Off to Auckland

We finally set off at about 11.30 and the drive was fine. The roads are quiet and the maximum speed limit is 100km but a lot of road is less than that, really slow! Shows how tired I must have been last week cos I didn't remember most it. It looks very much like England but there is a lovely selection of trees and beautiful fern trees growing on the hillsides and the fields are smaller. We pass through Karangahake Gorge which is really lovely and about one hour away from where we live. There are some lovely walking trails through here and we intend to explore it one weekend soon. Once out of the gorge you get onto a plateau which is big dairly country with some really large herds of cows.

There is a short bit of motorway as you approach Auckland but it is only two lanes.
We arrived at the shopping centre where we were to meet Adam. We found it with no problem, in fact driving is really easy and as the traffic is light and there is no stress.
Jon went for a cup of tea with Adam and I hit the shops, they have the summer sales on at the moment. I was looking for a pair of flat shoes as our boxes of air freight won't be here till next week and I have managed with sandals but walking the dog in sandals twice a day won't be very comfortable. I saw some flat shoes for $30 but though that was expensive, I haven't got to grips with the money yet, so I didn't buy them. The shops were lovely not trendy designer shops like KL but still very nice. There are lots of nail bars, too one even has special chairs that you lie in and have a pedicure - luxury. Long way to go for a pedicure though!
I went to meet Jon and when he had finished his meeting we went back to the shoe shop for a second viewing. He pointed out to me that $30 was about £12 quite cheap for a pair of leather shoes so once we had found my size I bought them. I am sure my girls will hate them but they are so comfortable for walking Totty. Dress is very casual over here and I am sure I will not wear half of what I have brought over.

We then went in search of out hotel and surprise, surprise we found it without any bother and checked in. It was very nice and we had a lovely room on the first floor.

We got showered and went down to the bar for a drink. The girl behind the bar was very chatty, as is everyone over here, and she asked us where we were from as she too was English. We could hardly believe it when she said she was from Bury St Edmunds!!!! She moved here over two years ago with her husband and two children. She says she misses her friends and family but would not go back. Oh! and she also misses Tesco! I can understand that as the supermarkets take some getting used to. I will never complain about Tesco again and as for Waitrose - luxury.
I had soup for my dinner followed by a prawn and avocado quesadilla which was very nice and Jon had a very nice lamb rump steak. We finished our bottle of wine and then went up to our room for a decaffeinated coffee. Yes it was decaf, I saw the sachet!