Off to an AMAZING start!

We arrived in New Zealand at 5 am on Tuesday, February 3rd after spending 13 hours on the flight. It was an easy flight and went by really fast. Sara and I looked at each other with big smiles on our faces as we landed at the airport in Auckland. We didn't waste anytime. We went quickly through customs and headed for a bus into the main part of the city. We met a guy named JohnO at the airport and he joined us on the ride into the city. The 3 of us went to a hostel and then headed for the ferry. JohnO had the idea to go for a hike on Rangitoto Island. We hopped on the 9:15 ferry and headed over. Rangitoto was created by a volcano so it's made out of volcanic rock. The view from the top of the volcano was breath taking and we could see 360 degrees around it. Sara said, "I think this is seriously the most beautiful place that I have ever seen." We spent all day hiking up, around, and down the volcano. We were pooped after the flight and the amazing day of hiking. We headed to our hostel for a needed rest. We woke up the next day and decided to head north. We wanted to meet up with a lady I was in contact with who used to work at Isabella Friedman, Linda. We began the day looking for buses up there and by 2pm we bought a car! We found an ad, made the call, and then bought the car. It's a cute little old Mazda. Driving on the other side of the road has been interesting. Sara and I call out big or small turn just so we don't end up on the wrong side. We headed north and made a stop in Whangarei to hike by a water fall. The falls was amazing and not even the best part. The backdrop was full of flowers and butterflies. We stayed the night at a camp sight that's in a town that claims to have the longest foot bridge in the southern hemisphere. I forgot to mention that being in the southern hemisphere, it's summer! It's very hot and the sun burns easily. Sara didn't believe it and is now paying the price. On Thursday we headed to Paihia and Waitangi. There was a festival there. February 6th is Waitangi Day. It's like July 4th in the US. Waitangi Day is when New Zealand became a country. The Europeans and the Maori signed a treaty in 1840. We heard major political leaders in New Zealand speak, watched traditional warrior chants, and saw the Maori row their war canoes. We heard a great reggae band 1814. Friday brought us to Linda's house for Shabbat.

There's sooo much more I want to write about but the library that I'm in is about to close. I can't wait to share all the details and feelings. I'm already overwhelmed by the amazingness of the trip.

Farewell for now...