Arriving Auckland

A leisurely drive down the northwest coast with a quick stop for a lunch counter bite. John had the chicken-brie-cranberry panini for the second day in a row but it will wear off soon. Mary stays true to her health with a spinach and feta muffin. Another stop at a fresh produce market to load up on breakfast fruits and berries. It is great to see strawberries, peaches, cherries, and apricots in January.

We arrived in Auckland at about 4:00 and after doing the one-way tango around downtown for about 15 minutes we finally got to the front door of our hotel (after seeing it 15 minutes earlier going the wrong way). We had a list of recommended restaurants so we took a stroll around the viaduct area, where most are located, to peek at menus and check out the harbor. We are
spending the day exploring the city today so we will have more opinions in our next report but this is a very special place.

We also checked out Vulcan Lane where we were told to have a beer so we did. Sitting at a sidewalk table, sipping a Stella, and listening to some folks do Bob Dylan sounds like a nice Sunday late-afternoon activity, and of course it was, but the area didn't really have enough critical mass to create the vibe you might find in other venues like this. But, that's just being picky.

Dinner at CinCin at the viaduct with John continuing to OD on lamb while Mary stays healthy with salmon and spinach. The Marlborough NZ Pinot Noir kept both healthy. Our server was a Hospitality student from India and having worked for a while in the Marriott organization, was finishing her schooling in Auckland. Her goal was to be in the hotel business in New York. Something about "if you can make it there." We told her that instead of Manhattan she should get into the business in Manhattan Beach, but she seemed unconvinced.

High of 76 and sunny today so we will have to make do.

Today's Headline: Sir Ed's Dying Wish New Zealand Herald 1/13/08