Auckland and beyond

Auckland

 

Very slow computer and internet.  Will have to upload some photos when I get home or later in the cruise.

 

Having a lot of trouble finding time to blog.  The two week cruise is certainly a lot more hectic than a world cruise.  In Auckland, John and I walked downtown then to a gentrified dock area called the Viaduct which is continually being upgraded.  There was, of course, an historic tram doing a circuit and we rode on the tram.  Very interesting and the area will be wonderful when it's all completed. Only trouble is they are building 14 storey unit blocks on land originally claimed from the sea and if there is a major earthquake the liquifaction would be incredible. The tram driver (motorman) said in that case, your 14th floor apartment would be at ground level.  Louise did a worm tour (glow worms that is) to Waitomo caves and Carol went to a gannet colony. Very hot and sticky weather in the morning, a huge storm at lunch time. There was a mini tornado which killed 3 people (this happened last time we were here as well...could be us!!!!) and then cold, rainy and windy in the afternoon.

 

Tauranga/Maunganui

A BEAUTIFUL sail in in the morning past Mt Maunganui through a very narrow channel. Can see how ships don't get in in rough weather.  We just had a wander around Manganui and caught the local bus into Tauranga.  The Ocean Princes was moored behind us but is less than half the size of the Sun Princess. Carol is still having trouble with her credit card and we tried to get it fixed at the bank.  So far, she hasn't heard that there is a problem and is now able to buy her own drinks.  I think she made the whole thing up!!!!  John did lots of walking around Mt Maunganui and the beach - got soaking wet but said it was really beautiful.  Has some nice photos.  When we got back to the ship, Carol Louise and I went op-shopping in town. Carol bought a lovely handbag - an Air NZ issue - which says "First Class" on the side.  She says I may be Elite and John, platinum, but she's first class.

 

En Route to Napier

Have become best friends with someone in the Purser's Office, called Fidel. I've been trying to send a fax for my son Scott for two days but having great trouble.  Yesterday, I had salmon for breakfast, lunch and dinner (smoked, baked then grilled).  I can live with that.,  Went to trivia and were one off winning - of course there was a dubious umpire's decision - the answer was EOS - the goddess of the dawn but she accepted EROS who everyone and their dog knows is the god of love.  We would have won the lanyards which were the prize.  How will we live without them.  We've also instituted a 'word of the day' competition.  Yesterday, we had two.  Circumspect and impromptu.  With the people at our table, we see how many times we can use them. There's double points if you use them both in one sentence.  You'd be surprised how many times we could use them just in ordinary conversation.  Lotsof laughing.  We'll probably be asked to leave one of these days. Oh yes, I managed to spill red wine everywhere at dinner.  Our waiter says he is going to get me a plastic tablecloth for my little area tonight. I'm going to see if I can find a bib or plastic placemat in Napier today and use them tonight .There is a swell running today and we're weaving around when we walk.  It's about time.  It actually feels like we're on a ship.  Louise and Carol were introduced to the fun of 'going to the laundry' today.  All machines, driers were in use and there was a queue.  That is our project for today - get Louise's laundry done. See, there's no end to ship's activities. We had a 'tropical night' party on deck last night.  ;Polar night' would have been more appropriate -  absolutely freezing and I don't think many lasted long.