Nicks Big Adventure

Well I tried to write down my day one experience at the end of the first day but erased it all while doing a spell check. What an omen! I went from franticly throwing away stuff from my apartment to walking into the LAX terminal to check my bags. The flight was OK, I had an interactive TV where I got to watch movies that I wanted and a pretty good selection of music. I listened to Brooks and Dunn's Honkey Tonk Stomp as I landed in Auckland. The immigration check went well and I collected my bags and proceeded to the customs check. There I had to turn in my tent for inspection for pests. I was in the lobby of my hotel by 0900, and in my room by 1020. After a shower and a rest I stepped out for a walk around the neighborhood and lunch. Not much to see around here, it's mostly an industrial park. I was able to buy some apples, deodarant, and an electrical converter. By the way all electrical outlets have a switch that must be turned on, very nice. Friday night happy hour was mellow and I went to bed early. On saturday (I am a day ahead of y'all in the states)I woke up to get a lot done. After a huge $30 breakfast I caught a cab to downtown Auckland. It was chilly but I walked around and found a mall where I got a bank account, bought a phone, and got my watch fixed. It was good to get those goals out of the way. I then explored the water front/bay area and walked up queen street. I looked at all the shops and places around there and took it all in. I passed the occupy Auckland camp just as they were trying to go on a march to a few bank buildings. It was cute, like right out of PCU. I then walked through a park and into a trendy area of Auckland. Lots of cafes, tattoo shops, vintage clothing, and hostels. I was in search of the backpackers car market. I found a van that I liked and got it checked by a mechanic, and will pick it up on Tuesday. I have wheels!! I explored around more and walked back to the area I got dropped off at and got another cab back to my room. It was a productive day. I now need to figure out what I am gonna go next and how I am gonna work first. Today, sunday I am gonna do nothing except for my morning run. Tomorrow I will work on the next step. I hope all is well there and y'all are enjoying football for me because I can only watch so many rugby highlights and world cup reruns. Pura Vida