The bright lights, the smell of a new city, and a fresh start. By day downtown is the heart of this booming city. Cups of coffee, greeting friends with a smile, and a biscuit in one hand. Crumbs fall on my lap as I watch the people go by in the street. A lady asks for peoples signatures to support a protest. People sit on corners of the street with their eyes closed as they play their instruments. The melody echoes down the road right into my ears and it’s a lovely sound. I give some coins to the man who is content with just himself and his music. Pop up stalls and passionate people with a cause often linger around. One group tells a crowd about the ice melting in Antarctica. I am approached and given some sort of new 3D gadget, where you watch the documentary in virtual reality. Things jump up on the screen and a polar bear is just a few meters away from my vision. I take the device off and squint at the sky. Then I am back to reality and hike up Queen Street here is a tip; do not wear heels up that steep hill.
At night time Auckland is full of decorations where the trees are covered in lantern lights and drops of light sprinkle the streets. The Sky Tower stands proudly in the center of the city. I remember having dinner in the Orbit restaurant where the place rotated once every hour. It was a wonderful view alongside a good steak, but I did get distracted by the spinning it was very amusing. In town an ice rink sees a crowd of people fumbling around trying to ice skate, but they have a fun time anyway. I glance at all the shops as I wander by. Quirky coffee shops are hidden on each corner, food and more food is everywhere. There is so much to choose from how can I not feel greedy with all the options? Finding my local place to go is a must; a pub, or hang out spot. It is something special to have a little getaway.
Straight Outta University
Some people travel and others get the chance to do what they enjoy. Others may relax or work for awhile to reach their goals. There are many times when I have gotten the common question after studying:
What are you going to do now?
Well I can tell you what happened it occurred in a bit of a blur. I packed my suitcase and was off. My lovely regular customers were shocked to hear I was leaving. The ones who come in at the exact same time every morning with the usual set of groceries. I was wished good luck by family and friends. I heaved my suitcase that weighed a couple of rock, and landed in Auckland. I’m happy to have joined the team at Prominence as a Content Writer. You can even view my little welcome blog here. I’ve learnt the team are a cool bunch of people to work with and a cute office dog often visits. I think my fascination with Star Trek, Star Wars, and cups of tea has helped me fit in a bit.
When it comes down to it, I have do that whole “grown up” thing of making wise choice and standing on my own two feet. I did get a bit lost on my first day and was feeling a bit mortified but I am getting better. Embarrassment is all a part of it right? In saying that I did just drop some food on myself while writing this. So if you are eating and typing do it with caution. Anyway, I think I’ve done a good job of surviving when I was a student. What do I refer to myself as now? A graduate? Still figuring out bus routes? No longer can I purchase a student movie ticket which means I am on the path to officially being a young adult. I have being equipped with knowledge from those who have it. The adult world is a step up but not all so different. It still includes multi-tasking, coffee, and grades on performance.
New Dot On the Map
I have lived in many places including England, New Plymouth, and Wellington. It is Auckland’s turn this time. I have visited this city yet never pictured myself living here. Now I am another one to add to the population of one `million and it continues to grow. By 2020 the population is estimated to reach at least four million. We will all have to squeeze into this city where everything is at a persons fingertips. I still feel like I’m on holiday and will be leaving soon it’s a strange thing. The best part is the chance to explore and wander as far as I want to. I’m still doing some sightseeing and finding quirky things in the area.I am off and out into the real world where people can be harsh, but really they are just being honest.
I bumped into a friend today out of all the places it was a sense of something familiar. Although I rushed to a new town I am having a good time so far. It can be overwhelming sometimes, but it is comforting to know home is never to far away.
