Life at the Institute.

Gidday all.
Went for a walk downtown and found the library where I finally came across some free internet.  The institute is a wonderful place to stay.  I have my own room, and there is a communal kitchen and bathroom which is shared by 9 other resident and monks.  The residents are everyday kiwis who rent the space to live, some have been there for 3-5 years.  They are very kind and have been helpful with some local advice.  My chores mainly consist of gardening and helping out around the communal areas.  Another nice thing about wwoofing here is that I get to attend all of the classes for free.  Classes include Buddhist services and meditation practice.  Tonight there is a group prayer session for those suffering in Christchurch.

  At the end of the weekend I plan on heading south to the Hawkes Bay/Napier Area.  There seems to be some nice farm and orchard work available.
love,
Nate

Waiheke island

KIA Ora, as they say..

Still in auckland. Booked another night due to a slight hangover.  Still looking for the farm but enjoying,myself in the mean time. Took a ferry from the downtown port to waiheke island.. a bit touristy but a paradise nonetheless filled with several white sand beaches and known for it's wineries.  But I found a brewery (wild on waiheke) which made me happy, enjoying local libations : pale, dark, malt, and a wheat beer.. even a refreshing ginger beer. 

Auckland is nice but I am itching to hit the countryside. I will call several wwoof hosts today, if that fails I found a Buddhist seminary that takes wwoofers. 

-n

Arrive.

Just a quick note,

I have arrived safely in auckland. I am relaxing in a local cafe with a cup of tea. I first heard about the earthquake in christchurch an about an hour after leaving the airport. The new Zealand herald's front page reads" our darkest day".  Blessed to be safe in the north island. 

On a lighter note there was a funny looking man snoring very oddly in my hostel 4 bed room.

Patiently waiting..

..to carry me across the world.  Feeling a bit anxious to fly @ san fran international.

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