Auckland Lately

We have been doing a lot of walking the past few days. In some ways this city is very similar to San Fransisco because of it's hills. It's up one and then down another.  I have decided that a map is very deceiving...the destination never seems as far away as it really is.  I think it should also let you know when to expect a major incline! We always seem to pick that route.

The weather here is turning winter with an average temp of 21 degrees C, which is comparative to 69 degrees F...a perfect day in MS. The locals are cold here all bundled up in jackets and scarfs! I'm sure we look crazy with short sleeves and shorts, but otherwise we are HOT! 

We have been doing some apartment searching hoping to find a place to settle for a few months.  Its really a tough decision to make....we could live in the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the Ponsonby area which is very young and has lots of entertainment, or the artsy/main street feel of the Parnell area. Decisions, decisions!! Today, it was overcast and rainy so we found ourselves just riding the "Link Bus" around so that we could ponder more on the areas we are interested in. The drivers know us by name! It cost $1.80/pp and it stops through all the fun places and a great way to learn the city.

I have managed not to do any shopping "yet", that's the key word.  Auckland has some great shopping at wonderful prices! I am sure I could get into trouble fast.  We heard about a great place to go outside of the city for bargain or outlet pricing for over 100 designer brands....its called the dress mart! Ray even said that he waned to go! 

Our favorite spot that you can find us most of the time is at Esquire's, a local 24 hour coffee shop. They have wifi internet so we go there a lot. They claim it's "free wifi", but that's if you make a purchase you get a 1 hour voucher.  Seems a little misleading! In other words we have had way too many Caramel Macchiato's the past few days.

Ray and I had dinner the other night with a native Mississippian and her husband, Lisa and Kerry Avery.  I know it seems crazy that we came all this way and still find someone from MS! We were introduced to them by our great friends, Cathy and Al Lawson from Raymond, MS.  Lisa and Al went to architecture school together at MSU.  We had dinner at a great Thai Restaurant called Java Room in the wonderful area of Parnell where they live.  We had such a great time with them and look forward to our next visit together! They were a lovely couple and were so kind to offer suggestions about getting settled and employed here in Auckland. 

Sorry we haven't posted any pictures lately, hoping to have more up soon! 

Lindsey