Blogs from Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 343

Okay where did we leave you? Think our last blog was to say that Elinor, Laura and Simon had arrived safetly and that they were coping with jetlag well. So 1st day in Auckland on Tuesday and the travellers managed to get down before 9amm to get breakfast, very impressive. We headed out into the town centre and straight for the sky tower, which just dominates the sky line. Spent some time viewing the whole of Auckland and beyond from the different level platforms and watch some nutters jump off on the bungy they have there. Very sunny day so the views were spectacular. The glass walkway reminded me of blackpool towers although slightly different view?! Took the free bus (big reed one) to the port and hopped onto a ferry to waiheke island. Hired a ... read more

Hi there, gem again, well early in the morning here in Auckland. We picked up my friends Elinor, Laura and Simon yesterday and yes there was some tears at the arrivals gate. Lovely to see them, feels very strange walking down the street and them being there. Their journey was very long as they have to be and they only managed 4 hours sleep and so were walking zombie all of yesterday. But they managed to stay awake till 9 so did better than me. We managed to navigate our way to the hotel through the maze of Auckland traffic. Think London but not recognising anything and no congestion charging. The hotel is clean, smart and has a fab shower and lounge area. Was getting panicy that it would be a horrible place due to the ... read more

Home Well after about 4 and a half months I’m back home. Really great. First thing I noticed is that people seem more friendly. Don’t know if people really are friendlier here in NZ, perhaps it’s just that you always feel more comfortable at home. You know how things work etc, so you perceive that things are easier and more friendly. Having said this, just after the SMILING NZ immigration officer had checked my passport at Auckland Airport, he said “Welcome Home”. Awesome. What now? Arggggh! Back to the grind, looking for a new job. However I will try and take a few photos of Auckland and post them here ... Hopefully will get around to making a website with more holiday photos ...... read more

Krystel Houghton turned 21 and decided to have a 21st party. On her invite it said dress code was semi formal. Anil had the idea (inspired by Owen Wilson in the motion picture "The Royal Tenenbams") to go dressed 'Semi Formal with a touch of the absurd'. This is what we looked like. When we walked in, all the Houghton Aunty's, Uncle's and Grandfolk looked puzzled coz they thought their Krystel had some weird friends. I behaved myself, the others did not. I even went on record saying that I was embarrassed to be associated with them on the night. We're still great friends though, but the fact was their antics were a bit over the top. By the way, Krystel looked hot even though there are no photos of her actual party here.... read more

There's a new house being built on Fairsea Place ... Here's some snaps for those interested.... read more