It didn’t exist. I left the USA on Thursday 16th, flew 13 hours and arrived in Auckland New Zealand on Saturday 18th. Friday did not exist! I remember mentioning that to the oldies (yes, they know I call then that and no, they’re not offended – or say they’re not!) when I was organising this trip and mum said I’d get the time back on my return, but as I’m just going round the world and not back, I’ll never get that day back! It has just vanished! A bit like my spending money since arriving here this morning! Haha.

Before I left home for the US, I think the exchange rate was about 1.30 USD to 1 GBP. The best exchange rate I got on my debit card was 1.34! Well, New Zealand is super cheap! The exchange rate here is 2.30NZD to 1 GBP – CHEAP!!

That overnight flight from San Francisco was a bit of a nightmare. I don’t find overnight flights the greatest at the best of times, but we sat on the tarmac for 90 minutes before the start of our 13 hour flight and then, can someone please explain to me why folk get out of their seats when the seatbelt sign is on? WTF is that about? I really felt of the crew last night, they work so hard and people seem to leave their manners (if they had any) on the ground. I’m not sure if it was a student group or something similar, but there was about 45 young folk on this flight who could not seem to sit still and keep quiet. Apparently playing card games, blocking the aisle and squealing at 2am is acceptable to them – grrrr.

I booked a hostel here in Auckland, Now, before you all start scratching your heads and wondering why I’m in a hostel, I have my own private room and it’s ensuite. For £52 a night I can’t really complain! I am quite aware that this trip isn’t cheap and I don’t have a job (I’m back on 12 October if you have any leads haha) so trying to save where I can. Okay, the bathroom has a slight prison feeling, but I don’t plan to spend much time in the room!

Now, if only the “yooff” would stop running in the corridors and screaming all would be good haha. Quiet hours start in a few minutes!

I saw this sign in Auckland CBD (it took my ages to work out this meant Central Business District) and panicked a wee bit, those two flights were too long to still be in Alaska!

Tomorrow I have booked to go the Auckland Museum and Maori experience and then the Sky Tower. The bar at the tower is sponsored by Moet so I feel a wee visit there to support the sponsor is also required! I’ve bookedin time for subset so, with any luck the sun will come out tomorrow!

In the meantime I’m enjoying a couple of Ned’s before bed! The nice thing about being somewhere that produces decent wine is easier opportunities to try them without having to invest in a whole bottle. Workibg out at about £3.30 a xan I took tge risk on these 😉