First week

(Nu skriver jag pa engelska for de tar saaa mycket smidigare, dumma tangentbord).

We are alive and doing well, only a week ago since we left Amsterdam but oh my it feels like a month ago. I am writing this from a crappy-ass wifi so will try to keep it short (not really my thang though).

The flights here went perfectly fine, we did not crash and that is all I ask for. Flights were on time and even our checked-in baggage went through. First thing we did when we arrived late evening in Auckland was to upgrade from a 6 dorm to a private room, so damn worth it. No jetlag whatsoever!

Auckland is a nice city, but in the end it's just like any city. And I am for now pretty fed up with bigger cities. On Tuesday we grabbed our campervan and chose a campingspot only like 400 kilometers north, in Bay of Islands. Little rough start, our damn campervan ran a bit late because they needed to fix things on it so around 14.00 we went off and we had to be there at 20.00 before it closed. First thing we did was to get lost in Auckland, but thanks to Google Maps (God’s gift to earth) we arrived like half an hour before the gates closed. But oh my was it worth it. So far the prettiest place we have seen on the North Island, who needs Matamata when you can find the real Hobbition there!

OK this is getting boring I am so bad to write short texts. I will just sum things up like this instead:

•  Our campervan is FANTASTIC, we love it. So cosy, little broken in my body everytime I wake up but otherwise great.
•  We spent 2 nights in Bay of Island (already miss it), then 1 night in Coromandel Forest (jesus in the middle of the jungle with 20189389 insects, we are such rookies)
•  We then fled from the jungle and visited Matamata were they shot the Shire (Lord of the rings, jej). Did not visit the actual shooting spot though, not worth it really)
• Now we are in Rotorua. Google it, pretty cool. We have wifi and a swimming pool here (plus a hot spring) but best of all SHOWERS and drinkable water. We will enjoy this luxury until Sunday, then we will go south and live very simple again.
• Supereasy to meet people. I don’t really have to worry about losing my Dutch, the Dutchies are taking over the planet.
•  Best with travelling: the contrast of life. You have no idea how the next day may look like.

-          

Here comes some pictures (please note we are not professional photographers and reality is so much more prettier).

Oh and best part, I have driven the car! In New Zealand, on left side, and I did not crash it so far wiihu.

Waiting 11 hours in Taipei airport. Apperently it was the Chinese New Years week, happy new year!

Shared a meal with some girls in Auckland

Planning our campingtrip last day in Auckland. Miiight had my first small nervous breakdown, but hey so far the only one! ;)

 Sushi! 

Waiting forever for our car. Some very deep, intellectual quotes written on it

The tourist agency in Matamata, best looking tourist agency in the world if you ask me

Our present camping spot and the beloved, and the bit gross, swimmingpool!