Kia Ora, New Zealand!

"Kia Ora" is the Maori phrase for "hello" in New Zealand English -- just one of many things I learned about NZ while spending this last weekend in beautiful Auckland! The weekend was weird because it was both a whirlwind and a relaxing visit at the same time: it was a whirlwind because of all the walking and going to and from airports, yet it was relaxing to be able to go at my own pace (the perks of traveling alone!)

On Saturday, I went for an early morning run around downtown Auckland area, and to be honest I was apprehensive about coming to Auckland. The buildings were older and the place seemed like a ghost town. But when I went back out later in the morning, the city was much more lively -- restaurants, cafes, shops, farmers markets were all open - and so many bustling people!

I took a 2 hour cruise on the harbour that afternoon and it was breathtaking. Something about being on a boat in the midst of such gorgeous views is so calming. We stopped at Rangitoto Island for a little exploration, and then cruised under the big bridge and saw some people bungee jumping off of it! I spent the rest of the day shopping around and walking to Ponsonby Market, which was an eclectic, urban, and upper class area that was a few miles away from the main city center. It was a long, hot walk to get there, but so worth it. It was filled by locals and so neat to see. 

On Sunday, I ran down to the dock area; the misty cloudy morning was so pretty over the water! I took the ferry over to Devonport for the day -- probably one of the cutest towns I've ever been to. It was so quaint, friendly, and adorable. There were so many families out and about and everyone knew everyone. It had a very local New Zealand vibe. I spent some time reading in a cool book store, and then walked around the beach area to see the views of Auckland across the water. 

This was my third weekend in a row that I've traveled somewhere, and I must say each place (Malaysia, Sydney, New Zealand) has been so different! I really love seeing how other people live and opening my mind to different lifestyles and mindsets. With each place I visit, I realize just how vast this world is and how much I have yet to see.....