After hearing Lance talk of nothing but rain and work his first month alone in New Zealand, I was looking forward to doing something fun our first weekend back together. He had arrived smack in the middle of their winter, which is rainy season on the North Island. It rains constantly for about 2 months. Lance needed a sunny, eventful weekend to cheer him up. God must have heard my prayers because our first weekend here was beautiful. Sunny and clear, it made for good exploring weather.
Lance still had to work on Saturday, so James and I went with him downtown and we explored the waterfront while Lance worked. I had to get a public transportation AT HOP card since Lance and I were sharing a car and I would be dependent on buses to get around during the weeks where he had to drive to his clients' offices. I checked out the mall and The Warehouse, which is as close to a Target as you can get around here. I was curious to see the layout and content of their stores. NZ doesn't have many 'big box stores', which is taking some adjustment. I've been spoiled being able to go to one location for everything we need, so having to go to separate stores for groceries, electronics, medicine, cleaning supplies, miscellaneous household items is a big change. Luckily I have time on my hands, a willingness to explore, and a baby who is content to flit from store to store! Then we walked down to the ferries and I chatted with the attendant about activities on the nearby islands. There are plenty of islands in the bays around Auckland, some as close as 30 minutes away. Some are kayaking distance!
Lance was finishing up his work for the day, so we met him at the office so we could see where he works. The view is spectacular! He's on the 26th floor, spitting distance from the ferry docks. James and I sat and watched all the sailboats come in for the day. Auckland isn't called the City of Sails for nothing! So many sailboats! Sitting there with a cup of 'flat white' coffee (a NZ invention and specialty), a baby on my knee, and a sunny, colorful view, I was feeling pretty content. Ah, Auckland. I could live here. Oh wait, I do!
The three of us then went for a walk around the Wynyard Quarter of the city. It's just a pretty area by the docks to walk around. It passes by the Maritime Museum, Waterfront Container Library (a book swap with comfy chairs that is kept in an old shipping container), restaurants, a playground, basketball courts, and lots of sailboats. Not to mention a great view of the city skyline!
James was glad to be back with Daddy.
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