Two weeks of normality - whatever that is...

Two weeks back of ‘normality’ and currently, the weather is terrible. Although I am not in any way shape or form a rugby fan, I can’t escape the Rugby World Cup currently on in NZ. Auckland City has spent (invested?) millions into the waterfront and surrounding areas and hyped the event to such a degree, that the City was in total chaos last Friday night for the official opening. Trains were delayed, even downtown ferries were being turned back as there was such a crush.
We took the sensible option and stayed home with 5 friends coming around for what they thought were takeaways, and to watch the spectacular fireworks on the harbour and the even more impressive opening ceremony on TV. I opted to cook (I thought I might remember how...) with a nice entree of oat crumbed monkfish and also for the first time, tried the Ottoman spice I’d bought at the Istanbul spice market. Nice! Rather like a Cajun spice and it went well on the chicken with individual colourful vegetable terrines (shades of one memorable DP meal).

As a group, we decided that on the Saturday afternoon, with the addition of Murray and 2 Lynns, as it was a bright day, we’d head into the city by bus and suss out the downtown area.

First time I have used my Seniors card! (By the way, it looks as though we may be able to use our cards in Australia shortly, and Australian cards will be able to be used here.)

When the ships dock in Downtown Auckland, Queen’s Wharf is to the left as you leave the ship, and this has been dubbed “Party Central” for the duration of the cup. However, walking in the opposite direction to the viaduct area and beyond, the development has been staggering. We wandered through a mix of new gardens, pools, paving, ball and sand play areas and the obligatory new restaurants and bars (some are only temporary), and even a restored tramway. This is the Wynyard Wharf area. The picture above right shows the gang relaxing on one of the many massive 'loungers' that are on rails and can be rolled together to form a stage. Clever.

The Hulme Supercar prototype

The appearance of the Hulme Supercar prototype, parked just outside our wine/beer halt drew an appreciative crowd and some of the yachts moored around the place wouldn’t have been out of place in Monaco.  Several were from the USA.

Most impressive and glad we took the time to check out developments in our own City. An easy bus ride back then to Murray & Lynns.  We feasted on delicious fish and chips from the local takeaway and polished off the desserts left over from the night before, before suffering the England vs Argentine match. At least England won - but Rugby is never going to be a game that excites me.

We are home alright! OK, so we didn’t have Watchara and Neil to wait on us. nor did the washing up just ‘happen’, but hey, we are lucky people having such great friends.

The cruise merely added to the number.

(I initially posted this a week ago, and again earlier today but it didn’t seem to arrive, so it has to be a cut and paste job with pics added individually...)

I still have to add a cruise summary or two, but thought that for those still popping into the blog, I may as well add something.  For those who asked, the shoulder was subjected to an X-Ray and an ultrasound yesterday and there are still problems, including a torn ligament...

Sigh.  Just 313 days to go...