Landed

4-12-13

New Zealand!

    We've landed, bussed into the city, and now we're getting coffee and food at a coffee shop next door to where our host family lives (airbnb.com, best thing ever). The Coffee Club, where we are, is playing Christmas music and it's the first time it has really sunk in that I'm missing Christmas. Up til now this whole trip has felt like a secret way of pausing time and living summer twice. Thanksgiving has passed? Not in my world. But it's Christmas everywhere now, and it makes me miss home a little. On the other hand, I've seen a lot of stores here, so far, that are also in the USA. Unlike Fiji, this feels like I might just be somewhere I haven't before been in the states. There's even a philly cheese steak sandwich on the menu. I didn't order that, though. I ordered a Le Croque Monsieur sandwich, which we split, and something called a Flat White coffee. Luke got a chai tea that has cinnamon sprinkled on top in the shape of flowers, and it tastes amazing. The coffee is pretty good too. 

   Now I'm content and uber excited because I have a good cup of coffee in front of me, the sandwich was great, and we seem to be in the best shopping district of Aukland. And there's a movie theatre across the street, and yes, it is playing Catching Fire. Win. Yay!

   Off to enjoy this great city! 

Later- 

Carolyn

PS: since it's still Dec 3rd in the states... Happy Birthday Kate!