Culture shock?
Trip Start
Dec 28, 2006
1
66
135
Trip End
Dec 2007
Auckland,
New Zealand
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
... arrived in Auckland at 11am the next day! So weird - the day that never was. Wwooooooo!
We took a shuttlebus to the hostel right in the centre of Auckland and marveled at how clean and shiny everything was. So strange being back in a first world country. It's great fun being in a big modern city again and we got excited about little things we take for granted at home.
There are lots of Asian shops and restaurants here which is fab, so we went out for sushi that first afternoon. Then as we were right in the city centre we had a shopping spree which was a bit of a rush and we enjoyed being materialistic for the afternoon
01 - A traditional fishing canoe
. We walked down to the harbour and again took great pleasure in normal thing we do at home, coffee and cake. It took us a wee while to get used to being in an English speaking country and it felt a bit strange at first but that soon wore off. The next day we thought we should do something properly touristy so we headed to the Auckland Museum. On the way we walked through a large park called the Auckland Domain and walked around the Winter Garden and Tropical House which had lots of orchids, a massive water lily in a pond and some carnivorous plants. The museum itself is huge and very impressive. We started off getting up to speed with Polynesian history through Maori history, stories, boats weapons, etc. and also some real full-sized Maori buildings, carved all over with Tiki. We then watched a Maori cultural display where 7 Maori in traditional costume told us of the significance of Maori dance, music, games and weapons. It was very lighthearted and a nice intro to the culture with lots of singing and dancing, the highlight being the powerful Haka at the end.
The jet-lag was still affecting us and with only 2 days until our space travels we decided to take it easy for the next couple of days. So we just wandered aimlessly around the city, checking out the buildings, many of which are really modern and interesting, and going shopping
02 - Maori architecture
. One of the best things near our hostel is a wee cafe where you can get pie, chips and salad for $5.50. Brilliant! Auckland is a really nice city with lots to do and see and we would love to stay here for a few weeks to really get to know it. On the last night before heading off to explore NZ we treated ourselves (as if we hadn't been doing that our whole time in Auckland!) and went up the famous Sky Tower, the highest building in the southern hemisphere. The lift has glass panels in the wall and one in the floor (Yikes!) and takes you to the observation deck about 280m straight up. It was spectacular. We went just before sunset so we saw the city in all different lights and then in darkness. There is an overhang all around the room with glass floors so you can stand and look all the way down to the city below. Scary but great fun. We also watched crazy people jumping off the tower and dangling for a few seconds outside the windows of the observation deck before plunging to the ground below. On up to the highest viewing point with fab views all over the city. We had wine up there in the restaurant and admired the twinkling lights of the city below. Then off to Wagamama (T had spotted it earlier as we shopped) for a celebratory early anniversary dinner. Very extravagant night but totally delish wine and food and not a bad date for an aul married couple.
Comments
The Skry Tower
Hey guys! Aukland looks mad. Will have to get a meal in the Skry Tower at some stage, but I think I'll leave the bungee jumping for a night when I'm not paying for food. Think you guys will go on one? Best of luck to you if you do.
In fact I'm still a wee bit behind in your blog here, so maybe you already have! :P
Did you do the Haka with the Maori guys? Don was saying that he had a go at it when he was there. He really enjoyed it and it sounds like you did something similar to him, with Maori's telling you about their culture and heritage. Will definitely be checking out something like that when I get to NZ...