City of Sails

Went to Auckland this weekend with a group of 13. Got up early Saturday morning to catch the train in Papakaura. Nice train. Arrived in Auckland and unfortunately we had just missed the Polynesian Market, so we decided to go the the Victoria Park Market instead. By this time it was pretty much pouring, and half of the market was outside...so we left. Did a bit of shopping (more like gasping at prices because things in Katmandu were so expensive). Went to another outdoor sports store (fully dressed in all of our gear mind you, because despite being in a city we all looked like backpackers) which had the biggest tents I have ever seen! They had 3 rooms!

After a bit of shopping, we went to Vulcan Lane for some food. Sam and I went to Tusca (a little Spanish cafe) and ate spring onion and feta scones and coffee. I had a delicious cappuccino.




Then we checked into our hostel. We stayed at the Nomad Fat Camel hostel of Fort Street. It was actually really nice. We had an apartment with 3 rooms, 8 of the girls stayed in one, Sam, Cara, and I stayed in one with 3 other woman. We only talked to one, she was from France and was staying in Auckland for a week. Chris and John stayed in the apartment next door with their roommate Albert.



We then ventured back out to this hipster bar/vintage store called Supermarket. It was incredible. Definitely need one in Portsmouth! Everyone was sitting, sipping beer and wine reading classic novels. There was a giant disco ball in the middle of the room (and I mean giant!). I'd like to go back after the program. The boys weren't too impressed.


Walked around the University of Auckland (not so fun since it was pouring!). Then we walked down to the wharf. Saw one of the America's cup boats.



We had fish and chips for dinner, with a great salad, at the oldest bar in Auckland. It was really cute inside. Rustic wood floors with a deer on the wall (wearing a hat), and beautiful silver mirrors. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures.

After dinner we went to the ITM Cup Rugby game between Auckland and Wellington. It was pouring! Our seats were soaked, so we moved further up and hoped the people would never show up. Luckily they didn't! The game was fun, freezing but fun. Auckland won!

Everyone went clubbing afterward. Sam and I found this great wine bar (picture it: velvet couches, dim lighting, hard wood floors, a fire place, candles scattered around) but because we didn't have our passports with us-even though we had like 3 forms of I.D.-we got kicked out. So instead we went to Esquires Coffee Shop and hung out for two hours. Again I had a cappuccino and a piece of chocolate cake. Yum!

The next morning we all went to Esquires Coffee Shop again for breakfast. Then we split ways. Most people went to the Auckland Museum. While this would have been fun, it had just stopped raining so 5 of us decided to hike to the top of Mt. Eden, one of Auckland's volcanoes. We hopped on the bus and headed out of the city. The hike was easy and only about 20 minutes, but the views were phenomenal!




Ate lunch at the General Food Store. Had corn fritters (New Zealand pancakes with corn).
Grabbed some gelato, then took the train home. It felt so good to shower once I get back!

Leaving for Opoutre on Tuesday. We will be there for like 3 or 4 days...not totally sure.