KIA ORA WELLY

The drama and excitement of my very first day in New Zealand!

I made it to Wellington (or Welly, as the natives refer to it)! The journey was not exactly smooth sailing but, as my mother would say, if everything went perfectly, then what would I learn?

Well, I'll tell you what I learned:

• I learned that you can't check in to a one-way flight to New Zealand online because the staff needs to see and confirm that you have a proper visa in order to ensure you won't overstay your welcome (yikes)

• I learned to avoid common food allergens when purchasing plane snacks, just in case there is someone with a peanut allergy on board and the flight attendant kindly asks that you don't open your peanut M&Ms for the duration of the day long flight

• I learned that on a 17-hour flight running away from the sun, the perpetual darkness really starts to get to you- especially when sleep is elusive

• I learned that Auckland is SUPER SERIOUS about their customs and border control (great for them, not for me)

• I learned that you should keep hard copies of all travel documentation just in case your phone dies and you have not packed your plug adapter in an easily accessible spot

• I learned that I should pack my plug adapter in an EASILY ACCESSIBLE SPOT

• I learned that New Zealanders are just too kind to poor American girls loaded down with luggage frantically hustling through an airport to reach the connecting flight they are certainly going to miss

• Finally, I learned that no matter the problems, stress and drama I might experience on the way, I will eventually get where I'm going *relieved sigh*

And so here I am. I kept myself busy when I first arrived, primarily in an effort fight my body’s painful insistence that I go to bed at noon. The time was filled with shopping and scavenging through my building’s donation piles for bathroom, kitchen and paper products that I didn’t have a prayer of packing in my suitcase. I even purchased a reusable shopping bag when checking out at the convenience store across the street so…

I guess I really do live here now?

I then took a stroll down to the waterfront that I only caught a glimpse of on the flight in. If I didn’t know it, I’d never guess the city was right on the ocean, as my street is a hive of large buildings and hustle-and-bustle activity, giving off a strong big-city vibe. That being said, crossing the street to the Queen’s Warf was a breath of fresh air- literally. When I could see past the hair whipping into my face with the wind, I took in the lush hills dotted with houses across the harbor, and the view out to sea lined with the shadows of distant mountains. I absolutely love the contrast between the city and the surrounding nature. I know I'm only running on rose-colored first impressions, but it really seems to be the best of both worlds!

Dinner was next on my list of conquests for the evening, so I headed back towards my apartment and analyzed my options. Two Words:

I feel so incredibly basic taking pictures of my food but I guess I'd rather kiwi strangers judge me than miss documenting this beautiful moment:)

Asian.

Fusion.

Every other restaurant was serving ramen or hot pot or bulgogi or pho or sushi. Loooottss of SUSHI.

I am in heaven.

I decided on Capital Market, a semi-enclosed Asian food court just down the street from my flat,

mainly because then I didn’t have to decide what I wanted quite yet. I took my time pursuing each option, which included Mongolian, Malaysian, Filipino and every region in between, and finally settled on Vietnamese with a bowl of chicken pho (I even pronounced it right!) that did not disappoint. Quick note though- avoid the orange sauce they serve with it. DANGER: UNCONTROLLABLE SPICE.

My long day ended shortly after when I returned to my flat and crashed around 9:30. Roughly 40 hours of relative wakefulness will do that to you.

Look I got a little cookie with it!

Now I sit at Mojo Coffee Bar (voted best coffee in NZ by theculturetrip.com, so you know its legit) sipping my mochaccino (because it was the only thing I was confident I could order without sounding stupid) and typing up this post.

Needless to say, I am doing just fine!

I’ve got my four-bedroom flat to myself until my roommates move in 2 weeks from now, which suits me very well for now because I am walking around in underwear and leaving my stuff EVERYWHERE. I do understand my habits will need to change eventually, but I am enjoying the freedom while it lasts. That being said, I really look forward to meeting new people that can accompany me in my exploration of the city, but right now, I am happy to get the lay of the land solo. I’m sure my flatmates will be eternally grateful for my tutorial on how to operate our microwave without causing a smoking disaster and near fire alarm incident (That took some engineering).

To all of my family and friends- I am OKAY :)

I’ll wrap up my very first blog post with that (I hope it wasn’t too painful to read!). I will be trying to post at least once a week- though, you know, life happens- so keep checking in if you’d like to keep up to date with what I’m doing. Also, please feel free to give this post a comment or like if that’s what you’re feeling- I miss you all and would love to hear from anyone and everyone!

Kia koa,

Lauren