One Tree Hill

Go to New Zealand. If there is one place everyone should travel to, it is there. I meant to post this a lot sooner, but I am a bit lazy.

To catch you up to date: the next day, Saturday, I woke up and wandered around. And when I say wander, I probably walked 10 miles that day. Pretty ridiculous. I read that Mt Eden was the highest point in Auckland, so I decided to walk there. Beyond that, a park that had a hill in it called One Tree Hill would be my next stop. This desire came from the fact that U2 wrote a song about this hill. Naturally, I had to see it. While all the walking was not my favorite thing in the world to do, it was worth it. Mt Eden had beautiful views of the city and the harbour despite it being a bit cloudy out.

After climbing to the top of Eden, I could see One Tree Hill. It was a good distance away, but I wanted to go. What else did I have to do? So I meandered through the suburbs of Auckland, eventually making it out there. I came across a few games of cricket. I stopped and watched them, giving myself a rest. After climbing to the top of One Tree Hill, I began my journey back into Centre City. All in all, a very tiring day, and I went to bed early again.

My sunday was pretty ho-hum. I walked around Auckland a bit more--however, as I was going to catch a bus at around 12 to go back to the airport. I checked out of my hostel and hauled my luggage up a huge hill. Big mistake. But I was in the right place and waited at the airport awhile for my flight.

The flight itself was uneventful. It was nice to have a fairly smooth flight except for the landing. But what is life without a little excitement? After arriving on Sunday, I met Dave's friends who are all in town. We went out to grab dinner and then went to bed shortly after that.

Monday was new year's eve. We made it out to a place called Milton's Point at about 2 in the afternoon. Fortunately, we were under the bridge. This would prove vital as the sun is quite harsh down under. The fireworks at 9 and midnight were the best that I'd ever seen. It was an amazing spectacle. The crowds were vicious, but seeing as though I will probably not make it back to Sydney on New Year's again, it was worth it.

The other days I've tagged along with Dave and his friends. Also moved into a new, rather dirty apartment. It's quite gross, and I'm hoping that there will be a good deal of cleaning done here soon. Along with that, today was my first day back at work. So it's back to business as usual out here in Sydney.