Siobhan - New Zealand 2007

Siobhan

She reads my account of my great journey. She sometimes criticizes my story, sometimes she agrees and sometimes, she keeps it to herself. This however is my account of our meeting and subsequent “chilling” session on the streets of Auckland.

Siobhan arrived at 1pm in the XBase lobby. She was double parked and irritated about my slow reaction to the situation. I stopped to say goodbye to Julia, and took the elevator down to the street. Siobhan was indeed double parked, but I couldn’t blame her since there was a huge lack of parking in this area, just like all major city centers’. We hopped into her car, and VROOM, dashed down the streets of Auckland. We exchanged pleasantries yet the mood was awkward. I had been waiting seven months to meet this Kiwi and now that I had, I couldn’t think of anything to say. I snapped a few pictures as we followed streets deep into Auckland. We began to discuss what we were to do for that afternoon, and I suggested the Auckland Zoo.



She's gonna kill me for posting this picture. Such a lovely smile though.

The Zoo

I wanted to see a Kiwi and opted for the Auckland Zoo, Siobhan agreed but as we arrived it was apparent that the Zoo was quite full and crowded. School was out and families were enjoying the spring weather and treating their families to a day at the zoo. I was disappointed but I had several days ahead of me to see a Kiwi. The Zoo idea quickly dissolved and we were again on the road to another destination. Siobhan selected Mission Bay as out next destination.

Mission Bay

Siobhan stopped so she could get her fix of coffee and was rewarded with a free newspaper. I took the time to browse the area and comment on the small cars and trucks on the road. Suck cute little things. Nothing like to monster automobiles we have in North America.



I had never encountered the ocean. I had seen it through the window of an airplane and even seen the ocean on television, but I had never touched or experienced the ocean. My first order of business was to immediately remove my shoes and slash about and let the water flow over my toes. Yes, I was acting like a total tourist because, after all, I was a tourist. I think Siobhan was a little embarrassed. After my encounter with the ocean, I picked out some seashells as souvenirs and ran along the sandy shores of Mission Bay. Siobhan and I then proceeded to talk and discuss random things. We took pictures and attempted to create a video. Both of us were big on making videos for Youtube and Live Video at that time. There was never a video that was created, but I still to this day, have the original footage. Perhaps, in due time, I will make something of it.

XBase - New Zealand 2007

I was looking forward to having a nice long shower, then several hours of rack time in a nice soft bed, or something of the sort. My long journey had run me ragged and I was unable to secure a good night rest for the duration of my journey. I smelled, well I am not fully sure if I did smell but after 24 hours without a shower, I know I was not smelling my best.

It was early, and I took the elevator with Angela to the second floor of the Base Backpackers Hostel and attempted to check-in. We attempted, however we did not succeed. It would turn out that check-in did not occur until later that afternoon (2 or 3 pm to be exact) and we were doomed to wait until the rooms had been cleared out. Angela and I promptly checked our luggage at the desk. I and purchased a generous helping of Internet time via some sort of card system, and I surfed the Internet to pass the time.

I called my mother to let her know that I had arrived safely, and I also called Siobhan to arrange for a time to meet and hang out. I had six hours to kill before I was to meet Siobhan at 1pm. The hours went quickly; I walked the neighboring streets with Angela and took in a few shops. I was amazed (again) at the infrastructure of Auckland. The beautiful paved roads, the fresh painted lines, street signs that actually marked the name of the street. This place was nothing like Ottawa.


I love the fact that all prices listed in NZ shops are the actual price and you don’t have to calculate the GST. Angela and I located the local grocery stories and corner stores (dairy) for our supplies. The morning was enjoyable and I finally fell asleep for a wondrous 45 minutes on the lobby couch. All in all, I say my six hours were well spent. I met a new friend, explored a little of my surroundings, called my mother, and purchased apple juice. Not bad, not bad at all.

Auckland - New Zealand 2007

Customs was an interesting experience. I guess I was a little clueless as to the entire New Zealand process. You know the card I filled out on the plane? Yeah, well I misplaced it between the plane and the terminal. I did however find my lens for my glasses. It turned out that my lens had fallen down a little nook beside my seat and only after a good look did I find it. I am so happy that I had shelled out the extra money for non-scratch lenses.

Now, back to the adventure of NZ customs.

I arrived and I was asked for my passport and my documentation and I was under the impression that I had placed my paperwork in my passport, well to my surprise, my paperwork was not there. I was taken aside by a nice lady to fill out my card. After the embarrassment, I was whisked to a lineup for passengers awaiting entry into this paradise.

It was now my turn and after the pre screening questions, I was automatically flagged as an individual who may be up to no good. It was my own fault considering I attempted to use humor and I was a ragged wreck. I had been wearing the same clothes for over 24 hours, my eyes were bloodshot and I was wearing camo shorts and a fleece vest with sunglasses and a backwards ballcap. After the agents had thoroughly searched my luggage, I was thanked and allowed entry into New Zealand. I made my way to the main terminal and stopped at the gift shop to purchase ten postcards of various varieties. Most contained sheep or the Skytower. I took an hour to write home. I sent postcards to my mother and father, my sister, my cousin, my grand parents, my off again on again girlfriend and various other workmates and mates in general.

