Dare I Plan? Melbourne - Sydney - Auckland
Oct 14th, 2014, 04:34 PM
#82
Thanks Clifton
I'm ok, small branch on my roof. Should have slid off, but it managed to lodge it's trunk in the gutter guard. Am waiting for a lull so I can get up on the ladder & get it out before it rips a $$$ hole in the mesh.
Luckily, no reports of injury, but lots of delays & disruptions. One train track was turned into a huge underground pool, with water lapping the platform.
Water sloshing through the baggage claim area of one of the domestic terminals. Train & both road accesses to the Blue Mountains were / are closed.
Thousands of homes are without power, especially hard for those in the snowy Blue Mountains. And harder for the crews trying to rectify the damage.
The southern areas got hammered as they always do in storms.
Lots of suburban roads temporarily closed, as was the Hume Highway to Canberra.
This morning the seas are magnificently wild, crashing on rocks & sending sea sprays to the cliff tops like lace shawls. Or wool fleeces thrown on the classing table.
I'm ok, small branch on my roof. Should have slid off, but it managed to lodge it's trunk in the gutter guard. Am waiting for a lull so I can get up on the ladder & get it out before it rips a $$$ hole in the mesh.
Luckily, no reports of injury, but lots of delays & disruptions. One train track was turned into a huge underground pool, with water lapping the platform.
Water sloshing through the baggage claim area of one of the domestic terminals. Train & both road accesses to the Blue Mountains were / are closed.
Thousands of homes are without power, especially hard for those in the snowy Blue Mountains. And harder for the crews trying to rectify the damage.
The southern areas got hammered as they always do in storms.
Lots of suburban roads temporarily closed, as was the Hume Highway to Canberra.
This morning the seas are magnificently wild, crashing on rocks & sending sea sprays to the cliff tops like lace shawls. Or wool fleeces thrown on the classing table.
Oct 14th, 2014, 08:18 PM
#83
Bokhara - wow - I had no idea the extent of the damage. I'm glad you are okay and I hope you get your gutter taken care of. I do hate spending money on fixing up from storms. It can be costly and cuts into money better spent on leisure. I hope it's easier to get men out here than it is where we live.
Today I bundled up and went out to Paddington and Woollahra. Strolled about in the rain and wind and despite the crummy weather these villages were still charming. Had a coffee at the 5 Ways circle and then headed back to the CBD. Spent a bit of time in The Strand. Then walked up to The Rocks and took a self guided tour. It's been a pretty full day and my cozy hotel room is calling.
Mr. Gruezi has booked us at Aria tonight and Tetsuya's tomorrow. And then we are going to Weight Watchers.
Tomorrow we hope for sun. If so, my husband may do the bridge climb while I do the Spit-Manley walk.
Today I bundled up and went out to Paddington and Woollahra. Strolled about in the rain and wind and despite the crummy weather these villages were still charming. Had a coffee at the 5 Ways circle and then headed back to the CBD. Spent a bit of time in The Strand. Then walked up to The Rocks and took a self guided tour. It's been a pretty full day and my cozy hotel room is calling.
Mr. Gruezi has booked us at Aria tonight and Tetsuya's tomorrow. And then we are going to Weight Watchers.
Tomorrow we hope for sun. If so, my husband may do the bridge climb while I do the Spit-Manley walk.
Oct 14th, 2014, 11:28 PM
#84
The Spit to Manly walk could be fairly muddy & slippery in spots, depending on how much rain there was, Gruezi.
Did you bring walking poles? I could leave mine at D'Albora Marina for you early tomorrow if you like.
0r - You might have a look at some of the walks around Manly instead. Google : North Head walks; Manly to Curl Curl walk.
If you do the latter, go to Pilu's cafe for a sensational Sardinian panino . Or give me a call & I'll drag myself away from the office, nip down & we'll do their October Lunch.
http://www.piluatfreshwater.com.au/mobile/home.php
Txt or email me. I'm an early riser & it's absolutely no trouble to drop my poles down for you.
Did you bring walking poles? I could leave mine at D'Albora Marina for you early tomorrow if you like.
0r - You might have a look at some of the walks around Manly instead. Google : North Head walks; Manly to Curl Curl walk.
If you do the latter, go to Pilu's cafe for a sensational Sardinian panino . Or give me a call & I'll drag myself away from the office, nip down & we'll do their October Lunch.
http://www.piluatfreshwater.com.au/mobile/home.php
Txt or email me. I'm an early riser & it's absolutely no trouble to drop my poles down for you.
