March 3, 2008 Woke up early, about 5:00 am, and looked out of the window to see angels flying alongside the ship. There were a flock of sea birds riding the bow wake and diving for fish. It was still dark outside but the ships lights illuminated the florescent wake and the birds were silhouetted on it. Quite magical!! Again the weather was much like Ireland, overcast with misty rain and intermittent showers. Today’s tour was long but very, very enjoyable. Our guide is a chief (really) and therefore was able to arrange for us participate in a Maori greeting at an active Marae. This building acts as a community center for the local Maori population. This is where wedding receptions and wakes are held, local as well as local political meetings and is where visitors ... read more

EMBARKATION DAY 3/1 The Link bus system circles Auckland for $1.60NZ. I got an early start and caught the bus a couple of blocks from the hotel. The route circles the city and I got a flavor of the neighborhoods and locals. First, there are these used bookshops all over town. It says something about a culture that cares so much about reading. Then there’s the art galleries and art schools, almost one on every corner, even the illustrious Texan School of Art has a branch here. Most folks thanked the driver when they got off. Very nice! Rode the circuit until I reached the Auckland Museum. An impressive building houses three major collections. Level three houses the war collection (the full name is the Auckland War Memorial Museum), armaments and artifacts from New Zealand’s wartime ... read more