5pm and much happier now. I easily found the 'Alpha Angle' shopping centre across the main road that I'd located on the internet, and the optician there. I am now the proud owner of a new pair of glasses - in one hour - but the miracle is the total bill is only NZ$107! - eye test, frame, lenses. He confirmed my usual glasses are still 100% fine for computer etc, so these are longer distance and what a difference already.
While waiting I left the cool environs of the mall and bestrode the side streets, not welcomed but tolerated I thought. In dingy repair, rubbish strewn, much like the Philippines and the back streets of Bangkok. Haven't seen another white person the whole afternoon. The children take a peek at me but don't engage, apart from a 3-4yo who delighted to show me he could blow bubbles.
Have been drinking all afternoon and kept it all.
Bed time calls. xxM
