a day in auckland

today was the first time i got to spend a decent chunk of time with my mum

the day started with breakfast outside then we headed in to auckland for some exploring

first of all we took mum to her hotel and got her checked in.  then we went for a coffee in a cafe with some nice views of the bridge.  unfortunately the views were obscured by the diesel containers

and here’s the maritime museum with its funky sidings

then we walked round the water front to the fish market

there were lots of free samples in the shop in the market which we all made the most of

then we had fish and chips in new zealand’s second best fish shop

then the ladies left us as esther had a church climbing party and kezia had a normal party

so mum and me walked back round to the city, seeing a big sting ray glide by at one point

and then we got the boat to devonport where we had an ice cream and a wander

here’s a giant fig tree called ‘Albert’

then it was back to auckland to take mum back to her hotel for her evening’s activities.  she’s texted to say she’s already met some nice people so that’s good.  she has said she’ll text us each day on her 17 day epic journey to visit all of new zealand so i’ll keep you up to date on her whereabouts

meanwhile, here’s a new zealand praying mantis.  it was on our bedroom wall last night so i threw it out the old front door

and this morning it was on the wall next to the old front door

here’s a little video of it with a very dramatic soundtrack