So Long New Zealand

Auckland New Zealand -- March 14-15 -- Day 2-3

When we arrived, Steve and Sharon mentioned the nice view from the top of nearby Eden Hill, so I decided to head there for my morning runs both yesterday and today. The hill, though not particularly high, provides a half dozen paths to the top for runners, walkers and bikers, and offers 360 degree views of the city. As an island nation of only five million, it’s hard to beat New Zealand for fresh, clean air.

The big item on the to do list yesterday was returning the van. The rental office was a ways out of the city, and since Sharon had a business trip to Wellington (and Steve was pretty sure we’d never get a taxi back from Clevedon) they generously offered the use of Sharon's sporty, little VW. Of course, pretty much anything would be sporty after driving the slug of a camper van the last two weeks.

After saying good riddance to the van and having a quick bite to eat, we took a short drive along the coast and then headed to a shopping center. We needed to replace some well worn (or lost) items -- shoes for me and Dex, underwear for both Dex and Kylie, and a new pair of zip off pants for me. My old ones have been collecting holes for a while.

Once again, Steve provided a fabulous dinner treating us to grilled lamb. He recently left the IT company he and a partner had built over many years and recently made a change by learning and practicing traditional Chinese medicine. If that falls through, I'm pretty sure he could make a go of it with a restaurant.

Alex and Sharon

The shopping continued today (including buying a copy of the ever useful Lonely Planet Guide, this time for South America) before catching a ride to the airport. As we were waiting for the departure gate to be announced, we happened to meet a fabulous couple from Mountain View, CA. They heard us talking and noticed my San Jose half-marathon shirt. Steve and Denise, just ending their two week trip, were delightful and helped the next couple hours zip by. Before we knew it, it was time to go. We have many fond memories of our beautiful one-month's stay in New Zealand. Next up: America del Sur.