Sunday 27th November
Another warm day, not quite as hot as yesterday though.
We went to East Perth for lunch. Several cafes situated on an inlet of the river. The cafe was a short walk from where we parked and the river was bordered by beautiful Jacaranda trees which were in flower.
Very nice menu but I'm afraid I was tempted by the breakfast platter despite it being 1pm. Beautifully cooked and was so pleased I had chosen it!
Later in the afternoon Donna and I went down for a swim. After a while we were joined by a young (30's?) man, Matt. Donna got chatting to him and it transpired that he is the occupant of the $2.500,000 penthouse. He was complaining that it was windy up there, 23rd floor! Poor chap! In the evening we just "grazed on the remains of yesterday's picnic.
Monday 28
Rob was off to work, early, this morning. He's not been working for several months but has now got a three month contract. He wasn't that happy at the prospect of going back!
Donna kindly went and got my morning coffee, it's becoming a habit!
In the early afternoon we went shopping, I had offered to cook tonight so needed to
get the ingredients. Donna and I went down for a swim but it was quite a bit cooler so
we didn't stay in too long.
Rob came home saying he was shattered
I prepared an anchoiade followed by a mushroom risotto. All washed down with a bottle of Margaret River red. Apparently Nigella Lawson has been visiting the wineries there and was raving about their wines.
Tuesday 29th November.
The longest day!
Our last day in Perth.
We took fish and chips up to Kings Park for lunch. After eating them al fresco and admiring the view for the last time we had a look round the gift shop. Some beautiful
local art work but sadly neither the money nor the space in our luggage for any of it. We then sat outside at the cafe and had a drink before going back "home" to pack. After Rob got home, in the early evening, we walked a short way to an Asian restaurant, overlooking Langley Park, where we had our final meal in Perth.
All too soon it was time to leave for the airport. There wasn't room in either Donna's car or Rob's car for all of us plus luggage so I went with Donna and Nigel with Rob. So sad to say goodbye to them and to the beautiful city of Perth but excited at seeing Rob and New Zealand again after all this time.
Our flight was with Qantas from the domestic terminal. I took advantage, at check in, of a wheelchair and N pushed me through security and on to the cafe air side where
we waited to board our flight which was at 11.30pm.
Wednesday 30November.
Arrived in Melbourne 6.30 am local time. Qantas porter took us from domestic terminal to international terminal and left us by the Emirates desk. Our flight to Auckland was at 8.30am. We sat there for over an hour. I was much entertained by an elderly, infirm couple in wheelchairs waiting for the same flight. They were from Peru and were surrounded by their son, daughter and families who were obviously very upset to see them leaving. Eventually a porter came and took us through security and then to board our flight. After breakfast was served I dozed a bit but not for long enough! Finally we arrived in Auckland at 1pm local time. Our porter took us through immigration with no problems and then on to baggage reclaim. Nigel's case was off very quickly but mine seemed to be one of the last. A bit nerve wracking, wondering if it was still in Perth. After our bags had been X-rayed we went out to the arrivals hall. A big crowd there but no sign of Rob. The porter pushed me round to the back of the crowd and then I saw him, striding along. Think I saw him before he saw me. My first though was how grey his hair had gone! Gave him a big hug and he went off to get the parking paid for and told us where he was parked. Luggage piled into car and off we went. I had forgotten how busy Auckland is and it seemed to take a long time to get out and on to SH1 and the road north. Finally it all began to look familiar as we joined the toll road. Such a lot of development going around Silverdale and Orewa, much busier than I remembered