Immigration at Auckland International Airport was pretty intimidating. You go through immigration first, hand over your arrival card (customs declarations), then have your passport stamped. Afterwards, you can already collect your bags, then head to security check where your customs card is reviewed again prior to entering the bag security section where all items even my soap was scrutinized! Maybe it's because it's papaya soap? Afterwards, I hauled my bags through the exit where the pre-arranged Super Shuttle is waiting. Finding the house was easy as soon as we arrived on View Road.
I arrived past 10am at the house where i'll be renting a room. I think for NZD130 a week, including food is a good bargain.
Room is decent with a closet and just a step away from the common toilet. The common bathroom is just next door. Hence, no problem with those late night emergencies. I unpacked a few of my things. Called home, then NZIHS, and finally, Auckland Chamber of Commerce so I was able to secure a seat in the Kiwi Career Success seminar scheduled on the last week of August. I've also contacted Krislen via text and I'm to meet her this Friday.
My host cooked brunch for me. Nothing fancy, just fried pork chop and some rice. The Q&A was continuous since I arrived as I had to get all the info that I can from him. I was also keeping myself busy with the sorting of my luggage, bathroom breaks so I can keep myself awake but come 3pm, I really had to take a nap. By the time I woke up, Arnie was already home and dinner was ready. Shane left soonafter and his wife, Arnie gave me some good tips on job hunting for my field.
It's been overwhelming for a first day. I come up to Arnie whenever I had a question in mind. We did cover shipping, banking, driving, making calls, how to work on the washing machine, what and how much a take away usually cost, what she usually get in their pantry, how to deal with the cold, and job hunting. The coat that she offered was perfect for job hunting since what I brought with me was too casual. She also said that it's coldest at the beginning of winter, and right now, which is the tail end of winter when everything begins to melt for spring. I'm glad i have all those sweaters and socks with me.
I put a status message in FB hoping to tap my friends here and true enough, Gena and Kara messaged me right away though both are in Wellington.
Tomorrow I need to get myself a prepaid sim card, and a phone just in case the phone doesn't work, get my money and put it in the bank, get a FPOS card (like a debit card), find my way home, update my resume and then send out some applications.
Lots of things to learn. Need to maximize my time.
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