Alright, first impressions...

The city consists of about 1.5 million people and has a very large city feel (yes, larger than Summerside). Most big cities I have been to are older and have a more historic city centre, whereas Auckland is young enough that the city centre is comprised of large (like giant) skyscrapers. But then there are random historic parts and even some dingy areas. Not many though. There is a huge Asian influence which is evident all through the city. Must try the food soon.

There are beautiful parks dotted all through the city. They seem to be strategically placed on the tops of hills to entice you to go one more step... Some cities may have been built on rock and roll but this one was built on hills and mountains. (maybe mountains is exaggerating).

In the major intersections all the crosswalks go at once and people can go in any direction, including diagonal. So strange to see large masses of people converge upon the streets for a 20-second period and then all is clear again.

NZ-ers drive on the left side of the road like the British. I have quickly readjusted to this, however I still have those panic moments of "No one's driving that car!" "That kid can't even see over the wheel!" "She's not looking where she's going!" I have decided just to let the little green man to tell me when to cross until I get a little more accustomed.

There is a real British influence here (as expected) and more of an American influence than I anticipated. Speaking of that - NZ Idol is starting here soon... perhaps I'll try my hand at a singing career...

The currency is the NZ dollar which is worth between $0.85 - $0.90 CDN ($0.75 US) right now. The city is fairly expensive in most aspects - we're paying $325/WEEK for rent. And our apartment, although beautiful and in the city centre, is not big. By not big I mean small. I mean the size of an average living room small. But nice. And no one plans on spending much time there anyway, so it meets our needs. Ah, the glamorous life of a nomad!