From G'day to Kia Ora

"Kia Ora" means hello or in NZ speak gidday.

Its Tuesday morning, May 20th and I'm at Auckland airport waiting for my flight (which is now delayed for two hours) to Queenstown in the south island. I will be spending most of my time in south island this week. I was just here twelve hours ago...missed my morning flight out of Sydney due to a major accident on the highways into Sydney airport. I learned something new about NZ immigration policy, they require that upon arriving at NZ I must have present a proof of a flight out of NZ (e.g. a boarding pass or flight schedules from the airline), so the e-copy of the itinerary will not do.

The later flight gave me more time to spend with my family but got me into the hotel really late...it sucked but don't feel too bad for me yet. I was alittle sad to leave my family (a bit teary eyed) as they've been so kind and generous with their time and home. After the goodbye's I headed to the New Zealand airline's lounge (a star alliance partner)...this is the first time I've ever used United Airlines' "red carpet club" lounge, it was so fancy and packed with yummy snacks, coffee/tea, wine, bear, free internet, lounge chairs, fax, phone, and they make personal announcements when its time for boarding. It really does pay to be in the club, I've been missing out all these years hanging out by the usual airport gate areas.

I was not looking forward to later arrival into Auckland but just my luck that on the same flight were the boys from the New Zealand Warriors (NZ rugby team). They were returning home from a competition in Australia...the flight over was very lively so shall we say it was not so bad after all. When I saw them boarding, I thought they were the NZ All Blacks team but not quite...anyhow you can check them out, http://www.warriors.co.nz/.

After taking the airbus we arrived at the hotel 40mins. later. Its smacked right in the middle of downtown however the block where the hotel was located seem really dark. Alittle discouraged, I enter the hotel and was pleasantly surprise to find the interior a stark contrast to the dark exterior. The decor was modern, open, clean lines...scandinavian influenced, and the staff was very pleasant. I asked one of the staff who helped me to my room how the neighborhood was and he informed me that its actually not "that safe"!!!! What!!....of the all the places I find the one hotel that is not in the best neighborhood. It didn't seem so bad when I came in last night (I saw a few homeless people). Anyhow, he recommended that I shouldn't hang around the area at night if its not necessary which I don't plan to so I should be ok. What's surprising was that there were plenty of people (e.g. backpackers, tourist, locals, students...etc) walking around so the place seems lively. The decor of my room is similiar to the lobby decor...clean, modern, and all new furnitures. The view was not so great...plain parking lot. Another surprise was that they broadcast a Thai channel which is a nice. I don't know about you but I can appreciate good water pressure for my showers and this place has got it right...makes me very happy ;-) So the hotels got its pro's and con's, for now its got my vote with the right amenities and price. I guess I won't cancel my reservation as I'm returning to the same hotel at the end of the week. Ok that's all for now as I head down to south island for lots of sightseeing, driving, and hiking.