Sunday - Auckland

 Kelly was up early and was off to get the usual flat white at Cafe Al Bacio. I, on the other hand, happily remained in a comatose position until 8 a.m. The ship had quietly slipped into the cruise terminal and was already tied up when we raised the blinds. Never heard or felt a thing! 

We got dressed and prepared for a walk around the city with rain gear at the ready. It was still just overcast when we went up in deck to check the views out. 

View from the ship.

We met up with Avis & George and proceeded to the meeting point at the ferry terminal where our "walking tour" was starting from. Off we went and this is sort of a trip in pictures as we strolled the streets and alleyways of Auckland.

Ferry Building

Train Station (former Post office)

This is Vultures Lane

A tile mural depicting a Women's right to vote in 1893! Very progressive!

University of Auckland Clock Tower

 

I was going to try it out but thought better :-)

 

Stained glass walkways.

 

We enjoyed the walk and then returned to Vultures Lane for a "Pint & Meat Pie" at the bar there... $20 NZ so a good deal. Mine was tasty and the beer cold! 

We wandered some of the shops that Kelly had seen during the tour and quickly found a wool shop were Avis and her spent some time in. I think Avis is going to get into bag making :-) 

The weather has turned and some light rain is falling. We tried for a geocache by the Ferry Building but no joy.  Avis and George headed back to the ship so we continued on to a local drinking establishment that we had been told about.  We walked towards it but the skies opened up and we had a major downpour. 

We eventually made it to Saint Alice after donning our rain gear. We had a beverage and took a picture to send back home.

 

We did manage to find three geocaches after walking along the waterfront. Kelly found another shop to look into while I headed back to the ship... which was about 300 feet away :-) 

 

A short rest was in order as I checked the back of my eyelids. Kelly came back and we prepared for the evening. She was a bit later than usual tonight as we didn't leave the cabin until 6:20 P.M.

 

We wandered the ship and spent some time out on the Magic Carpet. It was nice at this point as the sun had decided to come out again. As it was later than usual, we went to the 7 P.M. show of Hayden Smith. We have seen him several times over the years and he was very good.

 

Looking good!

 After the show finished, we went to Raw on 5 for some Sushi. The specialty restaurant is just above the martini bar area and the music below had started. It was the "house band" the Cardinals doing a bunch of great tunes. We headed down and grabbed a seat enjoying the music!  

They took a break and we went over to the Love & Marriage Event in the Club. We watched as the usual three couples battled it out with skill testing questions about their relationship and love life. Very funny. 

Off to bed...it has been a busy day!

 

Steps 15,300