Day 30 – Last day in Auckland.

I spent most of the day just chilling around and sorting myself out for going away. I packed my bag, had some food, updated my blog, y’know the usual things! Rick had offered the night before to take me out for a drive and show me Auckland. We drove right along the coast up to Saint Heliers Bay and then turned back around and headed into the city. It was nice to see some ocean as it felt like ages since i’d seen a proper coastline. We ended the evening in Sails restaurant, which was very nice and tasty!

I love seeing Queenie on other peoples notes, makes it feel more like home.

Day 29 – The return of the children.

After the latish night we didn’t rise that early. I went for a small walk to have a look around and it was food-shopping day. Lizzie’s two children arrived back from their time away and are super cute… well at least to me, no tantrums so far!

That evening Stuarts friend Rick came over for dinner, he had just spent the past 3 weeks travelling around the north of the island so it was cool to hear some of his stories. It was not so cool to go outside for about 10minutes and be bitten to death… I know, I know, I should wear bug spray which I normally do but this wasn’t a planned trip outside, nor did I expect this from being stood just outside the living room, but hey we all learn the hard way!

Day 28 – Armour Bay & Samoan party.

After a lovely cooked breakfast we got ready to hit the beach for a few hours. We were going to go to Cornwallis Beach but we ended up at Stuart’s friend Andy’s house instead. His house looks right out over Armour Bay, so you walk out of his loving room, onto the deck and walk straight into the sea if you want to, it’s pretty cool! I didn’t actually go for a swim but I did enjoy just lazing about in the sun. This little bay in surrounded by about 6 or so houses and the house next door were going out on their boat, with the kids holding onto an inflatable at the back. It looked like a lot of fun.

Stuart and Lizzie had been invited to a birthday party for one of the guys from the RSA, so I went along with them. There were about 50 people at this party but food to feed 1000! It was amazing and a really good night. Apparently they have quite a few garden party’s which is nice, especially as they have better weather than we do! Or maybe just less rain so it’s easier to plan something like that, whereas in the UK most of the time you will always need a back up plan and somewhere big enough inside to accommodate the amount of guests you have invited.

Day 13 – Last day in Perth!

Another lazy afternoon at Hillary’s for us! This area/North Beach are probably the closest and easiest bit of coast to get to from where Michael lives which is why we have been here so often. Today’s afternoon snack came from Cold Rock ice cream shop. How this works is you choose a flavour and add as many toppings you want for 90c each, I guess it is a bit like Shakeaway or somewhere like that. I decided to go for one of their combos on the board which was called ‘Cookie Monster’, this consisted of cookies & cream ice cream, Tim Tam, cookie dough and a Freddo. It was bloody lovely but the portion size was huuuuuge!

We caught the bus home, dropped our stuff off, quickly changed and headed into the city! We met Michaels mum in The Moon & Sixpence, the same pub I met her in last week, it is also just a couple of minutes from the station so that is probably why it is a good place to go. After a drink we walked round to Forrest Place where every Friday night they hold a food market. This means any kind of cuisine you can think of can be bought here. I went to an Indian and bought Butter Chicken with rice accompanied by a Samosa, SO GOOD! I think curry might be my favourite meal… my dad should really make it more at home!

Day 11 - Hillary's.

To save some cash and just to chill out for the afternoon we popped down to Hillary’s. As I said in a pervious blog it is a boat harbour with shallow waters to swim in, along with an array of shops and restaurants. 

We laid in the sun/shade for a bit but slowly became a bit peckish which is when we decided to walk over to San Churros for; yep you guessed it some Churros. These came with white and milk chocolate dip. The main reason we came here is because Michael said they did the best hot chocolate he’s ever had… so obviously I had to try some. My chosen flavour was Dark and it was pretty delicious. This is where I also tried and tested my first ever macaroon. I went for standard vanilla flavour as I thought it was best to start boring. I don’t really know what to make of them, I think they might be like cupcakes for me and I just prefer to look at them instead of eating them.

Day 9 - Chilled day.

I got up pretty late, about 11am? I’ve become quite lazy in my week in Perth but that’s ok. Michael had a driving test around 3pm so we decided just to chill around the house for the day. This meant I spent most of my time reading in the garden by the pool or in the living room. I also looked through a local paper where I found something I recognised...

a small article about the city of Portsmouth which is where I am from! Pretty crazy and quite fitting as I got some news from back home that day.