auckland

we arrived in Auckland after several long flights with a stopover in LA where my most kind friend monica collected us. following a little shopping spree for items we thought we could not live without (small guilty pleasures!) we fly off again. thank you monica!

Auckland is a small city filled with a calm energy, and the most delightful Kiwis!our time there was brief, one evening I ventured to Viaduct Harbour, a scenic part of town filled with fine eateries and pubs, as well as views of the sunset. one afternoon was spent on Waiheke Island, the island of wine. I tasted several Pinot Noirs, the specialty of the region. on another note of hedonism, I indulged in the best homemade chocolate in a trendy part of town called Parnell. this of course is all part of my savouring of the local tastes! here too is where I experienced my first encounter with a casino at the Sky Tower. how deprived I have been all these years! I could barely pull myself away from those sneaky machines which seemed to entice me with several wins prior to ridding me of any 'spare change' in my pockets. what (innocent) fun!