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Published: September 1st 2006
Dedicated to David E.
Keep Flying Man. Sorry to hear about your eye, thanks for your service. You know that you're more than welcome to come and visit any time.8/31/06 (Thursday) and 9/1/06 (Friday) - Is this the end for our fearless traveler - Will he Travel Again?
Happy Spring (Fall to the Northern Hemesphere).
Truth be told, while I am addicted to travel and love staying in group sleeping accommodations (separate beds) deep down I really prefer a nice clean room and comfortable bed. There is a secret joy knowing that I have a place to settle in (just a bit) but great sorrow, for I know that I will miss the road and communal living. Good thing I have weekends and (4 weeks paid vacation!!!!).
Like my last blog mentioned I found a place that I feel really good about. I think I’ve done a great job selecting my flatmates and the location. Today (Friday 1/9/06) the first day of spring) I moved into my new place.
First to catch up from yesterday the following events happened.
Went back to my new flat and paid my deposit and first weeks rent ($180/week), they have a thing about paying by the week rather than the month, oh well.
Next I wrote yesterday’s blog that didn’t seem to find a good finishing point, someone
YHA CITY HOSTEL
Goodbye old friend. First room I stayed in was on the top floor, in the corner of the building closest to you in the photo. let me know if these blogs are getting to long, please….
A few days ago myself and Alison (one of my friends from IEP who is still at the Hosted, sorry Alison, I know you are looking forward to getting your travels started next week) decided we needed to include more vegetables and fruits in our dinners. The only grocery stores that carry produce are out of the way stores and a long walk from the hostel. We’d been living off very simple items like, rice, noodles, hotdogs, and eatin/takeout food. I had a craving for asparagus and decided that we must have some crowns for dinner. After completing my blog I walked to the store and cruised the modern grocery. The grocery workers are on strike. According to management the workers want a 33% raise in their salary, WOW! I purchased some tangerines or some similar citrus fruit and found a pack of 8 asparagus crowns (for $5???), which I think were rather expensive but they were worth it.
We had asparagus, rice, and hotdogs; five star dinning at its best. Alison really came thru for dessert. She had a stash of Nutella. As some of you
The YHA Hill From Hell
This hill is steeper than what it looks like in the photo. Had to climb this thing to get home every evening. Don't drink too much before attempting;) may know I lived off that product in Europe, very addictive and delicious. Hint, Hint, Hint: Anyone coming over that wants to bring Nutella is more than welcome to, I won’t resist! We had rice cake and Nutella along with the tangerines for dessert.
Up in my dorm room a new guy moved in the room. Of Indian (not native American) (Hindu) descent and born in the UK; this guy got into a very heated debate with myself and our other roommate about fanatic Islam. He had some pretty over the top ideas (expulsion of Muslims from all non Muslim countries, etc…) that I won’t mention here. Needless to say we were up talking and sharing our opinions until 12:30am. If you were so inclined you could debate like this on a daily basis at a hostel on a multitude of issues.
Friday-
Up and packed. Hard to believe my whole life (physical positions) fits in three bags. I think many people would have a difficult time adjusting to such a lifestyle, but I LOVE IT.
Caught a cab from the Hostel to my flat on Parnell RD. ($7 plus $1 tip). My roommates weren’t in
when I arrived so I began unpacking in peace. Again, given the small quantity of items I have unpacking this chore took just a few minutes.
Description of my place:
Expansive, 10 year old, three story town home in the Parnell Neighborhood (right on Parnell Rd) 20 Minute walk to work and 5 minute bus ride. A nice neighborhood park is across the street and the University of Auckland campus on the adjacent hill is viewable from our place.
Ground floor can be entered from the street or from an inner courtyard/parking area. My room is on this level, spacious and bright (three large windows). My room contains a bed, desk, stereo, television and wardrobe. The two car garage and work/hobby space is at this level, along with the laundry/ironing room.
Second floor, this is the main living area. One half bath, large modern kitchen (with conveniences), large living and dinning space, large windows that look out onto the park and at the Univ. of Auckland, and two large balconies (one facing the park the other towards the courtyard).
Third floor are the three other rooms in the house and the full bath/shower room.
Mom-
Me in the Barcellona Airport Bathroom (Feb 05).
Not much has changed (add some weight) and the color of my bag has changed. I do so miss my yellow bag. If anyone sees a homeless person walking around VAncouver with the bag pass this story along please! Think Joy, Martin, Wiley Overstreet; because that is nearly what I have (intellectuals, debaters, art lovers, book collectors, passionate about life, lovers of fine food). Do you have Joy’s email address? I’m having a great time, don’t worry!
Tonight I go to a gallery opening “WAYD Paper” an exhibit done by Univ. of Auck. Art students - using just paper.
PS: I am pleased to announce that unlike the month I spent in London hostels where I picked up a very nasty case of athletes foot, I leave the YHA hostel with feet fully intact and odor free. Rock On…..Or as they say in NZ - “Sweet As”…..
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Teresia
non-member comment
Home at last
We are so very happy that you have such a comfortable home! We love your accounts of the days! Thank you for taking time to share with us. Please tell us more about your work place. We just had your Mom and Bill over to celebrate John's birthday. They brought champagne and berry pie. It was so good to hear the positive tests results for Bill. Much love, Aunt Teresia and JOhn