Kia Ora Everyone,

Alright so I apologize for this post taking a wee bit longer than normal, I unfortunately have been quite under the weather lately and not feeling well. Last weekend started on Friday when I went to the Auckland Botanical Gardens. I had the opportunity to see some pretty amazing vegetation and some gorgeous views of southern New Zealand. I would not however, suggest public transportation to the gardens because it was extremely confusing with 2 bus changes and a train as well. Once you spend 2 hours trying to get there it is not quite as enjoyable because I was very frustrated. On top of that it started to rain on me. Despite the bad weather and direction problems I was having I got some good pictures and made it home safely that night in time for dinner.

On Saturday Ashley came into the city and met me so we could go explore the Tall Ship Festival. For those who don’t know what that is, it is a group of old school ships that come in sails blazing and looking absolutely smashing with real crews, pirates and the like all around. We unfortunately were not able to see the ships with sails open but we did get some great pictures and were able to walk aboard a New Zealand Navy Ship for a tour as well as some tours of other ships in the Harbor.

 I also accidentally ordered a vegan Burger at Burger Fuel and I can now say I have tried them and will probably never will again if I have anything to do with it. Bean, Spice Patties just do not compare to good old beef! On the navy ship we had a little fun posing with the navigational equipment as you can see !

 After walking around the Auckland Harbor area for a while we decided to catch a bus to Mission Bay and Play some Beach Volleyball with the Kiwis! Although I cannot attest to our skills being super amazing we still had a blast and gave it our best shot. Lots of laughing at ourselves was also involved! Haha. After eating some ice cream by the beach we caught a bus back into the city, did some shopping and made our way back home.

We were not shopping for just anything though we were on a search for red fish net tights! (for Ashley’s Halloween Costume) After visiting 6 stores we were sad to discover that New Zealand apparently is too classy for fishnets and we would have to make due with normal red tights. We also discovered there is no tax on good because it is included in the price and apparently you are not supposed to tip unless otherwise mentioned on the menu at restaurants here.

Little fact about New Zealand grub… Veggimite and Marmite are very different but both are foreign to the USA! Veggimite is a vegetable based spread and very strong a bit salty flavor while Marmite is a sweeter fruit based spread. I have not tried either yet so I am not a true KIWI yet but I have smelled them and I’m afraid I haven’t got the courage to give them a go yet. Luckily I have a whole year to try. The boys absolutely love it and are very happy to eat them every day in their morning tea’s and lunches. We will see how long it takes for me to get the courage up.

Sunday I was here by myself as the boys went away somewhere for a biking trip and my host mum was off at work so I spent the day relaxing, catching up on some laundry and reading in my book. I did venture out in the evening and explored Royal Oak Mall and this sweet bar/restaurant called The Zoo Keepers Son had some live music. I missed most of the performance but was able to catch the last bit while i enjoyed a great atmosphere and chatted with a few new people there. Nothing too exciting but after all we can’t have grand adventures all the time! Plus I felt a wee cold coming on. Unfortunately I guessed correctly because now I have a full blown cold and I have been sick with fevers and runny nose all week. Hopefully I will be able to recover before the weekend because a Halloween weekend and country side exploration adventure await me as I spend the weekend with Ashley and some other Au Pairs who meet up with us!

As always, thank you to those who read. I hope you enjoy the bits I share.

Kelcee