So it's our last proper day in Auckland before we make a move and really start exploring and although Auckland is a really fun city it will be nice to actually see the country properly- if all goes according to the present plan (which changes everytime we see another advert for some excursion or other) we should be heading for Coromandel peninsular tomorrow, how, we just don't know yet (although I think it's looking like the ferry will be easiest)
Our time in Auckland has been ridiculously chilled and lazy, I blame the weather which has been so warm and sunny that you don't feel like doing anything super active. Yesterday,for example we decided to avoid midday sun and explore the air-conditioned art galleries, as usual we had our now obligatory daily coffee and cake stop followed by a sit in one of the beautiful parks. In the evening we headed up the sky tower, the tallest building in southern hemisphere, and watched sun go down which was stunning. Clare and I also had our first glass (or two) of New Zealand savvy (sauvignon blanc) as they call it here, in the bar. Felt a bit weird as I looked out in direction of London as it seemed that you could almost see it just over horizon... Then had much fun standing on the glass floors and looking down 328m to streets below although the glass floored lift did make me feel a touch on the queasy side!
Auckland museum also good day out- amazing maouri canoes and totem pole things, although too much to see in one day really especially when the cafe was calling... again coffee and cake formed a central part of the day! However, this is apparently what Aucklanders spend much of their time doing this too so I feel almost like a native! The museum is in 'the Domain' acres of park land and botanical gardens which not only looked beautiful but smelt equally good- lots of sweet peas and more huge tropical looking flowers are out here at the moment.
Clare and I have also done a bit of shopping, just to reassure ourselves that we can by the essentials such as toothpaste and clothes here! Pip and Tom usually escape such excursions with a pint or 1/2 litre on the harbour front- so it works out pretty well and we haven't annoyed each other yet!
Anyway, looking forward to moving on as Auckland very cosmopolitan and feels more Asian in places than kiwi- finding a non- asian supermarket for example was a bit exhausting! Still, we must stand out like a sore thumb as pretty much every conversation I've had with somebody local has started off 'so what part of England are you from?'- as promisedpeople here very frienly and chatty- although those in hostel tend to keep themselves to themselves.
Next time I hope to be writing from somewhere on the Cromandel peninsular,
love to everyone and thanks for messages!
p.s. my n.z telephone no. is 64210580314- will still be expensive for you to text me but we can now contact each other and texting home almost as cheap as texting here.
