Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)
We spent the day walking around the city trying to find a respectable
place to rent a camper van. Unfortunately, all the respectable places were booked clear
through to the third week of March. So we settled for a cheap rental company
that had vans on hand that were a little "used". We put down a
deposit and pick up the van tomorrow. Decided not to go the "tourist bus"
route as we want to experience New Zealand at our own pace. Later in the
afternoon, we walked to Victoria Street Market (a very long walk) to check out
some of the craft jewelry. I bought a few pieces and some old coins, nothing
much. Off to bed early so we can pick up the van first thing.
Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)
It's a big city, but not a lot of people and quite clean for it's size. We're still getting used to the non-tipping thing. Most countries outside the US don't leave a tip after the meal, but the price seems to include a reasonable tip. Nevertheless, after tipping for the last 10 years, it does feel a bit awkward. I will admit that I do like it this way and it makes my life simpler.
Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)
I took lots of pictures of the city and will get them up as soon as I can. we have already found lots to do here but are limiting ourselves to about 3 more days in auckland. matt is looking into all of the "backpacker bus tour" options which take you around both the north and south island. you just pay for the areas you want to visit and get on and off the bus as you please. I think it will be perfect for us.
Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)
Over the summer in LA, I went to Catalina Island just so that I could obtain my driver’s certification and be ready to spend several days on the Great Barrier Reef and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.
I booked the Greyhound down the east coast of Oz and stopped to sail the Whitsunday Islands for Christmas and to drive across Fraser Island for my 25th birthday. Both were gorgeous and good fun since I was on tours filled with other backpackers. I joined up with two German women for New Years in Noosa and surf lessons in Byron Bay. Which, for the record, I was terrible at doing — I need to either invest in lessons or never hit the surf again.
Shannon O’Donnell Shannon O’Donnell (to
be continued)
I eventually
landed in Melbourne, where I couchsurfed for a week with my buddy Row, who had
actually couchsurfed with me in LA earlier that year.
Not one to miss the highlights of any new place, I hit up the stunningly pretty Great Ocean Road, and visited the parade of tiny fairy penguins on Phillip Island.
Instead of taking the backpacker bus, I splurged on a quick flight to Alice Springs, which was my launching point to the Australian outback and the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) (where it rained and rained!).
Shannon O’Donnell (to be continued)