It was still quite early and the sun was just coming up. I used the washroom to have a quick “bath in the sink” then I ventured out the doors to arrange passage to downtown Auckland. There was a row of shuttles and a friendly man took my luggage and loaded it into the luggage trailer and I took a seat in the extended van.

As I waited, I struck up a conversation with my two fellow passengers.

Iris was from Germany and she had been traveling Australia and New Zealand for the past year. She was coming from Christchurch and was spending one night in Auckland before she took a flight back home.

Angela just arrived from the United States and she was like me, curious as to the world around her. She had purchased a ticket to NZ on a whim and had no idea what she was going to do now that she was here.

As we traveled to the city, I was instantly amazed at the greenness of my surroundings. The roadside offered a vast display of foliage and the city streets were clean, neat, beautiful and fully marked. This land was nothing like Canada. I had left the ugly, grungy streets of Montreal Rd and Rideau St to find the vast green wonder of Auckland.

I convinced Angela to come with me to the Base Backpackers Hostel since she had no idea where she was going to stay and I spent my remaining time chatting with the girls about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

I stepped out of the van to downtown Auckland. I was again amazed of the cleanliness of the streets and I knew there and then that I was about to experience one of the greatest moments in my young life.

Auckland was my new playground, and all I wanted was a shower and some sleep.

To the Pacific - New Zealand 2007

Finally, the time had come.

I was approaching the last leg of my trip. I could see my destination in the back of my mind. Auckland was only thirteen hours away. What the heck was I going to do for thirteen hours on a plane? I really hoped I could get some sleep and maybe read my new book. Sure, that would get me through the hours. Maybe I could listen to my MP3 player as well, considering I had already listened to the play list over and over again.

I felt a little apprehension about my next experience. The Pacific Ocean was a very large place and there aren’t many places to land in case of emergency. I again cursed myself for being such a coward and I assured myself that everything would be alright. I settled my nerves and eat the rest of my crisps.

The announcement went over the airwaves, “Flight 26 is now boarding at Gate 121”. Just like the cattle that we were, people flocked to the gate entrance only to be halted by a rather intimidating young man with a stern look on his face. “Now calling Business Class passengers only, I repeat Business Class passengers only”. So we waited. Finally, some twenty minutes later, section A was called and I mad my way through the plank to meet smiling Qantas employees on the other side.

My seat was no surprise, since I had picked my seat ahead of time and always ensured that I would obtain a window seat. I took my seat and a few minutes later, the elderly couple joined me to both our delight. We again started chatting about planes, Australia, New Zealand, and Auckland.

Finally, the last passenger was on board and the enormous door was closed and secured. We all fastened our seat belts and watched the safety demonstration from the overly attractive flight attendants.

Our captain received the okay to depart and we made our way to the airstrip. With a mighty roar, our jumbo jet was thrust into the heavens and again I kept my eyes to the window as I watched the lights of LA fade. Night had fallen on California and I could only make out shapes as our flight made the way to the Pacific Ocean and …adventure.

LAX - New Zealand 2007

LAX

I had a few hours to kill before my departing flight, so I took the opportunity to explore this city inside a city. LAX was larger than anything I had imagined. I cruised the duty free shops and purchased some food items for my next flight (I will explain the food situation later on). $25 USD got me a bag of crisps, an apple and a 1-liter jug of apple juice. I love getting gouged at the cash register.

I also donated my remaining $10 in odd change to some society that helps disadvantaged families in LA. I don’t usually donate money to charities that I am not associated with but the young lady taking the donations was so friendly and we started talking about her cousin she had in Toronto and how she loves Canada. I’m sure this was all just a tall tale, but the much-needed smile was well worth the weight of the spare change in my pocket.

I also purchased another book. This book that for some reason or another had eluded me over the years and I was only too happy to Wisk myself back to France during the 1700’s. The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas would be my traveling companion for the thirteen-hour flight to Auckland.

I took up residence at the departure lounge and starting my journey through the pages of my new book. I also snapped a few photos of the arriving and departing flights near my gate.

I struck up a conversation with an elderly couple from Melbourne who were also off to Auckland, and we traded stories of family, flights and life in general. I was also informed that I would not be able to bring my foodstuffs into NZ as per they have a very strict policy about such things. Silly country boy that I am, I did not realized and just think, I had spent $25 on items I didn’t really need.

I also met a young couple and their three-year-old son. In our conversation, I had mentioned that I would be traveling to Wellington as well and this couple was only to eager to help me out and advise me of the best things to see and do when I was in NZ’s political capitol.

Wow, Kiwis are so friendly. At that moment I realized that this trip was going to be the most wonderful of experiences.

Auckland, here I come.