Leaving Auckland for Paihia
Sarah Says:
Well folks, for a little while there it looked like your favorite travelers were never going to catch a break. My luggage was finally delivered to me by a very nice taxi drive a mere 30 hours after we landed - very nice to see my stuff again. Unfortunately, the weather has been what some would call atrocious. All the poor backpackers have been stuck inside watching Trainspotting while it pours rain outside. Meanwhile, I awoke on our first full day in New Zealand sick as a dog. I had to stay in bed for 2 solid days wrapped in a fleece and 3 blankets, too weak to do anything but shed the odd tear. Poor David trodded off in the rain all on his own - which worked out well cause I didn’t really want to go to the Maritime Museum anyway.
But, fear not, my friends - our down days seem to be behind us! I am healthy again and the sun has finally come out!
We are heading out on our first official roadtrip tomorrow. This is a very exciting thing to a backpacker - your first time out. I think it may be even more exciting than the flight over. I mean - we’ve been here a few days, met some very nice backpackers, we’ve gotten advice and shared ideas and now we are packing up and heading out. It’s quite exciting. We are leaving the city behind - no offense to Auckland, it’s a lovely city but, really, seems exactly like Seattle with a Space Needle and everything - heading northeast for the beach. We promise the pictures will start coming soon.
Thank you to everyone for keeping in touch with us - I can’t believe how many of you have sent us messages!! We love reading them; thank you, thank you, thank you.
January 9th, 2005 at 1:27 am
Hi you two i am a silly billy i have put a comment on the 5th Jan love mum xxx
January 9th, 2005 at 7:10 am
I am soooo sorry you were sick, I know David took good care of you and now you’re finally on the road and headed out for some fun! Seems your big adventure has had a less than stellar beginning, but I have faith that this trip is one you’re going to be describing for the rest of your lives as “The most awesome trip — it started out so badly, and ended up being the time of our lives”. Head for the sunshine and be safe and have fun! Love, Mom
January 9th, 2005 at 8:18 am
Hi Dave & Sarah,
Sounds lke it wasn’t the kind of start you wanted to your trip but it looks as though things are sorting themselves out. I hope you don’t mind me asking but on your travels would it be possible for you to get me a souvenir silver spoon from New Zealand to add to my collection?
Would you believe after your trip to Australia all those years ago you brought me back 8 spoons from your travels and yes i am still collecting them I have approx 120 now and do not have one of New Zealand in my collection.
If it easier not to post it Mum said she could pick it up when she comes to visit you in September. I hope you don’t mind me asking, mum didn’t seem to think it would be a problem. Have fun and take care!
Love Michelle
January 9th, 2005 at 4:46 pm
Well, as your mother said, things are looking up now! I’m envious of you on the beach, since we just got rid of 6 inches of snow and now it is back up into the 60’s again, but wait…next week we get snow again! I hope y’all have a GREAT time at the beach and I’m enjoying your blog. Keep the pictures coming! Love, Roz