So much has happened in the past few days.  I will have to take more time to compose a post later this evening. 

I am now the proud ownder of a white 1994 Mitsubishi Magna Sedan.  Manual! The engine purrs, almost no rust.  Good tires.  All for $1600 NSD (which translates to roughly $900 USD).  I talked him down from $1650. hahahahaha.  But I think it was a good deal.  So far, at least.  I will let you know if adventurous mishaps begin

Saturday, I bought the car and got the hell out of Auckland as fast as I could.  I had spent the night before in a ten person hostel dorm, sleeping almost not at all.  It was basically awful.  I couldn’t stand the thought of another night in one of those disco and hip-hop blaring dens of constant activity.  And I got exactly what I wanted the next night, camping in a field of sheep. 

The place I am staying now is beautiful and idyllic.  A little campervan parked in the driveway of Black Sands Lodge.  Which is basically the home of a lovely middle-aged couple (I believe) named Bobbie and Julia.  Very nice ladies.  I am staying for free in the campervan in exchange for three hours work a day in the garden.  An awesome deal.  And they have an 8′ surfboard to rent for $20NSD for three hours.  Not bad not bad.  My board is 9′, so there might be a little learning curve with this one.  But I think I am ready to tackle a slightly shorter board.  If not, I will find out soon enough.

More later about the action packed past few days….