Arrived in Auckland around 11am on Wed Feb. 21, after a 16hour flight. Needless to say, this left me emotional, exhausted and hungry=GRUMPY(Muresch in German). At customs I am informed I must visit the Australian Consulate to obtain my visa(apparently it is not as Mexican Passport friendly as it is to ya'all Americans).
Looooooooong day. Find out Evanescence are playing at the St. James(oldest theatre in Auckland). Bought tickets and because I was a single, had a really great seat in the center front. Got caught taking pictures and security took my battery-after a 5minute "discussion". Have to say though, much nicer than they would have been in the U.S. as it was returned to me as soon as the concert was over.
Thurssday am woke up early to obtain my Australian visa. 90 kiwi dollars later(approx. $60 US) and 2 hours later was officially deemed legal-at least in Australia. Met with Penny Lancaster a friend of a friend who owns a sailing school in Auckland. Wonderful woman. Seems fitting that it was with her in the "City of Sails" that I tried mussels for the first time-loved them! After we headed to the Harbor where i saw her boat and took pics at the harbour. Next I headed to Valentino's for a purchase-nope not the clothing store, not quite in my budget. Valentino's Gelato that is, where I had the local Hoky Poky and kiwi flavours. Yummmm :)
Purchased my ticket to Christ Church with flight center where they assured me that all agents were on the same system and sold tickets at the same price. Of course, after i purcahsed my ticket and checked ut STA's prices, found out I could have payed $30 less-still learning. Found out STA did half the things wrong on my trip planning-no confirmation numbers, wrong flight numbers, incorrect paperwork, overpricing, etc. etc. etc. Leaving me tired and more frustrated. Flew to Christ Church and just managed to snag the very last hostel bed.
Saturday Feb. 24(i think??)
On a kiwi explorer tour bus through the South Island. New Zealand is amazingly beautiful!!!! The only American in a group of 70+ but there are loads of single women travelers. Lots of travelers from Germany, Londan and the Norwegian countries. Had a beach themed party. Cant wait to post the pics and video clips from that. Let's just say the last time I saw that many half naked people was at the Playboy Mansion.
Going on a 6hour hike thorugh the Glaciers at Franz Josef tom.
Later.
