DAY 3
Week 1
AUCKLAND (Auckland, NZ)
Monday October 23rd, 2006
TODAYS MILEAGE – 0 miles or 0 kilometres
TRIP MILEAGE – 7793 miles or 12541 kilometres
Aside from transiting in and out of Auckland over the years, this would be my first actual visit to the "land of the long white cloud".
After nearly 26 hours of self_induced sleep deprivation, I think I'm entitled to feel like six different shades of shit after jetting across the pond, but this flight was all the better for not having "cattle class"(coach) seating. Having said that, the seating does not allow for a deep and satisfying slumber, but equipment in the 747-400 make the journey more bearable. Features like movies on demand, games and info–videos are all at your fingertips, via your own 8" x 6" LCD screen.
The height of United Airlines culinary expertise usually looks and tastes like the chef lost a work boot while trekking the rubbish dump and somehow it mysteriously ended up on my plate. Daring to be different on this Air New Zealand code share flight, I opted for the Low Fat meals and came away suitable impressed as well. The fish of the day consisted steamed Hake, accompanied by curried whole leaf cabbage and asparagus. I reckon that combiantion may find it way onto my home menus in the future.
For a Kiwi or an Aussie, getting through Auckland airport is a breeze. In fact, it was the quickest I've ever cleared immigration in any country. I headed down to to the baggage carousel and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Everyone clears out and I'm left with 3 other "winners" of the United Airlines "Luggage Lottery". For some reason the baggage handlers in Los Angeles must have said "If I gotta work on a Saturday night and they get to go on vacation, then fuck it, they only need half their luggage" Go figure, this was the 7th time this has happened to me either traveling, transiting or code-sharing with United.
I stroll out of the airport on a dark & overcast Labour Day public holiday, that was drizzling rain with a howling wind that would have blown a dog of its chain. Isn't this meant to be the balmy days of Summer?? Anyway's, after wrapping my laughing gear around my very first lamb with mint sauce maggot bag (meat pie), which BTW was a ball tearer, I stumped up $26.00 for a one way shuttle bus to the city center.
Saviours come in many forms and Lauren was such an angel for getting me squared away with an early check in at the Rydges Auckland. A quick shit, shower, shave & shampooch not only does wonders for my attitude, but also my personal odour as I was a bit on the nose. Dropping my guts and crop dusting were positive experiences compared to what my armpits smelt like.
Due to it pissing down cats & dogs, it was decided to adjourn to the pub for the rest of the day, no sense drowning my camera gear on my first day in New Zealand, but I'm up for anything the Kiwi's can serve up ...... maybe not so much of the country’s other nickname - "the shaky isles". 
• AUCKLAND ~ Flying In (Auckland, NZ)
• AUCKLAND ~ Hotel Rydges (Auckland, NZ)