Spring Break Chronicles: Auckland

This is where it all began...

Arrived in Auckland Friday night (20/8) after a hellish day of rain and deciding to skip one class and go to the other to find out it was a 20 minute movie that the Prof. put in and then walked out the door. Just my luck. Took NakedBus for a whopping 12 NZD to Auckland and watched the movie 'Dodgeball' on the way. HaHa! Arrived downtown with absolutely no idea where to go and jumped on a random city bus hoping it would take us in the direction of our hostel. After about half hour on the bus we finally were in the area. Stayed at Verandah's Backpackers which has a good view of downtown from the backyard.

Went to sleep that night dreaming about apple pancakes that we had brought along for breakfast the next borning (mmmmMmm). A p.s. to myself in my travel journal 'p.s. it's so great to be in a big city right now..reminds me of the amazing Minneapoli and the skyline here looks awesome with the skytower!'. Little did I know.. I'd soon be very, very sick of Auckland.





Day 2: New Car!

View from SkyTower

Queen Victoria Statue

We went to the Backpacker's Car Market in Auckland today and Ruth found a van that she really likes. 1990 Toyota Estima, holler! So now, new plan. We're in Auckland until Monday when we get the car and then back on track up north. Oh, did i mention that it's actually a van PLUS bed? How sweet is that? So hopefully all goes well. We went to the skytower today for 16 NZD and then to Auckland Art Museum which was really cool. They had a lot of feminist pieces in one of their galleries that remind me of my Women's Studies class. Also, saw the statue of Queen Victoria where the NZ women's movement held a protest and did a mock funeral in the 70's. That was cool to see. Later that night we wandered aimlessly around K'Road (Karangahape Rd.) and went to a place that our friend Kirill recommended as a sushi bar. It was called 'The Little Turkish Cafe' and we got apple sisha and a few coronas. Turned out to be a pretty good time. People watching in this city is incredible. I think we've run into a few people on 'their corners' so far and this one lady(??we arent sure) is clearly on some serious drugs. A little creepy. Also decided while at the backpacker's in Auckland that a new goal I have here is to go diving or get diving certified. This woman staying at the BPer's is a diving instructor and was telling me of these places all over New Zealand that are World Famous diving spots. That's pretty awesome! We also ran into these people when we were walking around town today from AKSamba(??) They all gathered on one of the corners and started playing intruments (drums, maracas, etc.) and dancing. Found a short video of it online if you wanna check it out (Samba). Well, thats about all for today. Just filling my brain up with useless knowledge while on the road.. told my dad to watch out cause I'm gonna be the next up and coming Dr.Professor.Reuter. Seriously..its happening.
New Knowledge of the Day: How do you create a waffle fry?
Answer: Mandoline! What the heck. You need a special gadget just to make them. And then you cut the potato-turn 90 degrees- cut it again-90degrees-cut etc. Then when you fry it it makes the holes! Who knew!


Day 3: STILL in Auckland

Learning about the Ocean (Scallop)

Yes, here we sit in the 'heart' of New Zealand..still. But tomorrow is Monday and that means great things are coming our way! We went to the Auckland museum today and learned about all kinds of stuff. For example, there was a whole exhibit on the Pacific people and the native tribes that lived on the islands. Also, a section on dinosaurs ;), the ocean, and volcanoes. My favorite part being about the volcanoes considering that is how New Zealand was formed. It's really awesome to learn about that stuff... or re-learn it I guess.. since I first learned it in...what...5th grade? Ha! I learned today that Mt. Renengha (where I went snowboarding) is one of the most active volcanoes in the world...errupting every 3-4 years!

(stuffed) Kiwi (bird)

Crazy, huh? We also met up with this girl, Charlotte, today who knew Ruth from back in the day. Also, went to go see 'Killers' today (that movie with Ashton Kutcher)  and it was pretty good. I give it 3/5. I'm so antsy to get travelling. Staying in BPers also inspires me to see so much/go new places. Last night they were going on about Taiwan and how incredible the people are there. I also really want to learn more about the Maori..their history is really confusing and a lot to take in right now, but I hope I understand most of it before I leave.




Day 4: On the Road...Almost!

Lalala, bored at the Backpacker's Car Market...what to do... we've been here since 1:15 p.m. and it's now 4:26 p.m. Played 500 card games, bought salsa doritos, ate salsa doritios, creep like crazy on the auto body shop and now we're just Ready.To.Go. Also, the 'girls' are out on the corner again.. third day in a row we've seen them standing there. Pretty sure our intuitions about that corner were correct. Well, Ruth and I have decided to start our own rap crew. R-Dawgg & BreezyB. Watch out. We're gonna be massive. Alright, enough of my rambling...car is done.. FINALLY!!!!