Jen's 50th Birthday

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Jen reached her half century and in an act of defiance against aging, started the day with a brief session on Michelle's stepping machine. We relaxed in the morning and then drove into Auckland centre. We booked into the Auckland Crowne Plaza and a club class room. (Scott had got us a good deal - as Crowne Plaza is part of the hotel group he works for). The room was superb and on the 21st floor with lovely views out over Auckland. The flatscreen TV was huge. Our key gave us special access to the Club facilities on the 22nd floor. We went out for an hour and I bought Jen a fishhook greenstone pendant for her birthday at Victoria Market. After a rest in our room we headed to the club room for free drinks and canapés (smoked salmon belini artichokes,cheeses,stuffed vine leaves), which are included in the club package price. Jen indulged in many rum and cokes and I in many gin and tonics. We were joined by Scott and Michelle who gave Jen a lovely carved bone pendant, in a traditional Maori design, as a birthday present. We headed to a Mexican restaurant where we had arranged to meet Selene (another of our African trip friends). It was great to see her again. She later introduced us to her man. It was a very nice (and boozy) evening.

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Photos

Jen 50th birthday workout
Starting her 50th on an exercise stepper

To the restaurant
The effect of several Rums already apparent

End of the evening
Jen and the night scene from our hotel room