Airedale Hotel Auckland

... blindfolded taster for a test comparing organic, home-grown asparagus, and that bought from the supermarket. It was hardly a scientific test; the asparagus specimens were obviously displayed - they were two different sizes, so I could easily tell which was which. I also introduced myself holding gardening tools in a cheesy, awkward way, which I am sure turned out great.

But I am grateful for the hospitality, good food, and comfortable accommodation I have received here from Keith and ...

... front. Took a harbor cruise and met a guy who told us we needed to go check out the sheep ranch.... think we will pass! Beautiful day, sat in the sun, had mexican and margaritas for lunch, and then the jet lag took over. Went to the room for a little nap and never left again.... Did I mention the jet lag kicked in? Woke up on Saturday at 6:00 and we were back on schedule! Lessons Learned: - Nothing can keep jet lag at bay.

... als erstes die Südinsel Neuseelands erkunden. Auf halber Strecke, im Tongariro National Park lassen wir Rafa raus, der hier eine mehrtägige Wanderung machen will. Rafael und ich trennen und hier erstmal für die nächsten Wochen. Das ist das erstemal nach 5 Monaten, dass wir uns mehr als 3 Tage nicht sehen werden. Wird sicher etwas komisch werden. Am gleichen Tag fahren Kathi und ich noch bis Wellington, denn wir haben für die kommende Nacht unsere Fähre gebucht.

... liked it, but I was disappointed of the shape it was in. It was all worn away by the weather. The Marbles at the top were gone, because a long time ago Lord Elgin took (not stole) the marbles to England.  We went to many museums, including the War Museum, and the Hellenic Cosmos Museum. The Hellenic Cosmos was my favorite by far, because it does virtual reality time travel presentations. There really cool. While we were there they ...

... off with the relatively gentle rides, the dodgem cars and boats, the log flume and then moved on to the "high G" rides, the Corkscrew Roller Coaster and Power Surge. Grandma declined to join Jake and I on the last two, but Jake decided he liked them so much we had to do them again! Altogether a good day out. Made a detour to Devonport on the way home for ice cream on the sea front and then the final BBQ on the deck at 19 Roband Ave. 22.01 ...

... forking out another $50 for the dvd and photos! Bit of a ripoff. Needed a drink after that so we found a few pubs then went Mexican for dinner. We had the smallest jug we have ever seen of Margarita - only 500 mls for $22. Another Auckland ripoff. 06 January Had the worst $83 haircut ever from a salon in the Downtown Westfield mall. Quite annoyed at how bad it looked when I got back to the hotel, and even more so when I washed it ...