We arrived in Auckland on Wed at 6:30 AM NZ time. We stepped outside to be greeted with warm, but VERY humid air. Nice to get out of the cold. We spied a neat van with a trailer on the back for luggage; there was another couple in there, so we figured we would just share the ride. Our “ luxury “ trip quickly came to an end, while
this very industrious driver packed in about 10 more people, and since the trailer didn’t have enough room, put the extra luggage on the floor and laps inside the van. No air-conditioning, and a van full of people ( us included of course ) who have been traveling in the same clothes for a couple of days. Cozy, to be sure. Met a young couple who were traveling the world for a year. Their first stop was to see the great USA, and like other young folks we have talked to, went to Los Angeles and Las Vegas ! We quickly explained that those two destinations were not representative of our great country! Obama seems to be the most asked inquiry we get. Definitely of world interest.
this very industrious driver packed in about 10 more people, and since the trailer didn’t have enough room, put the extra luggage on the floor and laps inside the van. No air-conditioning, and a van full of people ( us included of course ) who have been traveling in the same clothes for a couple of days. Cozy, to be sure. Met a young couple who were traveling the world for a year. Their first stop was to see the great USA, and like other young folks we have talked to, went to Los Angeles and Las Vegas ! We quickly explained that those two destinations were not representative of our great country! Obama seems to be the most asked inquiry we get. Definitely of world interest.
We finally arrived at the hotel, and I was so happy to get out of that van, that I proceeded to leave my largest bag in the trailer as he drove away! Oops. Norman, as you all know, is so wonderful he didn’t get aggravated. (I don’t even think it was because it was MY bag). Luckily, due to my previous job at Continental Airlines, I had put our hotel address and the dates we were to be there on the luggage tag. I had it back within the hour.
Norman had found a great little apartment on the 34th floor overlooking the harbor. Half the price of a decent hotel room. Walking distance to everything. We managed to watch some America’s Cup class yacht racing from our balcony. They were the finals for the team that will challenge team New Zealand.
We ventured off to ascend the Sky Tower – the highest structure in the Southern hemisphere, where we had lunch in a revolving restaurant. You could choose to walk outside at the top of this structure or actually go bungee jumping from there! We opted to eat and look. I was too tired to jump. Maybe next time. Not!
After we managed to walk about 5 miles sightseeing, getting a cell phone, and a few necessities, jet lag finally hit. Went to bed at a normal ( early ) hour and woke up feeling rested.
Norman had found a great little apartment on the 34th floor overlooking the harbor. Half the price of a decent hotel room. Walking distance to everything. We managed to watch some America’s Cup class yacht racing from our balcony. They were the finals for the team that will challenge team New Zealand.
We ventured off to ascend the Sky Tower – the highest structure in the Southern hemisphere, where we had lunch in a revolving restaurant. You could choose to walk outside at the top of this structure or actually go bungee jumping from there! We opted to eat and look. I was too tired to jump. Maybe next time. Not!
After we managed to walk about 5 miles sightseeing, getting a cell phone, and a few necessities, jet lag finally hit. Went to bed at a normal ( early ) hour and woke up feeling rested.
