Day 2

Well, the lack of introspection ended shortly after I wrote that last draft. Rather, maybe it wasn't introspection I was wondering about, but emotion. I turned on the map and there was New Zealand just showing up on the horizon. Seeing it was the [reality] switch I needed to make me reflect on just why I was here doing what I'm doing. From that point on I felt more centered. And then came excitement.

The arrival into Auckland is beautiful. Islands, rolling hills, sails broad meadows or pastures, large expanses of woods...and then the city etched against the background. Much prettier from there than on the ground, but that's a fact for most cities anywhere on the planet.

Short lesson here: Business Class works. I didn't sleep a lot, but was certainly relaxed for the 12 hour flight. Leaving the airplane I was the second passenger off, my bag was about the third bag to come out, Customs and Immigration were a snap and before I knew it I was on the sidewalk looking for a ride.

I'm sitting in a coffee shop on the waterfront having a cappuccino and killing time before I can check in (3pm). The city itself isn't very pretty, but the waterfront is vibrant and picturesque. There are two cruise ships in. Monsters of the sea. Don't know where all the people are, but I see hundreds of graying citizens of the world. Somehow I think they're from the cruises.

So the trip has started perfectly. After the travel day yesterday of about 21 hours, now it's time to start exploring. Tomorrow it's off to Wellington and a drive to Martinborough.