Wednesday September 15
Made it to New Zealand!! Auckland to be exact and let me tell you- it is cold! So much has happend thus far that it seems impossible this trip has only just begun. With no couchsurfing requests responded to, we headed to the YHA hostel downtown. It really worked out for the best as we were able to recieve loads of help from the staff who are also visitors.
We didn't do any sightseeing as we were trying to set up some wwoofing, get bank accounts, and set up our IRD numbers. Amanda took us out for some Korean food (she has been missing it terribly). Jess enjoyed a plate of squid, while Amanda and Sandie had some veggie Bibimbap. Delish!
We are quickly discovering that the weather in New Zealand is highly unpredictable. Day 1, and already we have been caught out in the rain without any appropriate gear. HA! There is just no sense in checking the weather here- just go out prepared for anything, because the rain comes and goes alll day.
Turns out the weather was also matching our mood, as getting responses from Wwoof hosts was turning out to be somewhat difficult. Naively, we thought that it would be a very simple task since our book is just jam-packed with farms! However, it seems that most are booked many months in advance, or they don't want us.
As our spirits were beginning to dampen and the general mood was not so good, some luck came our way. Unknowingly, the four of us (Amanda, Sandie, Jess, and Lyndsey joining in a few days) had been emailing the same place- Fruit Vans... and they pulled through! One more quick call, and our pestering worked: they said they could take us the next day. YAY! Wine was purchased and a night of celebration was in order. We ventured out and found a Brazilian bar with a live band and lots of happy people. Gooood night
Thanks to all the celebatory wine, getting up in the morning wasn't easy. We spent the afternoon sorting out all our stuff in the city and caught a taxi out to Sunnyvale- home of the Fruit Vans! West Auckland suburbs here we come.
Yay, congratulations on getting to NZ! I stayed at the YHA in Auckland when i was there too! Looks like your group keeps growing bigger. Very exciting. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your comments Janet!! We really love them- it keeps us motivated to update the blog!
ReplyDeletePS. Come to NZ!!
Hello from cold and snowy Canada. Expecting a foot of snow (30cm)tomorrow. It is always great to see the weather and pictures from wherever you are as it is such a change from here. Glad to see you weren't left high and dry too long. Thanks as always for news... is there something newer...
ReplyDeleteTake care, stay safe and be happy. T & L.