Do you like my new travelling companion? He's promised to protect me against all evils - especially England rugby players... (shame).
Culture shock has been lessened by the fact that Auckland is a very multi-cultural society, and there are Thai restaurants everywhere! (And Chinese and Indian). So I can indulge in some sentimental eating if I wish. But actually, on my first night here I'm ashamed to admit I allowed myself to be tempted by fish and chips in the London Pub. Shocking. But delicious - the fish was out of this world. Auckland is all about water - called 'City of Sails'. In my ignorance I hadn't realised that you are never further than 20 mins from the shore. What a fabulous city for one who loves the sea! The terrain is very strange - bumps on the landscape like molehills with upside-down conical holes in the centre, formed by volcanoes. I've been busy since I arrived 3 days ago - went to the top of the Sky Tower (I didn't do the 'Sky Jump' from the top - it was very pricey. That's my excuse...); had a boat trip across the bay to Devenport and walked up the volcanic hills there. Walked along the shore - good paddling, loads of interesting shells, people surfing with kites. I've found the local naval base (had to be done!). I've celebrated Christmas in the Park - 200,000 locals picnicking, wearing shorts and t-shirts and santa hats, singing carols - bizarre. I've done the 'coast to coast' walk (17 km) in pouring rain - got drenched, but stubbornly wouldn't give in, although I must have walked much further as I got completely lost several times. But that meant I spoke to loads of locals and I saw lots of suburban Auckland. Had yummy pie n hot choc on the way, though; met up with Jean's brother Tom in quaintly named 'The Bog' Irish bar; had best scallops I've ever eaten before; and today I've been to Rangitoto Island - which didn't exist until it rose out of the sea in a volcanic eruption 600 years ago.
Now I'm drawing breath before I head north on Wednesday on a 'magic bus'. The weather isn't brilliant, so don't be too envious - it's raining at the mo' (but not cold, hoorah!).
Just off to hang around the naval base... on that note, Helen and Dave, please note that the bananas here are twice the size of those in Vietnam... memories of Eckernforde Naval Base...!!
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5 comments:
wow, mummy it sounds so exciting! beginning to get jealous now you're in new zealand!
went to the marple bridge winter wonderland on saturday, saw stockport and chapel dancing! they all send their love to you! xxx
I'd love to be there with you, but it looks like you have some good company there... what a charming-looking fellow!
Had quite an arduous weekend of wrestling, so am quite tired today, but the video evidence of my matches will outlive my weariness, so nevermind. I'm doing fine here. Marie's flat will be ready on the 19th of January, she's told, so I don't have to worry about being alone in this place for another month after all... I have a couple of people interested on Facebook though, so hopefully lodgers will be forthcoming...!
I spoke to Grandad on Saturday, he seemed very well... I did my best to direct him to this blog, so hopefully he can read it! If not I may print off some pages for him and put them in the post - I think Julia did this for him a few weeks ago but I think it would be easier for me to do in Uni. At any rate, he was pleased to hear from me on his birthday (he said he got your card - 3 days early!), so I'm happy about that.
Think of you every day,
lots of love
xxx
Cecelia,
If you going to have a bannana, have a big one.
By the way , was that a bannana your new friend had in his hand.
Rochester went well but we missed you.
Luv Dave and Helen
I'm really jealous, been wanting to go to NZ for years! And what a small world, my sister is in Aukland at the moment enjoying her brand new grandson. It's almost summer-like weather here this week (or at least English summer-like), but it won't last.
Really enjoying your blog, and the pix, have fun!
New Zealand sounds great, glad you managed to have some reminiscent Manchester rain. Actually I visited MCR for the day on Tuesday and the sun was shining, but it was minus 1.
It is even beginning to get cold here, nearly had some ground frost the other day. Any comments I was going to make about bananas and swarthy men have already been made.
Itching to read your next post!
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