The weather here is pretty similar to home, it’s very changeable and while the weather was good yesterday the rain was never far away and today it showed its ugly head. We didn’t mind too much though as we were leaving Pahia today with a 4 hour bus journey back South to Auckland. We hung around the town in the morning, did a bit of interneting, devoured our now customary ice-cream cone a day no matter what the weather and ate lunch. The rain didn’t stop all day. We gathered our bags, put on our macs in the sacks and loaded onto the bus. During our travels we have noticed the excellent public transport (particularly buses) in other parts of the world. In South America the long haul bus journeys were very comfortable (more comfortable than a plane), smooth and efficient and decent food provided. While here in New Zealand the ticketing system is excellent, bus drivers friendly and helpful, each driver gives a little commentary and guides passengers through the journey ensuring everyone enjoys the journey, catches their stop while being informed of any sights or points of interest along the way.
We were booked into a different hostel in Auckland this time, more central and bigger. We arrived at hostel round 8.30pm so we settled into our rooms and went to leaba.
That morning we had arranged another meeting with Mike's fellow freestylers, David and Graeson (the number 1 freestyler in New Zealand). They were taking us to an event organised by FIFA to raise awareness of the U-17 Womens World Cup which is being hosted by Auckland in the coming weeks. There was a 2-on-2 soccer tournament which unfortunately we missed the entry deadline for. A freestyle tournament was also held with NZ$250 prize for the winner. Mike entered and made it to a 3 way play off with David & Graeson, however the result was inevitable and Graeson came away with the cash. The things Graeson can do with a ball is amazing, he specialises in sit down ball skills and he is awesome at them. He not only has the skills but he puts on a show for the crowd aswell.
That evening we headed out with the aim of having a few drinks and experiencing Auckland nightlife. We met up with Graeson again as he wanted to bring Mike busking with him, Graeson busks every Saturday night in Auckland city. We met an Irishman from Wexford in a sports bar who is actually living in Auckland, he wanted a game of gaelic football with us in the morning….must have been the drink talking. However our plans for the night were turned upside down as we didn’t envisage such difficulty finding somewhere to show the Man United game. This time difference thing really takes a bit of getting used especially when you consider that the game was the midday kick off on Saturday at home while we were searching for it at 12pm Saturday night. After much pub searching we concurred that be best if Mike and Conor would go busking with Graeson while Gary and I went back to hostel to try get the game on the net. Much to our despair, we watched United draw with Everton on the internet.
Stay in school,
Tom
We were booked into a different hostel in Auckland this time, more central and bigger. We arrived at hostel round 8.30pm so we settled into our rooms and went to leaba.
That morning we had arranged another meeting with Mike's fellow freestylers, David and Graeson (the number 1 freestyler in New Zealand). They were taking us to an event organised by FIFA to raise awareness of the U-17 Womens World Cup which is being hosted by Auckland in the coming weeks. There was a 2-on-2 soccer tournament which unfortunately we missed the entry deadline for. A freestyle tournament was also held with NZ$250 prize for the winner. Mike entered and made it to a 3 way play off with David & Graeson, however the result was inevitable and Graeson came away with the cash. The things Graeson can do with a ball is amazing, he specialises in sit down ball skills and he is awesome at them. He not only has the skills but he puts on a show for the crowd aswell.
That evening we headed out with the aim of having a few drinks and experiencing Auckland nightlife. We met up with Graeson again as he wanted to bring Mike busking with him, Graeson busks every Saturday night in Auckland city. We met an Irishman from Wexford in a sports bar who is actually living in Auckland, he wanted a game of gaelic football with us in the morning….must have been the drink talking. However our plans for the night were turned upside down as we didn’t envisage such difficulty finding somewhere to show the Man United game. This time difference thing really takes a bit of getting used especially when you consider that the game was the midday kick off on Saturday at home while we were searching for it at 12pm Saturday night. After much pub searching we concurred that be best if Mike and Conor would go busking with Graeson while Gary and I went back to hostel to try get the game on the net. Much to our despair, we watched United draw with Everton on the internet.
Stay in school,
Tom
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