it. Off the toll road and on past Puhoi. Up the windy hill that Rob always goes up faster than I would like and as usual I kept my eyes shut! Arrived in Warkworth, looks familiar, and went to say hello to Angela before going to New World to get supplies in. New World hasn't changed much, I still knew where things were. Finally the last leg to Mangawhai Heads and our new "home". The drive from Warkworth takes about 40 minutes up and over the Dome before turning off SH1 to Mangawhai. The road through the Dome needs treating with respect as there are many accidents there, due more to idiot drivers than to the road. An interesting fact about NZ is that motor vehicle insurance is not compulsory! Hard to believe! At last weary but unbowed we arrive at 70 Cullen Street. It looks as advertised which is always a relief! The view from the deck is stunning, across the tops of houses to the estuary and sandbar and out to the ocean, the Pacific Ocean! The evening passes in a bit of a haze as exhaustion kicks in. A bite to eat a chat with Rob and off to bed. Happy to be back in NZ and to be with Rob. Thursday December 1st. A chance to take in our accomodation in the light of day! The bed is comfortable, the kitchen is well stocked and even has a cafetière! The shower is efficient and easy to understand as is the microwave. There is a sleepout in the garden where Rob slept, twin beds and kitchen facilities but no water or bathroom facilities but then again we knew that before we came. Basic but adequate. The garden is on a slope and is mainly native bush of kanuka trees. A bit of work going on next door clearing some land but hopefully that will soon be done and it will be quiet. Rob took me into Warkworth as I needed to go to the bank and the Vodaphone shop. The lady in the bank was extremely helpful and soon updated my account and issued me with a new bank card. At the Vodaphone shop I bought a PAYG mobile card that included data so we can get on line via the phone. Back home. Rob has taken over the catering, I'm quite happy with that! My French mobile doesn't seem to be up to coping with data and I have to admit it's pretty useless! Will see about updating it tomorrow. Friday 2nd December. We have arranged to pick Jonny up this afternoon after school. We all went into Mangawhai Heads and had a look round then to Mangawhai and bought some meat for the weekend. Then Rob took us down to the estuary and boat ramp. Rob had a chat with some guys who were preparing to launch their boat and go out fishing. I had a paddle! It's safe swimming in the estuary so I shall be down there at some point to have a swim. Then he took us to the surf beach. Beautiful long beach, views over to the Hen and Chicken Islands, views north to Whangerei and south to Pakiri. Back home and we left Nigel here whilst we went to go and pick up Jonny. Stopped off at Ŵestgate shopping centre and I bought a Vodaphone phone which will be a big improvement on my old Wiki phone. Then it was time to go and get Jonny. I was a little apprehensive as it has been over four years since I have seen him, apart from on FaceTime when he didn't say a lot! Last time I saw him he was 8 now he's 12 a big difference, he won't want to hold my hand now when we cross the road! Rob parked outside the house and I went in. Said hi to Jodi, gave her a hug. Jonny was ready and waiting with his bag, he let me give him a big hug and seemed very happy to see me. Back in the car and off back north. Rob stopped at the KFC to get himself and Jonny something to eat. I helped myself to a few chips but wouldn't touch the chicken! Home about 5.30 and relaxed while Rob cooked supper Played cards with Jonny, e's quick and usually wins! Also got him to have a game of Scrabble. Rob and Jonny slept in the sleepout. Sat 4 We went to see Angela who lives in a rural area near Tomarata. She has several rescue dogs. Then went to the weekly market in Mangawhai. There's a stall selling pies and Cornish pasties. Bought two pasties for Rob and I. Had them for lunch, they are very good! Played cards and Scrabble. Rob cooked roast pork dinner.
