sunny Sunday

I woke up early to work today, and Bret had the day off.  As I was getting ready and heading to the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast, I noticed that our friends that went out the night before were not in their beds (we have to walk through their dorm to get to the kitchen).  Sure enough, a few minutes later, around 9:15 am, they stumble in, still reeling about the crazy night they'd had.  I was content with my decision to stay in with the sore throat when they invited me out last night!
   

Sipping on my tea, and waiting for my shift to start at 9:30, I was surprised when the hostel owner offered me the day off to spend with Bret.  I was immediately relieved; we had the tv lounge all to ourselves, and the place was pretty quiet (since everyone went to bed).  We (I) watched our soap opera omnibus, further planned our travels around the north island, and our day today.
   

Taking a bus ride downtown, we boarded a ferry for a 12 minute ride to Devonport, a suburb of Auckland.  We spent most of the afternoon walking along the shoreline, taking in 'the city of sails' as Auckland is called, and browsing through the cute shops.  It was a beautiful day!

Auckland skyline and Harbour Bridge

 

Devonport and the huge trees we climbed...or attempted to

the city of sails
   
Once back in downtown Auckland, we debated on what to do next.  I was espcially keen on eating at MexiCali Fresh, a waterfront Mexican restaurant.  Bret was a bit skeptical; he's tired of restaurant experience in general, and was seriously doubting that this was voted 'Auckland's best Mexican food' ("Anyone can put a sign up like that", he claimed).  After walking a bit more along the waterfront, still indecisive, he made the decision that the menu looked good enough and we gave it a go.  Closest to American burrito place ever (think Chipotle or Qdoba, but better (probably because we haven't had that in forever))!!!  YAY!!!  Of course, it couldn't top our favorite, New York Burrito, and it wasn't really Mexican food, but the burritos were so yummy, and they had CHOLULA!  I was in a little bit of heaven with a giant burrito, smothered in Cholula, with an orange slushy drink accompanying it!  Yum yum!

Does it get any better than this?!

    

After arriving home, I researched MexiCali.  Bret was certain about the American feel of the restaurant, ingredients, and service, and sure enough, a family from Oregon moved to New Zealand a few years ago and opened this restaurant!