I.am.having.a.good.time.in.Auckland.
OK,for a start,I am now working in a bar in the waterfront of the Auckland Harbour.I got qualified with a licence so it was easier to get the job.However,at times when the bar's not full (and it usually isn't),and due to business requirements,I am sometimes required to help out in the kitchen,helping the kitchenhands to prepare food,which I absolutely enjoy doing.For a start,hey,how many of you can cook Thai's Green Curry,Red Curry and Panang Curry?I can!=)The chef's from Hong Kong and he's been here for quite sometime.The head chef is from..yes,you guessed it,Thailand.They are all nice people and I am actually happy to be working with them.I also get staff meals and drinks (I'm not too much of a drinker so I only take a glass of wine on Saturday nights after work ).The chef,Eddy,makes wonderful stir fries and I have actually learned how to make them.Apart from that,on nights where rugby is on the menu,I get to learn how to prepare cute little munchies and burgers and wedges and chicken sauce to go with crispy nachos!Now isn't that good.I am seriously thinking of having a homecoming party when I get back and show off my culinary skills! (For all those who will be invited,please also make sure your insurance policy is up to date..LOL..)
Apart from that,I also got an exchange job in a cool backpackers situated just opposite the SkyTower.In exchange for free accomodation,all I have to do is man the reception counter for 2 nights in a week.Also,I was looking to do some sort of exchange work in New Zealand and this was a chance too good to miss.
Else,am coming close to the end of my trip,it's already February!Been sorting out the last 4 places to travel and I'll be on my way home.Gosh..time really flies when you are having fun!I will be doing exchange work with Surf n' Snow Backpackers until end of February or early March,then it's Tongariro Crossing,Rotorua/Taupo,Coromandel and the Bay of Islands!Hopefully,all will go well,and I will also get a glimpse of autumn before I leave New Zealand.

I arrived in Auckland at 6am on Saturday (supposed to reach at 6.50am but the driver was well..fast).It was raining and I had my heavy backpack on,trying to find my way to the accomodation I booked few days ago.Didn't have a good sleep,I was expecting the Night Bus to be quiet and empty but turned out to be full and noisy!The South African woman behind me wasn't too happy about me lowering the seat,so I had to sleep with the seat up,which wasn't too comfy.We stopped at Turangi for a driver change at 2.30am,and at Wairakei for coffee at about 3.20am.
Back to Auckland.Well,since it was raining,the day was so gray I felt so cold and empty inside.I asked some passer-by for directions but none knew.Finally a guy from India showed me where it is,but not before getting my mobile number "to keep in touch".Jeez!I arrived City Groove Backpackers at 9.30am,and the staff,whoever took my booking call,didn't key it into their system and as such,I appeared to have made no bookings!He gave me 6 nights,and I will have to find somewhere else to live by Friday.
Too hungry,I was venturing out to Foodtown to get some groceries when the Queen of Malaysia in Auckland texted.Rean.She asked if I wanna join her near her house to shopping together!So I hopped on a train to Panmure,and after some intial confusion,Rean,her boyfriend and her sister's boyfriend came to pick me up.
It was so good to see Rean again.We went for Chinese food,and she handed me my stuff from Malaysia.I will specially mention Jackie,who have proved that she IS the friend for everyone to have,for making my glasses for me.It was a perfect power!I felt like I got my life back.Thanks mate!And not forgetting Thevika,who sent me some stuff to read and my sweater.Now I have 2 sweaters and I don't have to worry if 1 gets wet =).Will belanja you both teh tarik when I return! =p.
After going groceries shopping with them (where they bought half of the Pak' N' Save in Botany),we chilled for awhile in her house,a cosy lil place in the suburbs of Auckland.Rean sent me back at about 9.30pm,and I just slumped on my bed and slept until 10.30am the next day!
Auckland looks the same,I miss this place loads.I went walking to Queen St,looking at all people,natinalities,culture.It's so good to be here.
And suddenly I don't feel like going home.

*caps lock not working*
i am leaving blenheim in a few hours,going to picton to take the interislander ferry across the cook straits,get to wellington,spend about 3 hours there and hop on the bus to....auckland!!
suprised?don't be.yes my friends.i'm leaving to auckland tonight.would arrive there early tomorrow morning (6.50am)and check into my accomodation and sleep.i have about 2 1/2 months left of my trip,and its time to visit the north island.
i have done quite an extensive trip in the south,but my only regret will always be not being able to go to the glaciers because of bad weather!every outdoor activity here is weather dependant,so although i did try to save enough and go,the weather was bad and would continue to be for the next 2-3 days,which i can't afford to stay anymore due to my timing schedule.
i still haven't gave up hope,i am still secretly wishing i could go to the glaciers again maybe in my last week here,so now i am heading to auckland to maybe work and travel up north to paihia,kerikeri and the bay of islands!kate and megan are there,i will meet them up before i leave,and most of my travel mates are already leaving to their home country in february.that's gonna be sad coz we all text each other all the time to check our travel routes and get advices,and with all of them gone i will be alone for a month before i get bundled in that huge airbus.
will be meeting up with rean when i get to auckland,well at least i still have someone in new zealand..=)
will be updating from auckland,and the time to come back is getting nearer..i miss home so much,miss my family,my dog,my friends..but i know above all,i will miss new zealand the most when i get home!
cheers and miss you guys!