Today was a beautiful day. We started out by driving across the Harbor Bridge and into the North Shore area. We drove up Mount Victoria to see some spectacular views of downtown Auckland and the surrounding suburbs. It was a little chilly on the top of the mountain but it was well worth it. We then drove back across the bridge and into downtown Auckland, stopping at a local café called Portside for a coffee (or in my case, a hot chocolate).
After our drink we began to walk around downtown Auckland. We got to see the harbor, lots of boats, buildings and such. We then walked over to the Sky Tower.
We went up to the 50th floor at first and then continued up to the 60th floor. It was the most wonderful thing to see all of Auckland on a crystal clear day. You could see so far in the distance that it looked like you see forever. While up in the sky tower we also enjoyed watching some people jump off of the building. Although I have sky dived I did not have any desire to jump off of the side of the building.
Here are Janeen and Ray at the Sky Tower:
We continued on toward Mission Bay where we had lunch. We ate at a Belgian place called De Fontaine. The portions were enormous and we could not finish our food. After lunch we drove over to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and looked at all of the fish. They had a snowcat that you actually got to ride through the penguin exhibit in. You were so close, and they were so cute.
They have crayfish here that are so much larger than our lobsters. I can't even imagine how much one of those would cost for dinner. One crayfish could feed a family of four and they would still have leftovers.
After the aquarium we picked up the car rental. Ray said Greg did an excellent job driving on the left side of the road, but I haven't ridden with him yet so I'm not sure. We came back to Janeen and Ray's house for a few minutes and then we were off again. We met Stewart, Joyce, Karen, Michael, and Jack for dinner at the Buckland Beach Yacht Club for dinner. Lots of food and good company, it was a wonderful end to our day in Auckland.
Here is a picture of us with Stewart and Joyce:
Oh, after dinner we did ride around to a couple of places to look at tacky Christmas lights. Yes, they do have them here as well.
We are now ready to begin our journey on down the road but first we want to say thank you so much to Janeen and Ray for their hospitality. It has been the most wonderful experience staying here with them and getting to know them. We also want to thank Stewart and Joyce for taking us out on the boat along with sharing all of their memories of Granny and the family.
Tami
4 comments:
Hi - So glad to hear about your beautiful day in Auckland. I had been logging on every few minutes all day long - not so much a sacrifice because I was typing all day today. Hearing of your adventures has almost been as good as being there with you and Mama's family. I know you will enjoy the rest of your trip also. Take care and know that we love you.
Mom & Dad
Hi. Glad you are having fun. We miss you tons and can't wait to see you again. Have a great time!
Love you,
Brian and Jenny
Since Greg is used to driving in Atlanta, driving on the wrong side of the road should not be a problem. Glad that you have this opportunity to not only see another part of our world, but to meet your family. Can't wait to see you guys in a few weeks.
M.
Hi, Tami and Greg.
I am enjoying reading about your trip each day. I look so forward to your next day. I feel your enjoyment that you are having. 'Granny would be very proud of you both. Take care. We love you, Uncle David and Aunt Mary Ann
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