Arrived in Melbourne 6.30 am local time. Qantas porter took us from domestic terminal to international terminal and left us by the Emirates desk. Our flight to Auckland was at 8.30am. We sat there for over an hour. I was much entertained by an elderly, infirm couple in wheelchairs waiting for the same flight. They were from Peru and were surrounded by their son, daughter and families who were obviously very upset to see them leaving. Eventually a porter came and took us through security and then to board our flight. After breakfast was served I dozed a bit but not for long enough! Finally we arrived in Auckland at 1pm local time. Our porter took us through immigration with no problems and then on to baggage reclaim. Nigel's case was off very quickly but mine seemed to be one of the last. A bit nerve wracking, wondering if it was still in Perth. After our bags had been X-rayed we went out to the arrivals hall. A big crowd there but no sign of Rob. The porter pushed me round to the back of the crowd and then I saw him, striding along. Think I saw him before he saw me. My first though was how grey his hair had gone! Gave him a big hug and he went off to get the parking paid for and told us where he was parked. Luggage piled into car and off we went. I had forgotten how busy Auckland is and it seemed to take a long time to get out and on to SH1 and the road north. Finally it all began to look familiar as we joined the toll road. Such a lot of development going around Silverdale and Orewa, much busier than I remembered it. Off the toll road and on past Puhoi. Up the windy hill that Rob always goes up faster than I would like and as usual I kept my eyes shut! Arrived in Warkworth, looks familiar, and went to say hello to Angela before going to New World to get supplies in. New World hasn't changed much, I still knew where things were. Finally the last leg to Mangawhai Heads and our new "home". The drive from Warkworth takes about 40 minutes up and over the Dome before turning off SH1 to Mangawhai. The road through the Dome needs treating with respect as there are many accidents there, due more to idiot drivers than to the road. An interesting fact about NZ is that motor vehicle insurance is not compulsory! Hard to believe! At last weary but unbowed we arrive at 70 Cullen Street. It looks as advertised which is always a relief! The view from the deck is stunning, across the tops of houses to the estuary and sandbar and out to the ocean, the Pacific Ocean! The evening passes in a bit of a haze as exhaustion kicks in. A bite to eat a chat with Rob and off to bed. Happy to be back in NZ and to be with Rob. Thursday December 1st. A chance to take in our accomodation in the light of day! The bed is comfortable, the kitchen is well stocked and even has a cafetière! The shower is efficient and easy to understand as is the microwave. There is a sleepout in the garden where Rob slept, twin beds and kitchen facilities but no water or bathroom facilities but then again we knew that before we came. Basic but adequate. The garden is on a slope and is mainly native bush of kanuka trees. A bit of work going on next door clearing some land but hopefully that will soon be done and it will be quiet. Rob took me into Warkworth as I needed to go to the bank and the Vodaphone shop. The lady in the bank was extremely helpful and soon updated my account and issued me with a new bank card. At the Vodaphone shop I bought a PAYG mobile card that included data so we can get on line via the phone. Back home. Rob has taken over the catering, I'm quite happy with that! My French mobile doesn't seem to be up to coping with data and I have to admit it's pretty useless! Will see about updating it tomorrow. Friday 2nd December. We have arranged to pick Jonny up this afternoon after school. We all went into Mangawhai Heads and had a look round then to Mangawhai and bought some meat for the weekend. Then Rob took us down to the estuary and boat ramp. Rob had a chat with some guys who were preparing to launch their boat and go out fishing. I had a paddle! It's safe swimming in the estuary so I shall be down there at some point to have a swim. Then he took us to the surf beach. Beautiful long beach, views over to the Hen and Chicken Islands, views north to Whangerei and south to Pakiri. Back home and we left Nigel here whilst we went to go and pick up Jonny. Stopped off at Ŵestgate shopping centre and I bought a Vodaphone phone which will be a big improvement on my old Wiki phone. Then it was time to go and get Jonny. I was a little apprehensive as it has been over four years since I have seen him, apart from on FaceTime when he didn't say a lot! Last time I saw him he was 8 now he's 12 a big difference, he won't want to hold my hand now when we cross the road! Rob parked outside the house and I went in. Said hi to Jodi, gave her a hug. Jonny was ready and waiting with his bag, he let me give him a big hug and seemed very happy to see me. Back in the car and off back north. Rob stopped at the KFC to get himself and Jonny something to eat. I helped myself to a few chips but wouldn't touch the chicken! Home about 5.30 and relaxed while Rob cooked supper Played cards with Jonny, e's quick and usually wins! Also got him to have a game of Scrabble. Rob and Jonny slept in the sleepout. Sat 4 We went to see Angela who lives in a rural area near Tomarata. She has several rescue dogs. Then went to the weekly market in Mangawhai. There's a stall selling pies and Cornish pasties. Bought two pasties for Rob and I. Had them for lunch, they are very good! Played cards and Scrabble. Rob cooked roast pork dinner.
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