Around Auckland

Wednesday through Friday we spent with the Caudles, catching up on their family news and news of the Church's work in New Zealand and the regions in Asia and the South Pacific where they serve (Singapore in Asia, Tonga and other islands in the South Pacific. Having served ourselves in France for nine years, we know how challenging international assignments can be. One must adapt to a new country and culture far away from family members which one may only see once year or less. No place is as inexpensive to live as the US, so the standard of living is almost always lower abroad, and the cost of living higher. Money doesn't go as far. There is also often a certain loneliness that comes with being an expatriate. Jeff and Lisa are doing a great job, and we really appreciate their willingness to serve in a way for which they are uniquely suited because of their past work in Asia (that's another story).

01 At the top of the Sky Tower

We knew from our own experience how wonderful it is in such circumstances to get together with friends and peers. We very much appreciated the Caudles' hospitality and the chance to spend some time with them and their charming daughters, and we hoped they found the time equally pleasant.

02 in the Auckland Museum

We visited some sites of interest in Auckland including the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the sky tower, which affords a breath-taking view of Auckland and the water all around. One day we took a ferry across the bay to Devonport for lunch. That was an inexpensive way of seeing the impressive view of the city from the water. We also took in the museum which was quite interesting with its extensive exhibits on the cultures and history of the neighboring South Pacific islands.

We also had the unusual opportunity to go for a two-hour sail on a former America's Cup racer. It's called NZL40 and the passengers become the crew, and guided by four real sailors, "grind" on the cranks that raise and lower the sails. Grinders work in teams of two facing each other, and the handles move very quickly. If a hand came off a handle, we were warned not to try to catch it in movement to avoid injury.

03 Captain Jeff Caudle

There was enough wind to sail quite fast, the boat at times leaning so much that the gunwales were scant inches from the water. We each were able to take a turn at the wheel, which was quite an exhilarating experience. After two hours of grinding and lending a hand here and there, we had a much better understanding and appreciation for the crews of the racers that take part in the America's Cup competition. The captain told us that the New Zealanders who have captured the cup several times, fully intend to gain it back from the Swiss next time around.

04 Lisa Caudle takes the wheel

05 Grinding a sail up the mast

06 the NZL40 America's Cup racer