Auckland, New Zealand

jan 6: We had an early flight out of Brisbane to Auckland, New Zealand (north island). There is a 3 hour time difference so we arrived in the evening. We checked into the City Garden Lodge hostel- so fun! Very bohemian! Big kitchen where everyone makes their own meals, big sitting rooms- in & out, people from all over the world. Here's a picture of our TINY room!

We walked a few blocks down to Historic Parnell Street- very victorian- bricked walks, lots of hanging tropical plants, adorable little boutiques, cafes, & restaurants all nestled in together.

We had a lovely Indian dinner sitting on the little back deck. The air smelled like flowers & Indian spices.jan7: Lazy breakfast at the posh Verve Cafe- i had vanilla pancakes & chai latte- decadent! We took the city bus into the Victoria Park shops and then walked through Albert Park near the university and people-watched. Long nap back at the hostel. (Did I mention that I came down with something somewhere along the way and by the time we met up with Joshy & Steph I had lost my voice?? I've been whispering/squeeking ever since. Almost through a bottle of Robitussin-which I still HATE- but trying to avoid pneumonia!) Anyhow, we went out for a late sushi dinner and a long evening walk down to the Rose Gardens and the loading docks.

jan 8: Woke up this morning and it was raining. Sounded so refreshing. They day was overcast and lightly sprinkling. Pure perfection. My favorite type of day. We picked up fresh fruit from a corner market for breakfast and walked back down the the Rose Gardens. I photographed for a couple hours with a 100mm macro lens manually focusing on rose petals until I could barely see straight. For those rose lovers out there- I am coming back with HEAPS of gorgeous images! Here's just a sample!

To get out of the rain we had a little lunch at the Mink Cafe- ginger beer has become a favorite for Jay!

We walked through the Auckland Domain (an extinct volcano!)

and a hurried back to catch our shuttle to the aiport. We flew into Christchurch (south island) tonight and checked into the Windsor Hotel.

The lady who checked us in toured us all over! Tea & coffee station, breakfast dinning room (7-8:30am! ugh. no way), sitting room with computer, shared showers/toilets, closet full of robes & towels, luggage lift (!)- no elevators, but a a lift for the bags! So fun! She showed us around our room, mapped out all the "popular" attractions and told us that tea time was from 9-10pm. A new experience and very amusing! Walked out to the Cathedral Square just in time to here the Christchurch Cathedral bells ringing. Sigh. Very romantic. Made me think of Oxford. We got fish & chips & beer at a local pub.

I am super excited to hop the trolley tomorrow and photograph all the gorgeous old churches and the world-renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens!!