Oct 14th, 2014, 11:46 PM
#85
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gruezi, how lovely it's been to read your open - hearted views on Australia; it's always interesting to see one's country through another's eyes!
I thought of you today whilst having lunch in another Melbourne restaurant you might have enjoyed, called Bistro D'Orsay...delicious French food and a charming setting opposite our famous Regent Theatre. You'll just have to visit us again in Melbourne!
I'm so glad you are having what sounds like a great time, despite the weather.
The weather here is also odd, with cold off - the - Antarctic winds for a few days then heating up (lots) for the coming weekend. It's a little too much even for Melbourne's "four seasons in one day" weather.
I thought of you today whilst having lunch in another Melbourne restaurant you might have enjoyed, called Bistro D'Orsay...delicious French food and a charming setting opposite our famous Regent Theatre. You'll just have to visit us again in Melbourne!
I'm so glad you are having what sounds like a great time, despite the weather.
The weather here is also odd, with cold off - the - Antarctic winds for a few days then heating up (lots) for the coming weekend. It's a little too much even for Melbourne's "four seasons in one day" weather.
Oct 15th, 2014, 11:59 PM
#86
Hi Libretto - yes, you seem to have an abundance of great restaurants in your fair city!
Last night we dined at Aria. My favorite part was the view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge at night. Spectacular. I also had a passionfruit martini which was pretty darn amazing. The rest of my meal was unspectacular, but Mr. Gruezi had the Wagyu steak and it was very delicious. Thankfully he was kind enough to share as my sea bass was pretty boring.
Ahhhh what a gorgeous day today was! The Manly - Spit walk along the Manly Scenic Way!!! Perfect weather for a perfectly beautiful walk. Loved this - my favorite Sydney activity so far. At the advice of dear Bokhara I stopped in at the Manley Art Gallery as well. A charming little gallery with a great exhibit I really connected with - solitude, nature, musical instruments on canvas were some themes. Also a political statement on IVF and fertility which is interesting as I learned from MissB that Australia is considering it's stance on surrogacy and Clifton has mentioned the adoption issues.
I stopped along the walk at a lookout area to take some photos and was about to sit on the bench for a bit but a rather large lizard was using it as a Yoga mat for his sun salutations and had gotten stuck in a very beautiful up dog pose. He and many of his relatives kept me company along the walk. Thankfully none of their snake cousins arrived. A leisurely walk with stops for photos took me about 2.5 hours.
Mr. Gruezi climbed the Harbour Bridge today and I "saw" him on my taxi ride back from Spit. He had the perfect day for it and I love the photo of him at the top.
We both exercised - a nippy swim for me! and a run for him. And we are now enjoying the Harbour views before we head to Tetsuya for dinner.
Tomorrow I meet Bokhara who has been providing me with lots of great information for this trip. I look forward to meeting this Fodor's friend whom I always enjoy "chatting" with in the lounge.
I must also begin to turn my attention to our 10 days in New Zealand as we've not yet made plans except I know we will be in Auckland and Wellington.
Last night we dined at Aria. My favorite part was the view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge at night. Spectacular. I also had a passionfruit martini which was pretty darn amazing. The rest of my meal was unspectacular, but Mr. Gruezi had the Wagyu steak and it was very delicious. Thankfully he was kind enough to share as my sea bass was pretty boring.
Ahhhh what a gorgeous day today was! The Manly - Spit walk along the Manly Scenic Way!!! Perfect weather for a perfectly beautiful walk. Loved this - my favorite Sydney activity so far. At the advice of dear Bokhara I stopped in at the Manley Art Gallery as well. A charming little gallery with a great exhibit I really connected with - solitude, nature, musical instruments on canvas were some themes. Also a political statement on IVF and fertility which is interesting as I learned from MissB that Australia is considering it's stance on surrogacy and Clifton has mentioned the adoption issues.
I stopped along the walk at a lookout area to take some photos and was about to sit on the bench for a bit but a rather large lizard was using it as a Yoga mat for his sun salutations and had gotten stuck in a very beautiful up dog pose. He and many of his relatives kept me company along the walk. Thankfully none of their snake cousins arrived. A leisurely walk with stops for photos took me about 2.5 hours.
