City of Sails

I have been up a very long time so this post may be quick!

I started off the day early to catch my plane to Auckland. After a pleasant cab ride and getting through customs and security I headed off to New Zealand. I have to say, that even from the air it's a beautiful country. Absolutely gorgeous. So green and lush. The drive into the city had panoramic views of mountains and the harbor. I can't even describe the shade of green that this country is covered in. It's deeper than emerald and almost fluorescent. My hotel is right next to a beautiful park - St James Park - near Auckland University and off the man drag, Queen Street. I love my hotel room, with my big bed and the view of the water and all the sail boats. I was so exhausted after flying and dealing with customs (and sitting in traffic) I decided I'd do something both Dad and I loved to do: get room service and curl up watching a movie! It sounds simple and pedestrian - especially when in a foreign country - but it's so nice to relax and decompress after a day of traveling. Especially because tomorrow is going to be busy!

I start my morning off with a whale and dolphin watch around the North Island of New Zealand. It's on a big catamaran, which Dad loved. Plus, we did it in Boston when I was little and now I'm doing it again on my own! After whale watching I'm going to explore Auckland a bit, read on the harbor, in the park, possibly get dinner somewhere with a view of the water. I'm exhausted, so I'm gonna have to cut this short. But I guess my usual send off won't work, so G'night from kiwiland! :)