Day 66. Culture shock! After two months of heat, noise, smells, crowds, stares, and of course, muddling through in Spanglish, it’s quite refreshing but very strange to arrive in New Zealand.
We’re being kindly put up and well looked after by Sarah, Andy and little Anna at their home in the Remuera suburb of Auckland. (Sarah and Annie shared a house when they were both at Uni). The last time we were in New Zealand was almost exactly five years ago for Sarah and Andy’s wedding!
After watching the sun rise over the hills from the living room window, we left to have our morning breakfast at the trendy BRD Cafe round the corner. As we drank our delicious coffee, we were a little perturbed by how quiet the roads were and how eerily devoid of people they were. Then we spotted crowds of ladies having their hair permed in the salon across the road which explained everything.
We spent the afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Auckland. Auckland has become much more multicultural during our five year absence. It’s also going to take us a bit of time to get used to how expensive everything is!
Auckland
The aim of the game today was to stay awake as long as possible. At about 9pm the jet slag hit us like a tranquilizer dart. We just about managed to crawl into bed before falling unconscious.
Sarah and Anna