New Zealand - Day 1

Bookish Dave is back. It's been too long.

My friend Shweth and I will be in New Zealand from now through January 5th. Shweth is a friend of mine from Duke and who also lives in SF, and we're already proving to be good travel partners. Unfortunately, as I write this (in the Auckland airport on our way to the South Island) he's talking to his boss at Apple. So much for disconnecting at this moment. Still, we both want to go back to the states feeling like we've had great adventures and learned things, but also healthy and rested. Yesterday we went on a 30-minute run, and today we started by going to a gym - great way to stay centered while traveling.

My related goal is to detox from my cell phone. The past few months I'v been particularly compulsive about checking my phone, so hopefully I can break that habit with some forced detox.

The direct flight from SFO to Auckland was a piece of cake. I watched Boyhood, ate dinner, and slept for 8 hours. At one point I got up to use the restroom and halfway expected to see my sister Jenny somewhere on the plane - I've taken my last two big vacations with her. Anyway, the time difference between SF and New Zealand is 21 hours, but we only cross three time zones. Hence, very little jet lag. My flight arrived around 6am, and as I waited for Shweth had a coffee in the cool air and watched airport employees and travelers (paying particular attention to the Maori). Our driver arrived and promptly said in a thick Kiwi accent "hold a moment boys, I need to go take a shit," which he did. He was quite a character. Shweth and I went on a run to Mission Bay and hung out there for a while, and walked up to some lookout point, where an annoying Brazilian guy couldn't figure out his iPhone and I volunteered Shweth to help him ("this guy MADE that iPhone!"). After some shopping for shampoo and other provisions, we headed to a bar with Mita and her friend Dee, and ended up at Dee's awesome apartment (see photo of the Auckland skyline, taken from her rooftop deck). Of course upon seeing such a view, I want it for myself. Someday I'll have a room with a view... This WILL happen.

I like Auckland. It's very relaxed. Very little crime. A bit expensive.

Our cab driver this morning, Matatia, was an interesting dude. He's about 50, from the small island called Tivola (??) near Fiji, used to work in an engine room on a big container ship. He said he likes the U.S. because we saved his island from the Japanese. He also liked Rio because they had the best women of all his ports of call. Matatia, the other cab driver, Mita, and Dee quickly remind me of the joy of not only meeting new people, but of exchanging information with them. Talking about what people know and think and telling them what you know - definitely a big rush.

Signing off for now. Here are a few photos.