Dan's Global Superfriends
OK, little note: Hilary Duff sucks. Her video is on NZ MTV equivalent and it sucks. Also she has totally become a mini-Kylie Monogue ripoff, only not as hot.
Now what you were wating for: My list of Global Superfriends!!!!
How do you qualify to be a global superfriend? Well, you simply need to meet me in more than one continent! There are some people I have seen in more than two continents! (They are the lucky ones). Here is the current list. If I have forgotten someone please let me know!!
| Superfriend | Continents |
| Parents | 4 |
| Alan K. | 3 |
| Colleen | 3 |
| Cordelia | 3 |
| Gerry | 3 |
| Samidha | 3 |
| Sid | 3 |
| Alan R. | 2 |
| Aurora | 2 |
| B. Bea | 2 |
| Bernice | 2 |
| Blarke | 2 |
| Clay | 2 |
| Colin | 2 |
| David W. | 2 |
| Ella | 2 |
| Jack | 2 |
| Kellie | 2 |
| Kenny | 2 |
| Limmy | 2 |
| Lisa | 2 |
| McWilliam | 2 |
| Melissa | 2 |
| Pierre | 2 |
| Robin | 2 |
| Tony | 2 |
| Tyler | 2 |
| Wendy | 2 |
Auckland: Journal Entry
This is a new experiment for me. I'm going to actually write down the journal entry that I made today in my little Moleskin notebook. If you don't own a moleskin, I highly suggest you buy one. Its the perfect travel accessory...compact, durable, has a pocket, bookmark and strap. I prefer the grid paper version, but you can get blank ones too.New BeginningsIts windy. Its 10:00am in Auckland, at the peak of Mount Victoria in the little suburb of Davenport, which feels like an island even if it isn't. Auckland always reminds me of Seattle, although I imagine that it may actually be larger. Something about the skyline (both have giant tall needles, although so does Toronto and its nothing like Seattle!) or the climate, or the water, or the cafes and coffee shops. I have been awake for 5 hours already since touching down at the airport on this, my first day of travel as part of my "big trip". Perhaps new beginnings is an exaggeration, as this trip is the culmination of two years of planning, distraction, work stress, and finally relief. So yes, a new beginning but also an old story, and despite the fresh sence of starting anew I find myself struggling with the same of conflicts in my life. Let me remind you (myself) briefly as this may save time late:
Dan's Personal ConflictsSettle Down vs. Live Free
Make Money vs. Have Free Time
Live Near Family vs. Exotic Locations
Budget vs. Extravagance
Independence vs. Beneficial Entanglement
So now you're all caught up. I will also remind you that at all times my fundamental conflict is and has always been the search for someplace I can consider "home", whatever that means. Perhaps after hitting a dozen countries this year and movin to Chicago I an start to figure that out.
Oh, and my "new moleskin resolution" is to write more stuff that is blogworthy. Perhaps I should post this entry itself?
Iguacu
No, not the waterfalls in South America, the restaurant in trendy upscale Parnell, one of the snotty parts of Auckland. Snotty is relativem, as the restaurants that would normally in NYC mock someone dressed as I am (faded grey cargos, black giodano t-shirt and slightly dirty Mossimo via Target sweater/jumper thing) are warm and hospitable. I forgot just how bad a thick kiwi accent can be to understand, and how the headline prices in this town are tough to digest. True, its US$0.70 to the NZ$, but even so I'm used to travel in dirt-cheap Argentina where my food costs are basically negligible. Hopefully Bali will be easier to swallow. Iguacu was an easy lunch choice: i have been here before, back in 2002 after my backpacking escapades with Colleen. After a week of low-budget living I needed to splurge and experience "pacific rim" dining in this classy establishment and fell in love. Fortunately similar cuisine exists in the U.S. in cities like Seattle (Dahlia Lounge....mmmmmmm....). I'm disappointed that John Dory isn't on the menu as its my favorite fish and popular here in NZ. However, I'm intrigued by the venison in a tamarind/lemon grass sauce. Yes, I'm a whore for tamarind sauces, including that addictive indian red sauce that makes samosas taste that much more AWESOME (its thats possible! Yes, I'm a whore for samosas too). Also need I remind you of the duck breast in tamarind sauce at VONG?
Also like many a NZ restaurant the wine list is extensive and heavily local. Unlike in the U.S., I am actually congratulated for choosing a glass of cabernet rose (in NYC I would be mocked for selecting any rose!). Its yummy and dry, and since its summer here, rose is definitely in order.
I'm experiencing a sense of nostalgia. Despite the four years that have passed, New Zealand's vastly improved economy, and my rise and subsequent fall from opulence, Auckland seems pretty much the same, although 50% more expensive! (Curse you weak US$!!!) At times like this I'm glad the Chinese government keeps its unofficial US$ peg and my Chinese purchasing power remains intact!!
