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Published: November 14th 2007
Sharing breakfast
Sharing breakfast with Danny and our new little friendWell, we made it to Auckland very early this morning. Got off the plane just before 5AM local time. And as the plane taxied to the jetway - it was pouring rain like i have never seen before, sideways rain, that was hard enough to shake the plane. But we got off, went through immigration and customs, got our bags (wet), got some money, and went on our way.
Got to the hotel at about 6:30AM, and surprise - our room wasnt ready. But they let us take showers in the hotel spa, so we were able to clean up and put ourselves together for the day....the day that started at about 7:30AM. Went for breakfast at a local spot called Mecca - was pretty good, and it was nice to get some fresh air. But it was still veryearly when we finished, and there was a strange feeling around town - nothing was open and it was as if noones day had started yet. So we basically cruised around - walked down by the harbor, checked out the local Microsoft building, window shopped. Then we went by Sky City and the Sky Tower - the iconic image of Auckland
Danny & Sky Tower
Danny poses for Becky just under the Sky Tower - yes, he is thrilled to be my model. - sort of like the space needle (overpriced elevator rides but a great view without the key element of the city sky line). Anyhow, after watching a short intro film, it turns out th visibility was very pour so we decided to pass on the ride.
It should be said, however, that through all our walking we were consistently being fooled by the weather - left the hotel on a beautiful spring day, only to get caught in down pour after downpour. No we didnt have an umbrella, but did make use of the awnings like all the other Auckladers. Every time we thought it would stop, it would just start up again - unbelieveable (all day, until, it now seems, we have finally retired to our room to rest this afternoon that not drop has fallen in hours....).
Then we grabbed a bus across town to the base of Mt. Eden - a local inactive volcano that offers beautful 360 degree views coast to coast of the North Island. It was an interesting climb up - path ways, sidewalks, man-made stair cases, cow-dung ridden fields - but the view as well worth the effort. And it was
Becky & Auckland
Becky's view at the top of Mt. Eden - well, half way there, but we survived the cow-dung mine field to get here! unreal, at the top of this mountain in the middle of the city is a huge crater of grass with a whole pack of cows just grazing - at every level of hte crater. it was such a surreal site. and then it rained again - dan didn't really enjoy running down the mountain in the wet, manuered mud - but i found it amusing.
Then we walked around a little trying to find a bus to catch to take us back downtown. Finally caught a ride to an area known as Parnell, with some great restaurants and shops and stuff. Had some Indian food for lunch at a place called Oh Calcutta, not too bad.
Then we both officially agreed we had it. out since 7am this morning in the flip flopping weather - so we headed back to the hotel to arrange plans for tomorrow, dinner for tonite, and to basically rest. Which is where it leaves us now..... Dinner at a restaurant Soul in the Viaduct Harbor.
*** BTW - shout out to sister Bari - way to kick some ass on your test! ***
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LOVE the updates! Keep 'em coming and keep enjoying!!