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Published: April 7th 2011
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Before flying to New Zealand, I spent four days with Kev helping to look after our grandchildren, Grace & Rupert, at their Newtown house. This was so that Kerrii could fly to New York to meet Seb where they went to celebrate their 38th birthday. Staying at Newtown meant that Grace could continue to attend school and Rupert his child care. Kev dropped me off at the airport for the evening flight on 3 April before taking Rupert home with him while Nicola took over looking after Grace at Newtown.
It was midnight by the time I arrived at the Auckland International Youth Hostel where I shared a room with three other girls, all asleep in their beds when I got in. In the morning we had a quick chat – two of the girls were from Germany and one from Switzerland – before heading off to meet Glenda at Devonport. It was a beautiful autumn day in Auckland so it was a very pleasant fifteen minute ferry ride from Auckland ferry terminal to Devonport – 12 km N of the CBD - where Glenda was waiting to meet me. It must be about fifteen years since we'd last met
Auckland Ferry Terminal...
where some delicious ice cream awaited me!! at one of Michael's Oscar parties but Glenda was easy to recognise since she hadn't really changed. The weather remained extremely kind to us as we wandered through what appeared to be the main street before we started climbing to the top of Mt Victoria which took us past the Michael King Writers Centre. The effort involved was well worth it as we reached one of the highest points overlooking the town and back to Auckland. Glenda proved to be a fantastic tour guide as she explained some of the history of Devonport which is home to the New Zealand Navy and has some beautiful old houses, many of which must have fantastic views of the picturesque harbour. She also introduced me to the joys of eating some of the many feijoa fruit which had dropped off the trees in the area although that didn't stop us enjoying lunch at a cafe a bit later. Thanks for your hospitality and friendship Glenda – it was great spending some time with you.
Back in Auckland it was soon time to catch the bus to Orewa – a 45 minute journey. Ann met me; quite a relief to be at the
final destination and a great pleasure to re-connect with Ann. The wonderful thing about good friends is that when you meet again, no matter how long since you've seen each other, it almost seems like yesterday. A few glasses of wine, dinner and much chin-wagging followed before we called it a night!
On our first day together Ann drove us further north to the Matakana Coast calling in to Warkworth, situated on the meandering Mahurangi River. From there it was off to the Morris & James Pottery where they make vibrant pottery pieces with the local clay. We arrived just in time for a free guided tour of the pottery which was extremely interesting. Then it was off to have lunch at the Matakana Market Kitchen where Ann's grandson Ashley works as a chef. Enjoyed some delicious Green Lipped Mussels in a chilli broth. Ashley came to chat to us whenever he could; at 24 years old he's full of the 'joie de vivre' of youth and no doubt thinks he's indestructible! Movies next at the Matakana Cinema where we saw the French movie “Certified Copy”. An interesting movie which I wouldn't rave about but afterwards it caused some
Overlooking Auckland
Taken from the top of Mt Victoria, Devonport discussion between two of the other women in the audience, Ann and I. Back to Orewa for more wine, food and chin-wagging!!
Orewa is on what is called the Hibiscus Coast; next morning I walked along some of the foreshore, ending up at the Art Gallery where Ann met me after she'd attended a Probus meeting. Then it was a drive into Auckland's North Shore with Ann and her daughter Sally who had a doctor's appointment there. While Sally sorted out her health Ann and I did some window shopping (it was more than window shopping for Ann who bought herself some new cossies and an outfit for her great grandson!).
In the evening Ann, her friend Jim and I went to an Indian restaurant for dinner; great to meet Jim for the first time. Delectable food, good wine and wonderful company! Hopefully it wont be too long before they can both visit us in Sydney.
All good things must come to an end though. Ann drove me to the airport amongst the peak hour traffic – in time to catch a flight to Wellington where the literary tour starts. Thank you Ann for your friendship, hospitality
and chit chat - I think we fixed the world!!
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Martha
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Hey Michelle, Glad you're off on another adventure and sharing it with us!! --Martha