Operation Kiwi Begins

I'm sitting in the Auckland Central Backpackers hostel, recently arrived in the hilly and rainy Auckland. It seems like a lot has happened since I left, but really it's been pretty boring (not NZ, everything else).

The flight from Chicago to LA was nicely uneventful. Naturally the plane arrived early, extending my 8.5 hour layover to an even 9. I read several Runner's Worlds to pass the time, went on a 3 hour walk outside the airport and the nearby area, and ate Burger King twice, and it was gross. I only lost my boarding pass once, but the folks at security (where I left it) were quick to act and 5 minutes later I had it back in my hands, nervous sweat on my brow. The 13 or so hour flight from LA to Auckland was also pretty tame. I hit up a few more Runner's Worlds, watched Get Smart (pretty terrible movie) and got a surprisingly good amount of sleep. Also, though I couldn't get up the nerve to ask him, I'm about 95% sure that Ernie Hudson was on my flight. For those of you who are lame, Ernie Hudson is an actor who made unforgettable roles in Congo, Miss Congeniality, and most famously as the black Ghostbuster. Part of the reason I didn't confirm his identity is because I couldn't remember his last name (I'm pretty sure it's Hudson) and I figured just asking him if his name is Ernie was too awkward, even for me.

Oh also the airport lost my bag.
Or at least they sent it to Melbourne for some reason. First I was told it would arrive tomorrow, then Saturday, and finally assured it would be in by tonight. That means that for most of today I have to continue wearing the same clothes I've been wearing for the past over 24 hours (with the time changes I don't feel like figuring out the actual time). Plus I was kinda hoping to go for a run once I got to the hostel so I could kill time until check-in and explore the area for awhile, but my only running attire is in my "lost" bag, naturally.

The hostel is pretty sweet. An internet cafe, TVs, massage chairs ($2 to use), kitchen, laundry room, lounge chairs, and plenty of people just hanging out. Hopefully they're not all as hard to understand as the guy and girl who work here.

On the bus ride here, I started asking myself all sorts of questions. What the hell am I doing here? Why did I think this was a good idea? etc. But I knew all along what the answer was. I'm here for a life experience. And something like that doesn't come without challenge. If I may take a note from the WashU XC team, I'm ready to rub my life experience in adversity's face. BRING IT NEW ZEALAND!

First New Zealand Purchase: an internet card ($5 NZ)