Hello New Zealand

On the day of my flight to Auckland (12th of February, which incidentally is my birthday) I got up at 4:30 in the morning to get to the airport when check-in opened at 6 as I had not managed to do that online. Which was probably overkill but I did end up in front of the large queue forming behind me and my check-in wasn’t entirely smooth as they did not like me only using one of my first names. Which when we are on the subject has been a bit of an headache over all as I never know what name any official context has me under, but I digress.

The flight to Auckland was smooth and I had a great view out of the window for most of it, catching some really nice views when leaving Sydney and arriving over New Zealand. When arriving at the Auckland airport I had to go through the nerve racking biosecurity boarder control, which was scary but completely fine. And then I was picked up by the University’s hired driver which was an interesting first experience getting a ride into town by a conspiracy theorist talking about everything from how Uber is screwing over drivers to why you shouldn’t take the covid vaccine. When I arrived at Carlaw Park where I am living there luckily was quite a lot of signs and I quickly found my way to the reception where I received keys etc for my new flat. And after a bit more back and forth I actually got the correct keys for my flat.

It is quite a nice place I have here, which I will be sharing with two other people who arrive later. Somewhat bare, but with a great view and all essentials, as well as the biggest park with some real rain forest right behind the house, and a 5 minute walk to the University. Unfortunately I also celebrated my birthday with getting a light cold, and as such the next couple of days I didn’t do that much, just dealing with admin and generally recovering.