Contrary to popular fear, I have not been swept away in the Tasman

I've been fuffing about for the last five days, reconnecting with friends and the city of Auckland. It's been a joyous homecoming overall. I reclaimed my three bags from storage and started sorting through the junk that I'd deemed necessary to keep. It seemed so excessive after my tiny pack for four months in Asia, but I have embraced the lifestyle of clothing choices again and even got myself a new pair of pants to add to my pack. I've decided that I don't have to look like a dirty backpacker for this leg of the journey. Rather, I think I'll go for the alternative fashionista. I may even haul along a hair-straightener. Watch out world.