Arrival

I made it to New Zealand!  The flight was long, but very tolerable due to 11 year-old Amy, who introduced herself to me as "an unaccompanied minor," then went on to start numerous conversations about her family (Dad in CA and mom in NZ), pets (goldfish, sheep, and a dog), school, etc.  She also asked if it was ok each time she wanted to read instead of talk, which was cute, and luckily she slept the whole time between dinner and breakfast (yes, they served TWO meals on Air New Zealand!), which allowed me to get some rest as well.

Accomplishments so far:
1.  Set up a bank account (although they closed too late for me to pick up my atm card)
2.  Got a phone (after much deliberation I went with Telecom)
3.  Purchased sunscreen (thanks Esther!)

I've also managed to be asked for directions by 2 people - I guess I must look pretty comfortable here already.  I believe I gave correct directions to the 2nd person.  The first were correct but incomplete - I probably got him half way there - not bad for being in the country less than 10 hours, no?

View from my bedroom window at the hostel, and my bed:

Goal for tomorrow: buy a car!