I went to a large park and walked through a botanical garden full of ferns, flowers and exotic trees. Tomorrow I'm off to Wellington, so I'll see what that has to offer.
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5 comments:
Hey Rob, Just after sending you an email i remembered your Blog. I guess it answered most of my quesiotns : )
I understand the feeling of being so far away from what you are used to. References change and everything seems quite different. You notice every little details, like what people wear, the signs on the roads,...Everything reminds you that you are in a different environment. It is actually interesting to see how much time you will need to make it feel like home. I am sure you will be surprised how fast that will happen.
Anyway, Keep us posted on your adventure. Talk to you soon! : )
This was a message from Pierre
Hey Rob! Sounds lovely! I'm sending you an email with a bunch of info. I will keep you updated about progress. How long, exactly, did it take you to get through customs? We need to catch a bus 3 hours after we land...
Later,
-D
After just one week in Paris, I am already getting used to lots of things that were really noticeable when I first arrived! Like shopping in the grocery stores, where you don't know any of the products. I am sure Pierre is right that you will get used to a lot of it faster than you even realize, perhaps. Have fun in Wellington! Talk soon,
O.
Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments! I answer Doug's question, it took me a good 1.5 hours to get through customs and out of the airport because I had camping equipment they wanted to look through. Hiking boots and tents are especially of interest to them.
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