Auckland, New Zealand

Well, I've been in Auckland for almost a week now, essentially sorting out what I'm going to do in this country and where, and in what order. I've been staying at the Base hostel here which is pretty impressive. I've yet to stay at any of the city hostels in OZ or NZ, so this is my first taste. It's 7 stories, and has a bar in it, plus a roof deck where the kitchen is. All the rooms work with electronic key cards, a bit different from the skeleton keys of Europe. Wed. night they had a mechanical bull riding competition in the bar. Sadly, I didn't win, however I did get second prize and a legful of bruises. I was, of course, wearing the cowboy hat. Today, I took Stray's free tour of Auckland, it was a very good tour and a lot of fun. I think I'm going to take the Stray bus through part of NZ, still figuring that bit out though. Anyway, that's a bit all for now, there's not too much else to report. Auckland seems to be mostly a transit site for traveller's, most people seem to think that the city has little to offer.

Auckland, New Zealand

Well, after nearly two months in Tasmania, I have finally left. I had a long day yesterday, my flight was at 6.20 from Hobart and as I'm not an early riser, I decided the best course of action was to simply go out late and then go to the airport rather than get some sleep beforehand. Turned out to be the right nove, though I was a zombie by the time I finally arrived in Auckland.

It's odd being back on the road after having a home in Tasmania for so long. I have to thank everyone I met and all my friends there for the time I had, it was an incredible experience, and I'm going to miss it and the Tassies there terribly. Phil, Judy, Rory and Sarah, thank you for everything, for picking me up that first day, for opening your home and showing me your side of Tasmania, perched up on that hillside. Bill, Lloyd, Chantalle and Matt thank you for the bushwalk. I realize that you had no idea what kind of American idiot you agreed to go hiking with, and when you first saw my pack it filled you with a certain amount of trepidition, but we made it through despite everyone's (myself included) doubts. Jim, I wanted to thank you personally for the bushwalk and everything else, including T42. I had my first and last breakfast there, as well as an occasional drink in between. I must also thank Katie, you were the one who convinced me to hit Tas before NZ and it was a very good decision. Rebecca and the girls...I've said my thanks, y'all made it a lovely and memorable time. And finally Wayne. Wayne, I didn't have the words the other night, and I'm not sure I do now. From our arguments to our afternoons at Jim's you were constantly there, open and understanding during my stay. You saw me during my up's and down's and everywhere in between. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.

Well. So, here I am back on the road, once again leaving a home behind. It's a gorgeous day out, I plan to have a shower and start exploring Auckland. I believe I saw a Denny's on the ride into town yesterday and if it wasn't a hallucination (that'd be a first, hallucinating about Denny's), I'm going to have to head there and see if they've got a Grand Slam breakfast that I can sink my teeth into. From there, I don't know. I'm just going to have to see what this city, this island, and this country holds in store for me. Well, that's all for now, I shall keep you informed as this country unfolds itself for me.

Hobart, Tasmania

Well, I had to leave sometime. I finally got my ticket and I'm flying on Feb 20th from Hobart to Auckland, NZ. I've had an amazing time here in Tas, and while I'm sure I will be back again someday, it's time to move on, time to get moving again. It's going to be odd leaving, it's starting to feel like home here and it's been nearly two months that I've been here. It seems so long ago that I got picked up by Phil in that tiny airport and four days I shall return there once more. Anyway, that's all from me for now, I've got to run and don't have time for anything more.

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart, Tasmania

Well, the Superbowl has come and gone, and I'm looking to finally start moving again. I'm currently looking at flights to NZ now, and plan to leave in the next 10 days or so. Not too much else to report at the moment, been mostly just chilling around Hobart this week, catching up with friends.

Hobart, Tasmania

While some of you have expressed some concern as to the amount of drinking that I've been doing on my trip, I must say that I really have had it under control. While I often am headed to a bar, it is a rare occasion that I have more than 3 drinks in an evening.

Last night was not one of those nights.

With friends gathered around me I watched the Pats move into immortality last night as we watched the Superbowl. I waited for the replay of the game in the evening and elected to spend gametime surfing to keep myself occupied. So, a bit tipsy I watched the game at the local casino, and I still have a grin on my face the morning after (and a hangover in my head, but this one's allowed). I hope everyone back home is whooping it up good, I wish I could be there now, but for the 2nd time now that this trip has started I've watched Boys from Boston win it all, first the Sox and now that Pats.

Hobart, Tasmania

Rest and recuperating in Hobart. I've spent this week partially resting my sore feet. The weather here has been a mix of dreadful and brilliant days. I'm starting to think about the next leg of the trip, moving on to NZ but I'm in no rush and am mostly excited about the approaching Superbowl. I'm gathering all my friends here in Hobart together to watch the big game, and while none of them are American football fans it should be a fun time nevertheless.