Well met in New Zealand

We missed Saturday... where did it go? That's the weird thing about flying - one minute it's Friday, then the next it's Sunday. We touched down in Auckland at 6am, caught the bus into the centre and found our hotel, which was more a glorified hostel, but had the most fantastic shower!

I texted my cousin dcysurfer and his wife kiwiscot who had travelled all the way up from Taranaki to see us for the day - what stars! Unfortunately, we decided to meet in the area where New Zealand's largest fun run was about to take place. No matter, we found a way. It was so nice to see them after so many years. Blip has been brilliant at helping me stay in touch with these Scots in New Zealand, but you can't beat meeting someone face to face.

As I wasn't going to be seeing north of North Island, dcy and kiwiscot drove us up the coast - very lush and green. Great trees. We chatted over chips and muffins. I had a go using dcy's camera (very fancy stuff!) watching the surfers (of course). Dcy was battling an inward desire to run into the waves, but he did very well to stay on dry land. We headed back to Auckland to explore One Tree Hill where F and dcy suddenly became competitive and just had to race each other to the top. Kiwiscot and I were far more sensible and took our time, admiring New Zealand's very fat domestic cats lazing around driveways. The time came all too soon when we had to say our goodbyes, though dcy had a twinkle in his eye - good surf beckoned. Kiwiscot bought us some Moro chocolate bars - YUM! I am a convert. Cheers guys, it was SO great to see you :-)

F and I explored a little of the city centre and discovered an arts festival. We were starving so we ended up at a lovely eaterie on the harbour. A perfect day.