Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - Auckland, New Zealand

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 – Auckland, New Zealand

What happened to Monday?   We’ve been asking ourselves the very same question – we got on a plane Sunday in Los Angeles and got off Tuesday morning in Auckland.   It is a beautiful day in Auckland  – sunny and temperate  -- everyone we meet is  genuinely helpful and pleasant.

Flying in the to airport is a sight to behold and looks very much like flying into Shannon airport in the west of Ireland --- I remember Betty and Marilyn (my mother and my aunt) saying the same thing when they were here about fifteen years ago.  The greenery is stunning.

We are transported to the Pullman Hotel in a small bus – just the two of us – our driver gives a mini-tour of the city before dropping us off.    We like the hotel and are promptly checked in – delighted that our room is ready.  

Phil and I meet up with Beth and Lynn  -- we are all ready for lunch.  Venturing out to the waterfront area with lots of activity, we check out the menus posted outside all the restaurants.   We are in for a bit of shock with lunch prices in some places  between $30 to $45.

We decide on the Waterfront Café – nice view and reasonable prices.  We end up paying $22 each for lunch – including tax and tip. We discover that menu prices include everything – separate tipping is not done here.  One local Phil met said New Zealanders feel that tipping promotes poor service – since customers should expect good service as a matter of course.

After a walk around the area – we are feeling tired.  It’s back to the hotel for a rest before dinner.   Rest is underrated – it feels so good to lie down for a few hours –

At the suggestion of the concierge – we have dinner at  “Tony’s Lord Nelson Restaurant”.   With a pub atmosphere, the food couldn’t have been better.  Beth and I try a local white fish which comes with fries and salad.  Phil and Lynn have beef with similar side dishes.  We try local beer and wine – both excellent --- particularly the beer.

All in all it is a good first day – we walk home the long way to avoid the very steep hills  –  we all fall into bed exhausted!

Thanks for reading!

Pat