Today was our earliest day of the trip and a
weird one with our backpacks all packed again and on our backs instead of
strapped to our bikes. After saying our thanks and goodbyes to Graham we found
ourselves standing at a bus stop awaiting our coach to Auckland. We had chosen
the coach because of the horror stories of cyclists trying to make their way
into Auckland and getting clipped. The coach ride was pretty average through
rolling pastures and farmlands that make up much of this region. Despite a
fairly rocky journey I managed to get some sleep to lessen the boring 4 hour
ride. Although the bus did make frequent stops along the way to pick up and
drop off passengers, we did stop long enough for Brian and I to squeeze in some
McDonalds and a coffee for the road.
I could
tell the last couple days that Brian had been dreading coming to Auckland and
spending some time in the big city. Even when Brian had come to Sydney when I
first travelling he didn’t like the atmosphere that big cities created. Coming
through all these small towns and meeting so many wonderful people through NZ,
I must say that I was also dreading the big city but I also think that I was
more ready to finish the bike journey than Brian. But we had similar feelings
of dread coming into Wellington and we had turned out to love it there so as
the bus approached our station in the middle of the concrete jungle I attempted
to brighten the mood and smile at our new home for the next week.
As we
walked through the city towards our hostel we couldn’t help but notice it
seemed somewhat deserted, for a city at least. Given that it was only 11:45 and
a holiday Monday we kept up our optimism and wandered, packs on front and back
pushing our bikes through the concrete corridors of Queen St. Our hostel was in
the second and third floor of an old stone building with a bar and restaurant
below, probably won’t be getting that quite country sleep that we had become
accustom to. The main lobby of the hostel was average as far as hostels go. A
large open expanse with tables and sitting area where people could enjoy some
television or free hostel internet, crawling speed. Not quite sure if we should
wait around for 2 o’clock check in time or wander the streets, while attempting
to decide on place have lunch I spotted chess board. As my knowledge of chess
is fairly rudimentary and Brian is quite keen on chess there was some
domination on Brians part.
After
many losses and my first win, I was growing restless of the sitting and eager
to explore what Auckland could give us. Brian had decided that this would be
prime Skype time, either that or he needs some time away from me. Regardless I
was out in search of adventure on my own in the big city, they should make
movie about this premise. Auckland, as it turns out is not New York City and
does seep, especially during these national holidays. With much of the shops
closed, I went in search of something to drink and great views, an item I never
had trouble finding in New Zealand. Aucklands harbour is really beautiful
though not in the same way that Wellington was with the forest still in view.
Aucklands harbour was full of business from its bustling port to all the navy
ships that were stationed around the docks. I decided this would be a good
place to grab a drink and appreciate the views before I took back to the
streets. Sitting back in a nice comfy chair staring out at the harbour I
reminisced on our journey up to this point, as I had found myself doing often
as of late. We had set a goal and made it happen with little knowledge and
training. I spent the next couple hours, well Brian skyped, exploring Aucklands
central business district and it reminded me of a slightly smaller Vancouver,
full of hipsters and small Asian restaurants. It made me miss home so I got
some food and returned to the hostel. Sitting her now enjoying a $3 beer from
the hostel bar and losing at chess I’m excited for my next adventure to Japan
but also very ready to see friends and family. Day 25, ….this is awkward
No comments:
Post a Comment