Fredericton - Presquisle - Boston - Newark - LA - Sydney - Auckland. 

45 hours after leaving Henry St. I made it to Auckland.  It was a milk run of epic proportions.  I don't expect any sympathy whatsoever of course and the payoff has been worth it thus far.  We were met at the airport by Jamie Hare who took us to the nearest bar to determine the all important question of whether or not beer tastes as good down here - it does!   We have spent the last 48 hours in Auckland getting a feel for the vibe, watching as much rugby as possible, and confirming the question above. 

The level to which rugby is embedded in the national consciousness here is hard to fathom. Every where you go rugby is featured prominently.  We learned that before even taking off in Sydney - the in-flight safety videos feature All Blacks delivering the messages.  I've never seen a more captivated safety video audience. 

We leave Auckland this morning to head to Napier and to meet up with the rest of the Canadian contigent.  I've got a special delivery of chew for Jebb proving that while you can take the boy out of Charters, you can't take Charters out of the boy.  Looking forward to getting there but looking even more forward to seeing this beautiful country on the drive there.

As always, stay classy.

Si