Life in Auckland

Hi everyone!

I never really know where to start when I start writing these. I'm probably the worst blogger ever, but I'm glad to be documenting some of my life here. It'll help me remember the little things, which is always nice.

Anyway, I've been working a lot.. a lot, a lot. It's super tiring and really not that rewarding, but I can't complain. It's a job and if you're not making money, you're spending it, so I'm thankful for it in that respect. If anybody in Auckland (or anybody who knows people in Auckland) has any sort of connection to somebody who can perhaps give me a better (slash better paying) job, let me know PLEASE! I will love you forever. And I will cook for you on occasion, which is probably better than my everlasting love because I am a damn good cook. =)

Omg.. I haven't written about my lovely Norwegian friends yet! While I was staying at Grafton, three girls from Norway came to stay as well. They're studying nursing at the Uni of Auckland. I love them! They're so sweet and wonderful. I had a shopping day with them sometime last week. We ventured to Newmarket (an area of Auckland) and found some cute clothes at a few shops. On Friday, I had them over for a house-warming dinner. I made whole wheat spaghetti with a beef pasta sauce, garlic bread, and served Tim-Tams (Chewy Chocolate Fudge flavor) as a dessert haha. Not the greatest dinner party, but I was severely lacking kitchen equipment and had worked that day so I didn't have much time. It was a lot of fun! We started making a song on Garage Band (a la the songs made by Jenny/Kari/Scott/me) called BBDHD (Bye Bye Dragon, Hello Dolphin). Don't ask. I wouldn't even be able to tell you because I don't really know myself haha. It's super catchy, but we're not done with it yet.

I had the day off today after working 4 days in a row (the last two I worked 10-11 hours each day)! It was a nice break. I went to visit Tess at her work in Parnell (another area of Auckland). It was the cutest/girliest fabric shop ever and I loved it! (See pictures below.) She was nice enough to drive me to Grafton (thanks Tessie!) where I had a meditation class later. On the way I ran into David, the old Englishman I love and wish I could adopt as my grandpa. He's leaving back to NY tomorrow. So sad! But I finally got a picture with him!!! YAY! He gave me like 5 kisses, which I thought was super cute! I'll miss my gramps. =/

Afterwards, I went to a cafe called Verona, where I went last week (?) with Tess and her friend. At night they have live jazz bands! I can't remember if I already wrote about it, but I'm too lazy to check. When we went, we ordered this dessert.. 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream with a side shot of espresso and a side shot of amaretto. It was DELICIOUS! (Again, see picture below.) Anyway, today I went alone and had a chicken and mushroom fillo wrap and a mocha. Mmm.. I loveeee the coffee here.

After that, I headed up to Grafton Hall to meet up with the Norwegian girls: Line (pronounced Lina), Silje (pronounced Celia, but with a twist), and Ingrid (you can pronounce that). We went to our free meditation class and it was great! It was super relaxing! For you San Diego folks, I looked it up and they actually have the same meditation classes for free in North Park! You should go! http://www.freemeditationsandiego.com

It's officially not Valentine's Day anymore here, but it's Valentine's Day in America so HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! And a special shout-out to JP.. I love youuuuuuuuu!! I hope you have a wonderful day! I miss you so stinking much!

Also, here's a more precise version of my address:

148 Quay St.
Apartment 2D
Auckland CBD, 1010
New Zealand

I still haven't taken pictures of my apartment because I haven't completely settled in and I have nothing up on the walls. It might take some time, so bear with me.

And here are the (many) pictures:

Mmm.. ice cream, espresso, and amaretto!

Ingrid, Silje, and Line! <3

One view from my bedroom window. (I have huge 10ft tall windows.)

Later in the day.

Pasta w/meat sauce, garlic bread and a lovely glass of wine.

Fabric and Pretty Things by Trelise Cooper.

So cute!

I love girly things!

Tess, hard at work.

Tess and her sister Minna, love these girls!

Beautiful chandelier!

Lit up.

An oldddd Singer sewing machine.

I like how the name is written.

Cute little trinkets.

David, my gramps!! I love this guy! Isn't he the cutest old man ever?!

Wow.. that took a hell of a long time to write. I hope you all got through it okay.. all 10 of you hahah. 

Until next time,

Christina