Blogs from Devonport, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

Carla: We have been so lucky with the wonderful hospitality we’ve had ‘down under’, Sam & Bill continued the trend of top class, warm, friendly and energetic hosting when we arrived in Auckland. They once lived very near us in North London and have been lucky enough to de-camp to Devonport – a perfect peninsula just across the harbour from downtown Auckland – and have this gorgeous lifestyle of white clapboard houses, picket fences, organic delis, beaches and beautiful views in all directions. They are honest about the downsides of living in such a small suburb (the total population of Auckland is only 1.4million and Devonport has about 6000 people); they told us how “everyone knows everyone” and so you’ve got to make sure you remain discrete and careful when chatting to neighbours and parents in ... read more

This morning I went for a run and then a swim at Cheltenham Beach before breakfast while Leigh walked to the Wharf by the Navy Museum. Then we met for breakfast at our studio and then set off for the Ferry Building where we sat and enjoyed people watching before catching the Ferry to meet Ben and Claire in Auckland. We had such a lovely time in Auckland - we looked at "the worm" which is a temporary building erected for the Rugby World Cup - walked over the "roll over bridge" which lifts in the middle when the boats go through - had a ride on the tram - ate fish and chips at the fish market (thanks Ben) which were delicious! - then we saw all the reclaimed land which is now a children's ... read more

I apologize for the lack of updates recently. I have started a new job about weeks back that has kept me very, very busy. I now work for a supplement company in Auckland. I sort supplement pills for defects for up to 14 hours a day, 6 days a week. It is not hard work, but it can get really dull staring at the same thing for the whole day. The work is very manual, so there are no machines to roll the pills, and everything is done by hand. Before securing this job, and after having made the decision to leave my job as an avocado packer, I travelled the Coromandel Peninsular for a week. After that week of travel, I already got a call to join this supplement company. I hope to share some ... read more

Today Leigh and I each went for a long walk before breakfast - I went along the front and back and then the Cheltenham Beach and over North Head and Leigh went around the edge of North Head along the shore line where a very narrow and slippery path wends it way under the cliff! After breakfast we met Ashlee and Patrick and the Navy Museum for morning tea - it was delicious! Then we too a quick look through the museum which was really interesting and then off to Esquires for lunch. It was very nice. Patrick and Ashlee went off to take Flynn for a walk and we walked back to our accommodation for a rest, Leigh stayed in and I went for another long walk. Toast and tea for dinner and early to ... read more