Major Bummer! I just spent 20 minutes entering a story and when I tried to add a photo, it erased my entry. Sad. But I did add a few photos into my first photo gallery so chack that out. Anyway, I don't have as much time now on this computer so I'll try to type fast. OK. First things first: yes, I have a sunburn. You'd think after working at YCC where I force high school students to put sunscreen on in the cold mornings, I'd remember to put some on here. But I never even thought to bring any. So my face and arms are pretty red and I've learned my lesson. I now have a bottle of sunscreen so don't worry. Auckland has been great! I spent the last two days walking around outside (thus the sunburn). There is a 16 K walk through Auckland that I thought I'd try out yesterday but I got lost 4 times so I only made it 1/4 of the way before I turned around. My destination was Mt. Eden, an extinct volcano and stellar view of Auckland city. I met a Kiwi author at the top and he talked to me for over an hour. I have also spent time orienting myself and figuring out where things are like: the ferry building, the DOC (Department of Conservation) office, the outdoor stores, vodafone building, and supermarkets. Most things aren't open, however, because NZ decided to make January 1st AND 2nd national holidays. I did walk into Whitcoulls, the main bookstore, and learned very quickly that New Zealand is expensive. A paperback is $30! and a lonely planet is $60. No thanks. I also walked to a mexican place and the burritoes were $13! I guess I won't be eating much. Well, my Brazilian friend did show me a fairly reasonably priced market so I bought some rice and oranges. Today I took a ferry to Devonport, an island nearby and walked up two more volcanoes and browsed the used bookstores. Tomorrow I take a ferry to Rangitoto, where I will camp for two days. I'll let you know how it goes!
