We made it!!

Auckland skyline from Mt. Eden at dawn

Well we're finally here in New Zealand if you can believe it.  Only 16 hours ahead of all of you in Ohio.  It was a horribly long flight but the time passes a little more easily when you can watch as many episodes of 30 Rock, Modern Family, and The Office as you want.  We are staying in a nice little hostel just outside of Auckland in Mt. Eden Village called Pentlands.  It feels very much like a seaside town - all the houses in the area are beautiful Victorian style homes with tons of lush plants and flowers.  Steve said it reminded him of Oakland, CA a bit.  Our hostel is very clean and quiet and everyone is really nice.  The guy that works the reception desk is named Vinnie and he is incredibly accommodating and sweet.  Everyone we have come across so far is super friendly - every person you pass on the street smiles and says hello.

It's going on 7pm now and we're trying to stay awake a few more hours before bed so we can get up early and start car-shopping!!!  There is a Backpackers Car Market in downtown Auckland and they help you with insurance and offer mechanical checks and all that jazz.  There are a lot of notices in the local grocery store and in our hostel for cars as well but we're going to try our luck on the lower end of the market.

Cheers!