Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Octopus rides on the Sharkbus!

Ok, so on my first day in New Zealand, we spotted this...


After that day, I needed answers! What is this bus? Where does it take you?
The very next day, we caught the bus, and headed to Kelly Tarlton's, the aquarium in Auckland! They are best known for their penguin excusion tour (everyone loves penguins), in a snowcat, and their shark tunnels (unfortunately, the shark pictures didn't turn out... this is the best I can come up with) But, we also had the chance to see a preserved Giant Squid! Which was really cool! The squid was bigger than I was!



The trip was completed by playing in the kids section (hey, they had a cool submarine), and taking one last picture with the SHARKBUS! (AWESOME)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Octopus is safe and sound!

Hi everyone! As many of you have heard, judging from the amount of emails I received today, Christchurch had a very destructive earthquake hit it yesterday! Here in Auckland (the north end of the north island), we didn't feel a thing. I didn't even know there was an earthquake until I got home for dinner, and the news was on in the common room. Christchurch is on the South island, so it's no where near me.
I apologize for not letting everyone know I was safe sooner, however as i have mentioned before, the lack of internet here is causing me great stress. Everyone here is fine, and thank you very much for your concern.

Please keep the people in Christchurch in your thoughts and prayers. Last time I looked at the news the mortality count was 65, I can only imagine it has gone up since then. I am keeping the families who have lost loved ones in mind in the coming weeks, and i know that it's going to be a difficult journey to not only rebuild the city, but to also pick up the peices of their lives.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Auckland: Tropical Paradise!

So, I wake up from my first night in Auckland to this:



Which wasn't a big deal at 6:00 because i was still on vancouver time and was awake anyways. This beautiful, bright sunrise told me it was going to be a nice day (turns out it was raining in an hour, but that's besides the point)

Before heading off to explore most of the city, I checked my money situation. And by that I examined the coins to figure out what picture was on each one! I love the dollar coin here... mainly cause it features everyones favorite flightless bird!

Heather and I then went and found the lab we'll be working at. Turns out its just around the corner from where we're staying, literally 40 seconds from the front door! By the afternoon, the sky had cleared up and you could see the ocean from my window (look really far into the distance)
We went out again and found a really nice park, with lots of tall palm trees, and then went back to the apartment, as walking around all day in the sun wears you out!
I also have a great view of the skytower at night!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Wandering Octopus arrives in Auckland!

So, we've arrived! And due to a shortage of internets, have not been able to update until now!
The octopus and I picked up our friend (and now room-mate) Heather at the Airport, as she was flying in from Toronto first, and then all of us were flying directly from Vancouver to Auckland!

After a 14 hour flight, we arrived in New Zealand at about 6 in the morning. It was still dark out, but at least I could get a picture of the plane!
We were instantly greated by an amazing Maori carving, and then we were greated by the immigraion officers. (Luckily everything went smoothly)
We took a cab to the city center, which seams to be constructed around a large tower, which juts out of the skyline! At about 8 am, we arrived at AUT, and checked into our dorm.
We spent the rest of the day wandering around downtown Auckland, and enjoying the sites and sounds of a new country. Personally I found the New Zealand isn't very different from Canada, it has many of the same stores, restaurants and music that we play in North America.
Fun Fact: New Zealand has Denny's! (What is this world coming to?)

Friday, February 11, 2011

The Octopus gets...



Today, the Wandering Octopus was kicked out of the place he had called home for the past year. No longer being known as the Car Cephalopod gave him no sense of purpose in life. However, the Wandering Octopus is not one to give up!
He went in search of a NEW place to call home! A home that could travel with him overseas, to New Zealand!

Some of the homes were too small and felt cramped, others had a uniqe and slightly childish decore, and then he found the perfect home! A mixture of space and functionality. (Perhaps he will now be known as "Backpacktopus"!

And now, off to adventure!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Just a little update!

In one week, the Wandering Octopus will be on a plane flying to his new home; Auckland, New Zealand! The excitement was really setting in, until I realized how much I have to do to prepare to live in another country. How do you pack for that? Currently I've figured out that I need shirts, shorts, and a change of underwear! I'm sure I'll add to that list in the next seven days!
It's hard keeping my head on straight right now. Amidst the packing, last minute financials, and all the goodbyes, I'm having trouble keeping my life sane! I'm sure all the insantiy will be worth it!
Let the countdown begin!