Wellington, NZ

Pulp Fiction

A few hours ago, I sat in my seat, tingling in anticipation. I'd noticed, when I came into town today, a sign for "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," a book some of you know, I rather like. I investigated later and found that the long awaited motion picture of that book had finally been released, and when I purchased my ticket this evening, I also found out that this was opening night. Sheer dumb luck on my part, but I got to see opening night of one of the movie's I've been waiting years to see.

When I purchased my ticket, I was advised to take a look at the seating chart. As it would turn out the movie theater I went to (across the street from the hostel) was a converted theatre, and you bought your seats according to where they were located. I got a bang up seat at a decent price and managed to finagle a large popcorn, a large lemonade... and a Heinken (and in a glass mind you, it's been that sorta day) for 11NZD. I was a happy boy as I sat watching the previews (I hope the last Star Wars is cool as the previews).

And the movie was good. My expectations were high, I suppose, but I really enjoyed it. It was fun and funny, and Arthur spent the whole movie in his bathrobe (see?). Anyway, it was about a perfect Thursday evening for my first night in Wellington. So, as they say here, Sweet as...

Wellington, NZ

Well, I've made it to the bottom of the North Island. I had an interesting time getting down here. I woke two days ago in Taupo and headed back to Tongariro Nat. Park with Brian. On the way into Whakapapa Village, we saw the Kiwi Experience bus on the side of the road. Brian hauled on the brakes and we slid to a halt next to the bus. I hopped onto it there, much to the confusion of most of the people on board and headed with them to River Valley. I've already spent two nights in Whakapapa and wanted to see somewhere else instead.

River Valley was a gorgeous little spot with rivers and waterfalls, and a Southie bartender. That was a boon for me as I got to talk sports, the Sox and the Patriots draft with Sean (he's from a traditonal Irish Catholic S. Boston family). From there, I took the bus down here to Wellington. I'm spending the weekend here, and then heading down to South Island sometime next week.

Taupo, NZ

Still moving South through the North Island. Missed getting on the Kiwi Ex bus this morning, shockingly, I overslept. I'm going to head South now with Brian. The plan is to get down to Wellington either today or tomorrow, depending on the weather. Brian's hoping to do the Tongariro Crossing, but the weather's had the Crossing closed for the past few days.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Well, I finally left Raglan. It took some doing but I'm back on the road and in good spirits. I had an almost private coach yesterday from Raglan, just me and one girl on the bus, and she was with the bus driver. So, we made up our own plan for the day which involved getting the best breakfast I've had in NZ in Hamilton (Flapjack's, across the street from the Kathmandu shop on the main street), and going to hot springs to soak for the afternoon.

As expected, Rotorua has given me vivid flashbacks of Iceland as the smell almost identical with the sulfur smell all over the place. I'm headed on today, it's time to pick up the pace a bit and I'm headed to Taupo then from there down to Wellington. I've got under a month left on my visa in NZ right now, which doesn't feel like much time at all. I may be able to get an extension on that, in case I run short of time, but we'll see. The summer is definitely drawing to a close here though, there's a chill in the night air these days.

I stayed in a bed for the first time in over a month last night. I checked into the Base hostel and got a 4 person dorm room to myself. Luxury! I hung out with a few guys in the hostel last night, including Brian, a guy from CA who I didn't really meet at Solscape earlier this week. I may try and jump in his car for the ride from Taupo to Wellington, but we'll figure that one out later.

It's hard to believe that I've finally left Raglan. While I didn't have the best last week there, I was a bit down in the dumps (raise your hand if you already knew I was a moody son of a bitch). I picked back up, but was feeling rather introverted for my final few days there. I will miss it like crazy though, I met some amazing people during my sojourn there, some of whom I definitely think I will meet up with again. Well, breakfast calls, and then I have to pack for my bus down to Taupo, no longer private, I think, there are 20 people due to get on it today. Sigh, so much for the private coach.

Raglan, New Zealand

Well, I'm back in Raglan, recuperating. It's been a lovely week here, calm days and cool evenings by the Tiki Lounge. Right now, I can see the orange leaking in through the windows as the sun set's over the water. The surf finally arrived. The surfers here licked there chops and there was a mad dash for the water, people ignoring health and injury to catch those sweet breaks. It was pumping. I managed to take the fin off of Nick's board first time borrowing that, so I need to get that fixed. I did go out one other day, and I am still, slowly, improving. Planning on heading to Tongoriro Nat. Park with Johnny this week for a 3 or 4 day hike. Summer's ending here in NZ and I should start heading South before it gets too cold.

I still haven't managed to get my camera repaired from last week's festivities (see costume party pics), so there aren't going to be any photos for a little while. I've dug out my old Olympus A7 which I used during my travels through Europe. Other than that, all's well here in Raglan. The Dutch girls rolled back into town, and we're sorta sure that Rosie and Gemma have left (but not positive). Other than that it's been relaxed evenings, mad capers to Hamilton and various dreams floating through the heads' of the Dreamers here at Solscape.

Auckland, New Zealand

The Road throws the mirror ball's reflected sunshine about the car as we coast up the highway towards Auckland, the Downbeat f the P-Funk getting us up for the weekend. Solscape became a funky little community on the hill this past week. The other night we decided to head down to open mike and have a costume party. I managed to dress six guys for the night (Helen provided the rest of the costumes). We hit the town hard and had a fashion show at the first bar we hit. At the open Mike, Jeff, John and Rosie got the place groovin'. I awoke a bit groggy the next morning to find Oliver Hatch and Molly, his blushing bride had moved in next door to my tent. Oliver went to Milton with me, I haven't seen him in about 2 years, and we haven't really hung out in about 9 years. There were about six people from Mass at Solscape that night, but seeing Oli was the most random.

Molly and Olly (heh heh) are doing about the best honeymoon I've heard of, 4 months backpacking. They're hitching around NZ right now and doing some camping and trekking. I can't think of a better honeymoon.

So, I'm in town, gonna git down, and it's gonna be a bit funky tonight. I'm not sure what tomorrow may bring, but I'll let y'all know when I do.