Lost!!!

The water front where I ended up first. The 3 white buildings on the right hand side, just before the water is the Auckland Hilton. Its shaped as a boat and very nice inside.
see all photos »

Ok so I learned today that I can't read a map to save my life.  I was looking for sky tower and ended up at the water front.  I mean really how hard is it to find the highest building in the southern hemisphere.  Apparently very.  I was looking for a park and ended up at a cricket field (though it said that it was a park too...it lied).  But at the cricket field I could see Sky tower so I headed in that direction figuring that if I got to the top, I could find my way.

The green square is the cricket field (or what they call a park) that I ended up at
see all photos »

I finally made it to sky tower after walking around for what seemed like ages and paid $25 bucks to go up and look at the view.  Once I was up there it dawned on me that I paid this money when it wasn't even worth it.  Yes the view was fantastic as you'll see in the pictures, but there was nothing to do up there.  So I sat on the bench looking at the map trying to figure out how to get to this park and One tree hill (which is now No tree hill as some activists cut it down...long story).  You would not believe how many people came up to me and asked if I was lost.  I guess that's what happens when you have a book of New Zealand in your hands and a weird look on your face.  They were very helpful though.

Did I panic?

Long way down. Not too appealing when you're about to jump off.
see all photos »

Before I left I went and had what had to be the strongest cup of coffee in the history of the world.  I must have put about 8 sugar packets in and it still tasted awful.  But the view made it worth it.  I took a picture of the view while I was drinking my coffee.  You can see the sugar packets (or whats left of them) in the foreground.  I then made my way downstairs to the base jump.  I was seriously contemplating on jumping off the sky tower instead of taking the elevator back down.  They tied me up and everything.  But when I got to the edge and looked down...there was no way I could do this.  I wanted down.  But these adventure type people are very very pushy.  To the point that they put their hand on your back and push you forward everytime you step back.  I finally whipped around grabbed his arm and said in a loud strong voice "NO!".  He finally let me down.  There was something about cement being your landing point instead of water which you would find in a normal bungy, that made me think twice.  I took a picture looking down so you can see what I mean.

The view while drinking my coffee
see all photos »

I've had enough of sky tower and made my way back to what I thought was the hostel.  Instead I got completely turned around and ended up in some suburb way out in left field.  I've never done so much walking in my life, not to mention that I will never ever again complain about the hills in Prince Rupert.  The hills here go straight up and man what a work out.

So I left the hostel at 10 and got back about 6.  Talk about a little adventure.  But did I panic?  No not once.  Its all part of the adventure.

Till next time,

Roseanna