Quite the Adventure

Today was just that...quite the adventure. I made a plan that I was going to walk around and explore and then make a much needed trip to the store, but as is life, plans changed.

I set off in my workout clothes toward Auckland Domain. I passed a cemetery as soon as I left my apartment (surprise surprise I live next to one of those right :) ??? ) haha I also discovered that I live right next to the hospital...good to know just in case... ohhh I also live on a block with 4, yes count them 4 coffee shops. Bad news bears. :)

Right next to the hospital was Auckland Domain, by far the most beautiful sight I have seen so far since my arrival. I can most easily describe it as a cross between Central Park and Balboa Park. Green rolling hills, ponds, flowers blooming, ducks and geese resting under trees, kids running and playing...you name it. My intention was to follow the main road through Auckland Domain and come out on Parnell Street, the part of Auckland known for its cute shops and cafes. Instead, my mind wandered and before I knew it I was following a wooded street that I HOPED would lead me to my destination. But when the street came to an end I realized that I ended up directly across the highway from my apartment. The good news is I wasn't lost...bad news was I was nowhere near where I wanted to be.

Instead of backtracking, I set off to my next destination, Smith and Caughney's. Now, when I looked up this place online it was described as a department store. I'm thinking "Great!!! It's like Macy's! I can find my bath towels!!" O ya...minor side note...I left my towels at home thinking they would provide them in my apartment. Wrong. No towels. Thank goodness I brought my Turbie Twist. But for those of you who know just how big a Turbie Twist is, imagine trying to dry your whole body off with one in a shower the size of a cracker box...I think you get the picture and understand my desperation to find this store.

I spotted the sign for the store and walked in...Whew! Only to realize that my "Macy's" was really more like a "Barneys" or "Neiman Marcus" or "Bloomingdales". So here I am walking past Hugo Boss, Armani and Chanel in my old workout shoes, green running pants and a sweaty t-shirt. I got just a few stares :) But I got my towels and that was all that mattered!

I spent the rest of my day relaxing, napping, and continuing to get situated.

Tomorrow is my first day of orientation, and a chance to meet some amazing new people!

Lots of love

Amanda