The Pier & Ginger Beer

The Harbour here is so beautiful! You can walk along the boardwalk for so long, it just never ends.

I chose a good weekend to spend my time there. The International Buskers Festival was going on at so many locations along the main strip. The street performers were actually really good! And came from all over the world to perform for people, one even from Toronto, awe.

People juggling fire, balancing crazy things on their heads, snapping fire blazed whips, Chinese yo-yo trips, bunch of cool things that I also didn't get pictures of because I was too busy watching :P

 

 

 

 

As for the pier itself, admire!

 

 

I wish this was mine

 

Last, but most certainly not least! Shout out to Amy, I've finally had my first Ginger Beer this trip :) yumm yum yum AND, the variety of Tim Tams is out of this world!

Ginger beer is sort of like ginger ale! Except it has a spice to it sort of, I'm pretty sure superstore in Canada sells it now, but I don't remember liking it too much there :P anyways, give it a go and let me know if you like it or not!

As for Tim Tams, there's no way you couldn't like them, so go buy them (at superstore I think also)

 

 



The Nanny

My first job in New Zealand- housekeeping in a Hostel.

Not the worst thing in the world! I get to live at the hostel for free as long as I make my shifts. Work isn't bad, 4 hours a day and I work with pretty awesome people, good company always helps! 2 days off to let me rest and explore. It's so easy and saves you soo much money, a bed in a dorm room can cost around $25-$40 a night, so I think it's a pretty good deal!

It's funny though, every time we get to a new room the supervisor knocks and says "housekeeping" and literally this is all I can picture, I think the first shift I just laughed the whole four hours.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT_HkMBrNQA

Not as creepy of course, but just the idea behind it!

Here's a taste of the rooms I clean, this is a 6 bedroom dorm (can't see the 3rd bunk bed but it's there), my actual bed at the beginning of my visit. I'd attach a picture of the room I'm in now, but some girls have been here for like 6 months - 1 year and it is an absolute disaster, I'm embarrassed to show how messy it is.

The people are so great, it's nice to meet people who don't leave the next day or two like I did when I was just staying and paying in the Hostel. The people now are staying for much longer and in the same position I'm in, looking for work and hoping to stay in Auckland for a couple of months. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to stay somewhere for a while and hasn't found a flat yet, so easy to make friends and you're so close to everything, right in the heart of the city.

My newest roommate is from Northern Ireland, she's so sweet and obviously I die listening to her speak, the accent is amazing! 

Anyways! That's about it, until next time

Alanna

Welcome - Haere Mai

Friends & Family,

Welcome to my blog, this is very very very new to me as I've never done anything like this before so bear with me while I figure out what to say and what to do. I've got my mother and sister bothering me before I left to start a blog and a friend requested as well (yes, you Candice) so I guess, here I go? I've just begun my adventure, spending the next 5-6 months here in this magically beautiful country, New Zealand. With only a small taste of this country years ago I'm so anxious to explore and do more here!

As I start off this journey I situated myself in Auckland. This not the capital however it is much larger than the capital! Housing around 1.4 million people it is a thriving city. Unfortunately the first couple of months I don't expect I'll have much to say. I plan on working here to have even more money to spend guilt-free while I travel later on, woohoo! I like to think it's a smart decision.

I just wanted to throw it out there that if anyone ever wants to visit New Zealand, be sure you are booked on an Air New Zealand flight, not Qantas. It's nothing against Qantas, it's because I fell in LOVE with Air New Zealand. They are soo accommodating and so friendly, it's just a small taste of the people you'll actualy meet in New Zealand. Everyone has their own pillow, blanket, and head set provided to them free of charge, 2 meals included on your flight, and the best part you ask? Each seat (in economy, of course) has their own television in the head rest of the seat in front of you. That's right! Your own touch screen tv, with remote included if wanted, and an amazing variety of movies, tv shows, and music at your disposal, for free! I was advised to try and sleep on the plane to help with the jet lag, but how could I when all this entertainment is there at my fingertips?? Of course they had all 3 LOTR movies and a ton of "The Hobbit" videos, making of and whatnot. They had both Dark Knight movies, Looper, The Campaign, Avengers, and a bunch of older ones. Just a taste to demonstrate they have recent movies as well as some familiar old ones! Tv shows such as Californication, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, 30 Rock, Family Guy, ahh soo much I could go on and on. Anyways, point is- Air New Zealand is expensive but with the service and extras you are provided, you really are getting your money's worth. But regardless what airline you take, the welcome you get when you get to New Zealand is amazing, I love how they embrace the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit label they have been given!

 

 

 

It's been around a week since I've been here. I've explored the downtown area almost every day, it's comparable to Toronto. However much cleaner and I feel a bit more safe, hope that relieves your stress a bit, Mom! The city really is wonderful, however every time I talk to people they keep reassuring me that wherever else I go, it will be infinitely better than Auckland. How could I not be excited to explore more of New Zealand?

Trek to Mount Eden

 

SkyTower (mini CN Tower)

 

Thus far, I've visited the Auckland Art Gallery, walked to the harbour and had lunch, ventured across city by foot, an hour trek, to climb a dead volcano, Mount Eden, and familiarized myself with the downtown shops and night life. Pretty interesting city, can't wait to update once exciting things happen.

Top of Mount Eden

 

Art Gallery Finds:

 

Until next time everyone, stay bundled in the apparently freezing weather Canada is experiencing right now :( sending warm wishes

Alanna


p.s. "Haere mai" is the Maori phrase for Welcome!