My route to Wellington lead me through Los Angeles with a possibly tortuous 11 hour layover. My good friend gwoo was kind enough to rescue me from the purgatory that is the airport departures lounge, I would have been thankful for a decent lunch (any day that omits an airport Chili’s is a good day) but he had grander plans in mind. Lunch on Venice beach, watching the world walk, skate and cycle by. Following lunch we sailed up the coast, I’ve enjoyed boating before, and I’ve always enjoyed walking through nature. Leaning on the mast, looking out onto the ocean with only the sound of the water rushing by was glorious. I hadn't been feeling particularly stressed as of late or anything, we just had a great release at work, but the release of just standing there on the boat was awe inspiring. Just sailing around we saw the seals on the green bouy, and some dolphins just playing around. It was a great few hours, the physical work of raising the sails, tacking, etc. just added to the experience. 
Sails suitably stowed we headed back to venice beach to catch the sunset at the skate park. The feeling of community at the park was great: people skating, people taking pictures, lots of people just watching. There was a real sense of community that I hadn't perhaps expected. Skating has never really been my thing, but the park seemed fantastic, and a fantastic idea. There was a possibly deliberate lack of lights there, so there's a natural curfew for the park. An interesting idea.
Finally, after yet another arduous flight, at roughly 13 hours I think my longest ever, I made it to New Zealand. Luckily I managed to sleep a bit on the plane so I was only slightly delirious when I cleared Biosecurity. One last flight from Auckland to New Zealand, and another entertaining Air New Zealand security video (the videos are funny, better than Westjet's improvised comedy I think). At long last, I've made it to my hotel, and a fantastic view. I've only been here a few hours, but I'm really starting to like this city. It feels like a real city, but it's small at the same time. Cuba street is fantastic, lots of interesting stores. The street is busy and vibrant without being crowded (though the weather isn't great) a stark contrast from popular streets in New York or Montreal. I like it here, and I can't wait for Webstock.
