It's Been One Week

A Rundown of Week One in Auckland

January 11^th

We did some exploring in Auckland and went to check out the “night markets” that the local Young Single Adult Ward told us about. Turns out, its just a bunch of food trucks surrounded by beautiful silos and a random assortment of beautiful landscaping, street art, and stairways.

We did a fair bit of wandering and humiliated ourselves, (a right of passage, as a tourist) and it turns out that the bloods and crypts are a thing here, so PSA: no flashing gang signs on the streets.

The best part of the night for me, however, was when Kate, another study abroad student, and I were accidentally abandoned at these silos long after nightfall when the rest of our group rushed back for the nightly check-in with Dr. Callahan. Fortunately, we were chatting with two locals, Anthony and Cezanne, who are two of the coolest Kiwis on the island.

These guys were kind enough to not only drive us home, but also took us to the world’s best ice cream shop to grab some sugary goodness to eat on the beach and look up at the stars. Then we took a quick stop to Maccas (McDonald's) so that the guys could eat an obscene amount of food (I mean, who can possibly eat TWO quarter pounders with THREE patties each???) and Kate and I could share a happy meal. Because we are children.

January 12^th

Due to the late-night shenanigans the night before, we had a late start the next morning. Jayna and I, my travel buddy, took a trip to the Auckland Art Gallery where we met up with some of our other friends and spent the afternoon recreating movies and paintings and sculptures in the museum.

And also appreciated the artwork, of course.

There were some incredible Maori portraits and cultural pieces that were amazing. I understood maybe one or two of them, so that was a bonus.

I didn’t even try to understand some of the trippy LSD-inspired contemporary stuff.

We ended the day by watching a TERRIBLE movie on a local NZ channel, but these experiences bond people together the most. So you could say that Emily, Jesse, Jayna and I are tied together for life now. Thanks Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion!

January 13^th

I’ll never take the quick walk around the block to my chapel for granted ever again. Getting to church with 16 or so women who have no idea what we’re doing in the brutal New Zealand sun was… an adventure.

We struggled through the bus system and walked the last 15 minutes, so we were only a few minutes late in all!

I’m a fan of the new two-hour system, especially when all of the talks and lessons are given in the incredible New Zealand accent.

January 14^th

We started the day walking in the rain to the Auckland War Museum. It wasn’t a short walk, but it was a beautiful one. I got plenty of B-roll for my video project, and we had great group bonding time.

The museum itself was incredible, but my favorite part was the cultural show that allowed us to see some local dances, learn some history, and explain many of the cultural aspects I’ve been seeing everywhere here. For example, the pendants and carvings that display wide eyes and protruding tongues (also a part of the Hakka- a very cool and very intimidating war chant) are to intimidate and demonstrate power to one’s enemies.

The Maori women traditionally have tattoos around their lips and chins, where the men have them all across their faces, though modern society is less accepting of the facial tattoos and so many choose to forgo them. These tattoos aren’t done by needle, but by a special tool that presses the ink into the skin.

They also showed a dance using two balls that look kind of like round hacky-sacks tied together with a rope and used to twirl in a traditional game, or used as percussion instruments in time with a chant or guitarist as the balls slap against the arms and wrists. My mind was blown.

Angelina and I spent the rest of the evening wandering into little shops and exploring the city near our apartment. The best part? People actually smile and interact with you as you pass by. The friendliness feels so welcoming and foreign to me. 10/10 would highly recommend.

                              January 15^th

Today, Jayna, Jesse, Emily, Angelina and I all took buses to get to Crunchtower, a trendy milkshake shop with intricate monstrosities of milkshakes. I will include a picture of ours- the HokeyPokey tower.

(Hokeypokey is a caramel-honey flavor that is very popular here and I am addicted.)

We explored the city, got footage and stories for our videos, and explored many art galleries in Parnell, the affluent part of the city. The artwork, like the city itself, is vibrant, full of life and color.

There, we stumbled upon the most amazing, trendy, adorable cafés in the entire world. They played “Radio Gaga” as we browsed through the 70’s and 80’s artist-inspired mugs and stickers, sat at tables painted with old record album covers, took selfies with Stranger Things mugs, and wished we could afford the small sandwiches behind the 70’s bus-style counter.

Check it out.

All in all, Auckland has stolen my heart.

I can’t say I’ll be asking for it back anytime soon.

Auckland, New Zealand