DAY 125
Week 18
AUCKLAND (Auckland, NZ)
Monday October 23rd, 2006
TODAYS MILEAGE – 15 miles or 24 kilometres
TRIP MILEAGE – 24252 miles or 39030 kilometres
Another day in paradise??? Let's see!!! 
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".
I think New Zealand has always held a special fascination with me, ever since I handed in my Year 5 primary school geography project, all them years ago. Over time that interest had grown with having Kiwi mates and experiencing Maori culture and their focus on family.
I'm up for anything the Kiwi's can serve up ...... maybe not so much of the country’s other nickname - "the shaky isles".
I always 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" screen.
The height of United Airlines culinary expertise usually looks and tastes like the chef lost a work boot while working and it mysteriously ended up on my plate. Daring to be different this flight, I opted for the Low Fat meals and came away suitable impressed as well. Air New Zealand's fish of the day consisted steamed Hake accompanied by curried whole leaf cabbage and asparagus. Rest assured it'll be something that's going my 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. 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), it 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 & shampoo 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.
Shake y'alls bling things.
• AUCKLAND ~ Flying In (Auckland, NZ)
• AUCKLAND ~ Rydges Auckland (Auckland, NZ)