I made it!

So I finally made it to New Zealand and am enjoying my first day in Auckland. Haven't been to sleep here yet but caught a bit on the plane during second flight, after being up for 24 hours!

I absolutely can't fault Air New Zealand who were friendly, punctual, efficient and good-humoured for the whole 27 hour experience. They made transit in LA super easy. The food on board was awesome- NZ Lamb and chick pea casserole, Warm pastrami, cheeze and caramellised onion sub, Lovely fruit and muffin breakfast. Highly recommend them to anyone- they do a large number of routes via US and Asia.

Caught a few bits and bobs of Obama inauguration footage at various airports which was really euphoric and made the day feel even more special. Watched Brideshead Revisited, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (v good Woody Allen film) and The Wackness on the flight. Film selection was huge and v good.

Got through customs super easy- onward flight not a concern, and bloody extortionate chest xray never even came into play! Got an easy and near-empty shuttle bus to Auckland centre. Kim met me from the bus station in town and escorted me out to the lovely little place that she is house-sitting. Comes with a sweet black cat Finzi and gemstones on the coffee table so felt right at home.

After Kim had gone into work I had a shower and some food and felt pretty much human, so have spent the afternoon wandering along the coast from St Helier where we are based to Mission Bay- a popular beach suburb of Auckland. I walked along the lovely warm sand and scoured the tide line for shells. Being NZ I found some sweet bits of Paua and a few lovely big peachy pink fan shaped shells. Also a few matching pairs for earrings! Need to work out how to drill the things... hmm.

So far my impressions of NZ are excellent. It seems to be very chilled out, and all the people are incredibly friendly so far. Even bus drivers and customs officers and nice dudes. The weather today is beautiful- mid 20s and a sea breeze- perfect in my opinion. The sea is warm and a beautiful azure blue, just how I like it. The houses are an interesting mix of colonial style wooden bungalows or houses, and more boxy modern creations. The best things I reckon are the uniquitous song of the crickets in the suburban area and the vibrant blues and greens of the hillside, sea and sky- It's so beautiful and almost fluorescent. The light here is really special. I really feel NZ and I are going to be great friends!

I'm meeting Kim at 5 for a coffee on the harbour and maybe a bite to eat in Mission Bay. It's not a great deal cheaper here than UK to be honest but we are planning to do a lot of WWOOFing which will mean free food and accomodation so feel it's ok to live a little for the 2 days I'm in Auckland.

I'm going to my first farm in Warkworth on either Sat or Sun. They have foals and puppies arriving and I'm super excited about getting out into the real NZ countryside for some good clean fun.

I love and miss you all and wish you were here. It's toally worth the trip.

I'll be in touch soon and checking email/facebook now and then.

Lucy xxxxxxxxxxxxx