One more thing. I realized I didn't explain "kiwi". New Zealanders are called Kiwis (as we are Canucks) as this is the home of both the kiwi bird and the kiwi fruit. Now that I think about it, where does Canuck come from?

And now for more notes from the observation deck:

Crucks (is it a car? is it a truck? it's a cruck!) are very popular here in replace of pick-up trucks. And I'm not talking vintage El Camino's, these are brand-spanking-new, state-of-the-art pieces of machinery.

Chad - Fanta pop is also popular here. I counted 6 different flavours at the grocery store last night. I believe it is available in the UK/Ireland too, isn't it? These countries also allow Red Bull (the caffeine hit of your life) to be sold to unsuspecting children though. And for any of those Pepsi vs Coke people - 1 shelf of Pepsi vs 9 of Coke. (Once I was done with the Fanta I craved more counting. I've been diagnosed--albeit a self-diagnosis--as an arithnomaniac, a compulsive counter.) And today I spotted O'Ryan's Sour Cream & Onion chips - were these not another aspect of our childhood that was stolen from us?

Another rainy day forced us to stay in the city today... went to an outdoor market primarily consisting of craftsmen and artisans. "Thai Fisherman's Trousers" seem to be all the rage. They are a linen wrap-around pair of pants as far as I could figure. Another woman was selling lingerie (not your standard outdoor market item) and you could get professional massages. Not from the same woman - that would lead back to the massage business... these people were clean, everything was professional. Or so it appeared. I don't know about the underwear lady though.

The Warehouse is Auckland's discount retailer. It's a cross between Wal-Mart & Costco and offers pretty much everything. New World is the big grocery store - it's approximately the size of a Co-op store. Thankfully the North American need for ginormous grocery stores has not hit here yet. Groceries are fairly similar. Wine and beer are sold in the grocery stores. The fruit selection is different. I discovered a paw-paw yesterday. It looks like a giant pear on the outside and a melon on the inside. Didn't taste it yet though. Will keep you posted.

Mosquitoes are out like crazy. "Mozzies" were only introduced to NZ in 1998. No that's not a typo. 1998. They came from Australia and, to my understanding, appear at the end of the summer, but a little earlier each year. Just goes to show that Australians really are to blame for everything.

Oh, and for all of you who have inquired - whether the toilets flush the other way depends on what way they flush at home. I think they are counter clockwise here. I can't believe I have just had to post this.

Many New Zealanders, particularly men, walk around barefoot. In the grocery store, in the city centre, in shops and parks - everywhere. Even today, in the rain, they're barefoot. I see where the idea of hobbits came from now.

I walked down to the waterfront yesterday - beautiful. Auckland is said to have the highest number of pleasurecrafts per capita in the world. The water is the beautiful tropical green with mountains and beaches in the distance. Can't wait to get there. We're still trying to make weekend plans.

Today is jobhunt day. The first of many I suspect... Actually there seems to be a lot of vacancies here so we'll just see what turns up. There are a number of "massage therapists" positions advertised but it says no experience necessary. It also says no bonds or fines. I wonder what that's all about?

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!

Ladies & Gentlemen, I am back in action. Yesterday I was only a fragment of a person, feeling the effects of jetlag and suffering from swollen ankles. I actually slept loads on the plane which I was at first excited for. Eventually I realized this was not as pleasant I hoped, as not moving or drinking for that long had affected my circulation (they had even provided a video to explain this but I think I dozed off during it).

The flight was all good. 2.5 hours to Toronto and then a mad dash through US customs and through to my gate where I was one of the last on the plane (totally not my fault! I swear I didn't stop to chat with anyone). Another 5 hours until we arrived in LA where I had about 8 hours to kill. Feeling pretty tired, I wasted this time at the airport and did not see the sites of the city and the homes of the stars. Really, they can come to me. LAX is divided into a number of terminals where you walk outside to get to them all. Some of the smaller carriers even have their check-in counters outside! And a note for any of you traveling through the international terminal at LAX ... although it appears so, turns out that you don't have to go through security to get into the shops and restaurants. Yes, that would mean that instead of sitting in uncomfortable chairs watching people get their bags x-rayed for hours on end, you can shop and eat and watch people get their bags x-rayed from a better angle! Funny how that is.

I flew Qantas from LA to Auckland and they just rock. Everyone has their own tv where they can choose from about 14 channels of movies and tv or can play video games! So very fun. And I had great seatmates so that flight, despite it's 14 hours in duration, went by very quickly. Some would even say it flew.

Oh and I have 4 words that will forever change your traveling experiences: passport wallet, neck pillow. It's unreal how much these two simple items can enhance the quality of your life and travel. Thanks again to Deb & Dave and Mark for those!

I am here! It was a long ole journey to say the least and my brain is currently functioning only at minimal levels. I arrived here at 7 this morning and headed into Auckland to stay with Pam, Sherilyn & Scott at their apartment in city central. This will be my base for the next week at least.

Oh, just in case you were wondering, it is rather chilly here right now... only +20 today! Having come from -35 in Halifax on Saturday, this is a pleasant change! Now I must jet off to enjoy this!