Arrival in Auckland — HaffsWay Around The World

We've finally arrived, as have all of our things, and safe and sound at that!

After an hour delay at LAX, we boarded the plane and I found myself sandwiched between the Big Lug (William) and a middle-aged man named Tom who owns his own surf business in Santa Barbara... for twelve hours. Sleep was mostly elusive, but aches and pains were plentiful. I earned an eye-roll, rather than sympathy, when I whispered fervently to William that I was very sure I had bed sores only a couple hours in. Our mothers will be pleased to hear the long flight is the strongest deterrent from permanent relocation yet. :)

We finally started to see glimpses of land as the sun, which seemed to be chasing us throughout the later half of the flight, was rising. New Zealand was gorgeous from the very start!

Upon landing, after a thorough inspection of our gear by customs officers (the agent charmingly informed us, "to ensure there aren't any critters or hanger-on-ers or the like") we were greeted by Grayson, the endlessly helpful and energetic girlfriend of David Denzer (a high school classmate of Will's). She was equipped with a laminated sign with our names, a genuinely contagious zest for New Zealand and life in general, and many helpful hints and tips. She firmly encouraged us to not take any naps and power through the jet leg. Grayson and David have been such a crucial part of this trip going so smoothly already!

After very necessary coffee and showers, we got ourselves sorted and headed to the city center. Will and I spent the day getting some things accomplished (the phone number- check!), walking around the city, and having our first New Zealand beer! There are some remarkable views even from the street level, and lots of hidden gems to find in the city itself. New Zealand so far reminds me of the Scotland or Ireland of the South Pacific, with a fascinating mix of cultures and landscapes.

We made it to our goal of 8pm, and I can't remember the last time I slept so soundly. This morning we did a few more logistical things (bank account- check!) and are lounging at David and Grayson's organizing and waiting for the rain to clear up a bit. We have plenty more to do (Tax Numbers, not check. Van, not check), but have time to enjoy the city as well over the next several days before setting off.

We've both had moments of "Wow, there really is no turning back now" anxiety provoking realizations, but overall there's been enough anchoring moments to ease the big-change-jitters. And of course, my lifeline is beside me every step of the way offering a reassuring hand squeeze or a quick hug when he can tell I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.. It's you and me now, ya Big Lug!

- The Little Nut

Lots of wonderful little side streets off of Queen Street in Auckland

“Will’s Thoughts:
Day one ended up being quite the blur- and not just because of culture shock, our thorough walk-n-gawk tour, or long-lingering effects of free in-flight cocktails either- it was a solid blend of adrenaline, jet lag, and overmatched caffeine that kept us conscious and eager to power through in order to get our clocks reset. By the time we met David and Grayson to grab dinner from the Ponsonby street market (aka fancy outdoor food court), our conversational skills were starting to deteriorate. However, we managed to communicate our way through the most satisfying transaction of the day at the first vendor we came across- a new specialty grilled cheese window. At that point, having slept only a few uncomfortable hours in the previous 36, it was a godsend. Whether it was the amazing smoked mozzarella and chicken sandwich, the storefront we later passed called ‘Burger Wisconsin’, or the glass of scotch I was treated to back at Grayson and David’s, I began to think this big city reminiscent of somewhere in Europe might not feel so far from home after all.”