Funny tidbit: So yesterday as I was working on getting these posts done, first at a coffee shop, and then at this other bar. I left with a solid headache. Hadn’t felt like that since I was writing my dissertation, though this was definitely much more enjoyable.

*Ok, SO*

For whatever reason, I can’t sleep past 5AM here. I would say that it is because of jet lag, and it may be. However, before leaving Lville, I would also awake this early. So, maybe my body is convinced that this is the new norm, even if across the globe. Conveniently the Belgium v. Brazil game is on, so that makes it a little easier waking up this early.

So after dinner with Ovalle in LA, I got on my Air New Zealand flight. I originally thought that the flight would be 16 hours, but it was only going to be 12. As I boarded the plane and took my seat in a row of four, the captain came on and said that we had a rather empty flight. After take off we were permitted to move around.

After take off, two women in my row sat elsewhere. I had an entire row of four to myself. I couldn’t believe it. “Is this real life?” I thought to myself. Ten minutes after take off, I laid down across the entire row and knocked out. “What a way to start vacation!”, I thought. 

I woke up twice during the flight. Once to readjust and once to eat.

“If you didn’t wake up just now I was going to check to see if you had a pulse” – Flight Attendant at some point during flight

We landed in Auckland at around 6AM local time. I stepped out and made my way to collect my bag and get to the hostel. Saw this image of NZ in the airport on a wall so I took a snap.

It was only about a 20 minute ride to get to the hostel, Ponsonby Backpackers. The morning air was so crisp and refreshing. So fresh, so clean. A little Outkast if you will.

My room was not ready yet, so I found a yoga studio got EastWest Yoga. Popped in there and did a 90-minute hot yoga class. It was great, and I was the sweaty. Really nice staff there too, I was able to get a week unlimited for $40 NZD ($27). I got showered up and started walking around Ponsonby. The sun was shining and it was an absolutely beautiful morning.

 

I looked on-the-line and found this 100% organic free range pasture raised vegan all natural breakfast place called Little Bird. I walked in, got some tea, and proceeded to eat. Really wonderful staff and a really beautiful space, especially with all the sun shining through.

I got the dosa wrap, which was a little cold for my liking, but delicious nonetheless. Popped back into the hostel, and was loving my room.

After reorganizing the backpack, I was off to explore the city.

I pretty much wandered around this first day. There was a beautiful florist next door that peaked into. I was able to walk directly down my street (Franklin Road) and arrive downtown. I stopped by a park, took some pictures of sky tower, and tried to stay awake until 9PM.

For dinner I had made a reservation at Soul Bar and Bistro, down by the water and fairly close to Sky Tower. Had a ceviche like aperativo, this incredible fish topped with a crab ravioli, and the Tennessee Tickler cocktails. Every bite was amazing.

Afterwards, I went to a speakeasy with a wall of whiskey, had an old fashioned, and then made my way back to get some sleep. An incredible first day for sure.