I got a shuttle from the airport that dropped me right in front of the backpackers lodge. I climbed into bed almost immediately and slept easily for about 16 hours. This morning I woke up worrying if I'd made the right decision coming here. I'm missing home and all the people there. But here I am, so I must go about getting things done. So since the buses are on strike right now, I walked to the grocery store which is north on Ponsonby rd and east down College Hill. It was a long walk and I hadn't eaten in really more than 24 hours since breakfast on the airplane yesterday. So I stopped at ThirtyNine Cafe on the way. Had two double espressos and a huge sandwich which was a BLT with honey pesto and avocados on it. Very nearly heaven. With renewed vigor I walked on, listening to my ipod on the way. I couldn't help but grin most of the way. Doubt about my choices disappearing with every step. I can't explain how much at home I feel here already. Friendly faces passing me on the street and big lovely trees lining the streets. The city, so far, reminds me a lot of Seattle not only from the skyline
but also from the style of shops and restaurants and cafes here. Not to mention the hills and greenery around. I'm at Verandahs backpackers lodge on Hopetourn Rd, just arounnd the corner from Ponsonby Rd. The backside of the hostel overlooks Western Park here.
