17 Nov, 2008
NOV 13TH to 16TH - NADI BAY HOTEL, TRAVELERS REST HOTEL
Posted by: dtoddbenson In: news
Thursday the 13th was filled with excitement and wonder. Hung out at the hotel and finished the laundry. Napped. Tried to get on the internet but failed miserbly. Ruben called yesterday and said that it was his birthday so we made plans to go out tonight. Had a good dinner and went to Ed’s for drinks. Played pool and had some drinks - we had a good time.
On Friday the 14th I went to the FeeGee Experience offices and booked the Kiwi Experience tour so I would see fun stuff in New Zealand. Switched my flight to Sunday the 16th at the airport and then switched hotels to the Travelers Rest hotel. It’s cheaper and the internet might be better, I hope. Did a little more planning and got ready for the move to another country.
Saturday the 15th started with a wholesome breakfast and was followed up with sleeping, reading and relaxing for the rest of the day. I scrubbed my shoes - New Zealand is a little strict with regard to tracking dirt on their new rugs, especially after vacuuming. Actually, there is a real danger of introducing alien plants into their country that would take over the ecosystem, so they scrutinize camping gear and the like for debris to stop the risk. I met Adam and Kate at the hotel that night - he is from Australia and she is from England. They just spent a while living in Australia and now they are traveling to England to live there for a little while, I think. They were having a conversation with a Canadian couple about Texas and guns and America and insurance. After the Canadians went to bed, Adam said, “Hello! Where are you from?” We talked for a few hours and traded rounds before kicking off for the night.
Woke up and got breakfast, then packed up, showered and headed for the airport. I thought my flight was for 11:40 AM, but I checked my e-Ticket and it said my flight was at 10:40AM. I got there at 9:30 to find out the flight was actually at 10:00AM. Inexplicable, but I was able to make the flight. Watched WALL-E on the plane. 
Checked in to the Auckland Central Backpackers hostel and then walked around Auckland. This city is beautiful. I can’t wait to explore more tomorrow. I found Kathmandu, which is the outdoor store that was recommended to me, but they were closing, I will have to come back in the AM. Spent some time writing and uploading - still with mixed success. Went to bed at 8:30PM.
