Editors note; I just wanted to confirm that I visit this blog only when out of country. My trip to Auckland NZ took place Aug 1st 2009. Consider this post a flash back to the NZ island...
Saturday in Auckland – True First Class Bore
I have been in New Zealand all week dividing my time between a hotel room and a cold warehouse. My mind was going too mush by the end of the week, so with the work done it was time venture out of the hotel and stretch the legs.
Follow along below for a walk around Auckland
Day starts with the usual breakfast of toast, cereal and a large pot of herbal mint tea in the hotel lobby.
With walking supplies nicely stowed in the backpack it is time to venture out in the adjoining neighborhoods. You must be careful crossing the streets; they drive on the left side of the road. If you are not mindful of this you will look to your left first instead of your right and walk directly into the path of an on coming car surely face death in a foreign country where no one knows your name.
Early into my venture walk it I came across this sign in a front yard that had me second guessing my route. Beware of dog part I get, will bite is making a statement.
About 40 minutes into my leg stretch I took some time out to watch a middle school rugby match. Interesting game, but American football still rules.
As my 2 hour walk was concluding a large mound came into view. I’m sure there is a story here, but for now I’m just going to call it interesting and continue on my way.
Well, I took a break for lunch and then proceeded to find a free bus that could get me to the downtown area. When speaking with the front desk about my afternoon travel plans they directed down the street from the hotel to find a local bus for my trip to the city. I was told to stay on the sidewalk for two blocks and then wait by the orange cones. Sounded easy enough too me if you’re looking for orange cones and not yellow lines on the road!! After 30 minutes of walking the both sides of the streets and missing one bus a local couple directed me to the correct place on the sidewalk by the “orange cones” aka painted yellow lines.
After getting on the bus I arrived downtown in just over an hour later. I was bit traumatized by my bus ordeal and decided it was best that I settle my nerves with some hot chocolate from Seattle Espresso. Big mistake on my part too think that anything “Seattle” could be done correctly in New Zealand. It was an awful mixture that tasted more like chocolate covered sand
Well, I continued to stagger along in my quest to see something of interest in New Zealand. My next sighting was the Kiwi’s attempt at a space needle. Again, what is done is Seattle can only be done correctly in Seattle. I tried taking the photo at a distance to make it look much taller than it is. This was a real disappointment and not worth the cost to go up to the 360 deck. If you really felt the need to see the city from an elevated view hotels in the area where much taller and they did not charge you anything to go to the top floor and look at out the clouds.
Two hours of wondering around the windy and cold wharf area I decided it was best to take the bus back to the hotel and eat dinner and pack for my return to the states in the morning.
I did my best to see Auckland and immurse myself into the local culture. I’m not sure if it was my mushy brain or that it just a little dull here,
K
