Week 1 is done.
It has been a pretty hectic but also relaxing week. Arriving in Auckland left me with many chores and errands to run (e.g. getting towels and whatnot), but it also gave me many chances to explore.
Here are a few highlights from the first week:
I explored Queen Street, which is the main street running through downtown that contains all sorts of stores. From REI-like Kathmandu to Burger King to Gucci, Queen St. has just about everything.
I've met people from all over the world: Irish, German, French, South African, and of course New Zealanders (aka Kiwis). All together, we hit up Takapuna Beach, just north of Auckland Central.
The water and clouds here in New Zealand are incredible. The blues are lighter yet punchier, and the shapes and textures are more distinctive.
A couple of the same people I've met jumped 192m (around 630ft) from the SkyTower (aka the Space Needle of New Zealand).
Chinese New Years was about a week and a half ago, but that doesn't mean the celebration stopped in Auckland. For 4 days right before school started, celebrations continued with the Auckland Lantern Festival near Albert Park, which is next to City campus. It was PACKED.
Lots of options for dinner at the night market next to Albert Park. Bubble tea, dumplings, various meat skewers, you name it, the night market had it.
There were some pretty dope lanterns at the festival.
The Lantern Festival came to a close with a bang.