Monday, March 23, 2009

Downtown Auckland

 
After a long sleep recovering from the travel and concert the day before, Bret and I spent most of our Sunday sightseeing in the city center of Auckland.  One of the biggest highlights was the discovery of Wendy's, which is only on the north island, and we treated ourselves to some yummy American food.  Of all the American chains we've eaten at here in NZ, this was the most original tasting, and so so so good!  Another major difference between Auckland and Christchurch is the terrain.  Chch was in the valley and on completely flat land.  Auckland, being formed from various volcanic eruptions, is far from flat, but very hilly and steep.  We certainly got a workout in.  We trekked up to the Sky Tower, which is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere, and the eighth tallest structure in the world.  It is an iconic attribute to the Auckland skyline, and we had fun exploring its exhibits, casino, and shops, and will head to the top on a day that is less cloudy than yesterday.
  
Later in the evening, in search for something to eat for dinner, we happened upon many closed restaurants, a remodeled hamburger stand that we had seen on the NZ television show The Kitchen Job, and finally Food Alley.  Food Alley is an international food court that Bret recognized he had eaten at his first time in Auckland with his new kiwi friend that he met and ended up staying with in Auckland, Glen.  We ordered Thai food and soda, and waited for it to be served, when Bret recognized a woman, that he was certain was Glen's friend.  Sure enough, it was, and oddly enough, she was there with Glen!  Bret has kept in touch with his kiwi friends he met while in NZ December 2007, and we were planning on catching up while we were here.  Yet, we hadn't even been in Auckland for 48 hours, and we run into them by chance at the same food court they ate at when he visited!  Quite coincidental, I met them for the first time, and plans are in the works to get together sometime during our stay.  Feeling comforted and happy by familiar faces, we walked along the harbor, checking out the beautiful sunset and back to the Sky Tower for a nighttime view.  Great day!

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