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- NEW ZEALAND -- I'll update this blog as I travel around the North and South islands of the country. The story so far:<br /><br />-- MANUKAU, AUCKLAND --<br /><br />...seeing as I landed here in Auckland NZ on the 28th January, my recollection of events are blurred and incoherent though probably more consise. In any case, the fact that my intended three week stay in NZ has already extended to more than double that time, says much for itself...

Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud

Asha Patel
2006-02-27 19:50:21

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- NEW ZEALAND -- I'll update this blog as I travel around the North and South islands of the country. The story so far:

-- MANUKAU, AUCKLAND --

...seeing as I landed here in Auckland NZ on the 28th January, my recollection of events are blurred and incoherent though probably more consise. In any case, the fact that my intended three week stay in NZ has already extended to more than double that time, says much for itself...

... I departed Rarotonga ready. Ready to move on. In part because of my discomfort with the familiarity of the locals, partly also at the lack of company and a sense of idyllic boredom, but also because I had, and have always had, a really good feeling about New Zealand. I was not mistaken. The closer our flight drew to the islands, the better I felt. Freezing cold and soaking wet from the rain, I felt warm and confident about my arrival in the country of kiwis. I landed, four hours (though in real time a whole day later) in Auckland - open eyed and in awe at this clean, green and friendly faced country. The airport alone was sufficient to warrant a few
we sailed our way onto a secluded bay...camera shots! Locating family whom I'd never before met was great. Greeted by warm hugs and smiles, I was glad to have my luggage carried and to be driven home... where I still find myself..a whole two weeks later...

...Beyond my bedroom window, the golden brown jersey cows stare at me curiously. Their inquisitive gaze distracts my thoughts. I suppose I ought to start from the beginning. Friday night didn't involve much other than a well-needed shower, dinner and sleep. Saturday was far more interesting. We headed over on a scenic drive (though I was soon to discover that all drives here are scenic) to Port Waikato which involved more family greetings, a day on the beach, followed by freshly caught and cooked fish in batter accompanied by my first taste of NZ's famous Lemon & Paroe drink. mmm! ...