Mid Tri Break: Part 2.

   Oh my goodness, have I had an amazing break! I am totally in awe of New Zealand, yet again. This country is so amazing. I am so lucky to be here!

   Wednesday did not go as I had planned. The weather here has not been the best.. it’s been raining off and on all week. I wanted to walk up Mt. Eden, which is right next to my backpackers. It’s a little volcano outside of the city, and is the 2 highest natural point in Auckland. However, I got a few steps out of the hostel and it started POURING. So I walked back to the hostel after my thwarted attempted. I got soaked!

   I decided to change my plans completely for Wednesday, because the rain did not look like it was going to hold up. I walked to the bus stop (in the rain, of course) and took the bus to Onehunga, a suburb of Auckland. There’s a huge, underground, outlet mall there, so I shopped all day! It was a lot of fun, and I didn’t spend too much money! I’m so proud of myself. While I was shopping, I kept finding clothes with American flags on them. I see them everywhere here! I don’t know what the fascination with our flag is over here, but it is so funny to me!

   After I got done shopping, I took the bus back to the CBD and walked around downtown. I also walked around Prince’s Wharf. I love that Auckland’s CBD is right next to the ocean. On Prince’s Wharf, I went to a place called Freddy’s Ice House. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a bar made out of ice! It was sooo cool – literally! They gave me gloves and a warm jacket, and the bartender and I headed into the cooler where he made me 3 scrumptious drinks. I kept ordering drinks cause I wanted to stay in the bar longer! It was a lot of fun, even though it was just the bartender and I there! There were no photos allowed in the bar, so I only have a few that the bartender took and put on facebook. I had to pay for them, but it was so worth it!

   I couldn’t top Freddy’s Ice House, so I just went back to the hostel afterwards. It was getting late, and I was exhausted! I relaxed for a bit, chatted with some people in the hostel, and went to bed.

   Thursday turned out to be a beautiful day with no rain. I walked to Mt. Eden early in the morning, and it was incredible. As you are walking up, you can see little glimpses of the city through the trees. And when you get to the top, you get a 360°  view of Auckland. Absolutely breathtaking! The path at the top of Mt. Eden surrounded the crater, so in addition to being able to see the city, I was also thisclose to a huge volcanic crater. It was amazing.

The view of Auckland from atop Mt. Eden.

   Not much can top what I’ve already done here in Auckland, but somehow the Auckland Museum did! I took the bus partway there, and walked the rest. Thursday was ANZAC Day, which is basically a day of remembrance for Australians and Kiwis who served in war. There was a huge celebration at the museum, and there were tons of people. I wandered around for a couple hours, and I saw a lot. There was so much to see, and a lot of different topics! The museum had exhibits on volcanoes, the ocean, Maori culture, Pacific Islands culture, New Zealand wars, etc. I definitely could have spent all day in there!

A beautiful day at the museum! 

The Pacific Islands.
There was so much culture from this area in the museum, and it was all so fascinating!

No thank you.

A Pompeii victim.

A real Egyptian mummy! I had such a weird feeling being around her.

   After the museum, I went to nearby Parnell Village and walked around. It’s a cute little street with shopping and cafes, but since it was ANZAC day, a lot was closed. Which is a bummer, because I really wanted to look around the village! Anyways, I took the bus to the CBD in the afternoon. I got a Snapper card in Wellington, which makes taking the bus so easy! All I do is tag on and tag off, and it automatically pays the fare. It’s much better than having to fumble with change whenever I get on the bus!

   At this point in the day, and in my vacation, my feet were killing me! I have been walking non-stop (except for when I take the bus) every day. It’s worth it though, because I’m getting to see and do a lot of amazing things!

   Remember the French guy I met on the plane? Well we made plans to meet up Thursday night. He is soo nice! We got drinks and talked for a while. It was nice to be able to have a conversation with someone. I've either been alone, or spoke to people in the hostel. All hostel conversations are the same. "Where are you from? How long have you been in New Zealand?" etc. It's nice to hear all about people from far away, but it does get a bit repetitive. Anyways, it was a nice evening.