New Zealand - Day of Firsts

13 January, 2009

We picked up the Spaceship on this day. What is the Spaceship you ask? Why, it's only our home for the next 5 weeks. It is the campervan of all campervans: bright orange, fully visible from any point in New Zealand, fully decked with a mini fridge that freezes your produce and a gas stove that dangerously swings out from the back of the passenger seat while preventing the passenger from comfortably leaning back on long rides (due to the large gas tank tucked behind the seat), and and and, a full mattress bed in the back where you can stretch out your legs (but don't sit up!) and watch a DVD at your leisure. We were blessed with the Eclipse on our first leg (one week in North Island).

The Eclipse (Yes, it's missing a hubcap.)

So this day was the day of many firsts for me. It was the first day I had ever driven on the left side of the road! Actually, back up. This day was the first day I've ever driven a van so old and yet so brightly painted. For your edification, the van's other awesome features include a moon roof and a sun roof for the illusion of added space, full sets of cutlery and cookware for two, as well as a little pantry for your food, a solar shower, and awnings for the side and the back. Anyone jealous yet? But the best feature has to be, and still is, its ability to attract the attention of other Spaceships on the road (thanks to its blindingly orange hue) so you can wave and smile in secret society solidarity that only truckers and bus drivers have had the privilege to do. Awesome.

More to come on my day of firsts, and please stay tuned for future entries such as "3 Day, 2 Night Kayak Trip in Abel Tasman National Park", "New Zealand Phrases for $400, Alex", "4 Day, 3 Night Great Walk on Milford Track", "Holy Crap Strap", and "Character Sketch - Lake Matheson"!

Pooped. Going to bed. Shong out.