Mr. Gruezi climbed the Harbour Bridge today and I "saw" him on my taxi ride back from Spit. He had the perfect day for it and I love the photo of him at the top.
We both exercised - a nippy swim for me! and a run for him. And we are now enjoying the Harbour views before we head to Tetsuya for dinner.
Tomorrow I meet Bokhara who has been providing me with lots of great information for this trip. I look forward to meeting this Fodor's friend whom I always enjoy "chatting" with in the lounge.
I must also begin to turn my attention to our 10 days in New Zealand as we've not yet made plans except I know we will be in Auckland and Wellington.
Oct 18th, 2014, 12:04 AM
#87
On Friday I had a very nice visit with Bokhara to the MCA and the Botanical Gardens. Well, after a proper cup of coffee and a good gab first!
In addition to an interesting collection of art, the MCA has a cafe on the 4th floor with great view of the harbor looking toward the Opera House. It was marred on Friday by the arrival of an extraordinarily large cruise ship, but a good spot to see a great view otherwise.
As luck would have it, Bokhara and I happened upon a tour of the Botanical Gardens that we happily joined. What a collection of specimens of every sort are in this well funded and tended garden. I was particularly taken by the variety of trees. I learned quite a bit and the time passed quickly. Were I to have more time in Sydney the gardens deserve another visit at least.
Bokhara and I refueled at a small cafe at the edge of the gardens and enjoyed more of each other's company. The proprietor of the cafe entrusted us to lock up our chairs after he closed down and left us for the day.
We took care of business with the chairs and strolled back to my hotel. It was a very nice day and I'm so lucky to have met Bokhara who is as lovely in person as she is here on Fodor's. We seem to share a lot if interests and it was great to have someone take charge of the day so I could just relax and enjoy. I'm so touched by the generosity of my Aussie Fodor's friends. It's really made my trip.
Afterward I bravely had my hair cut and colored at a salon just outside the hotel. The young lady who did it had blue hair and a large number of crystals embedded in her ears. She'd newly arrived from London hoping to relocate in Sydney. She was quite sweet and did a very nice job and kept my color very boringly brunette. Thank goodness! I'm one of those that mates with my hairdresser for life so this was rather brave of me.
Mr. Gruezi and I met after my haircut for some snacks at our hotel and he was so relieved when I asked if we could stay in and go to bed early. We party animals were sound asleep by 7:30. Hee, hee. We can't seem to shake the jetlag in the evenings. I was up early but rather jealous that he slept until 8 am.
Today we had a long and leisurely coffee overlooking the harbor and then took a ferry ride to Watson's Glen and had lunch right at the beachfront at Doyle's. We almost could put our toes in the sand we were that close. The weather was warmer and sunnier than forecast and we had a stunning view toward Sydney. The water was filled with boats of every sort and there was a happy summer feel to the day.
After a really delicious lunch of oysters, calamari and fish and chips we slowly walked up the hill to a short walking path around the cliffs. The walkway itself was not much, but gorgeous views were to be had all around. We were a bit sluggish from food and drink and slowly rolled back to the ferry and our hotel for a nap.
The day was a perfect close to our time in this harbor city - loved the date Mr. Gruezi planned and being on the water.
(Unfortunately a large stack of paperwork has arrived for me that must be completed for my new position. It has put me in a bit of a mood, but at the very least I've got to spend several hours slogging through it. I've also had to cancel a weekend in NYC in November due to a professional conflict. Reality is such a travel buzz killer! But, I've had quite the year for travels so time to put on my pantyhose so to speak and no whining.)
We are off to Auckland in the morning.
Farewell beautiful Australia! Thank you for a warm welcome!
In addition to an interesting collection of art, the MCA has a cafe on the 4th floor with great view of the harbor looking toward the Opera House. It was marred on Friday by the arrival of an extraordinarily large cruise ship, but a good spot to see a great view otherwise.
As luck would have it, Bokhara and I happened upon a tour of the Botanical Gardens that we happily joined. What a collection of specimens of every sort are in this well funded and tended garden. I was particularly taken by the variety of trees. I learned quite a bit and the time passed quickly. Were I to have more time in Sydney the gardens deserve another visit at least.
Bokhara and I refueled at a small cafe at the edge of the gardens and enjoyed more of each other's company. The proprietor of the cafe entrusted us to lock up our chairs after he closed down and left us for the day.
We took care of business with the chairs and strolled back to my hotel. It was a very nice day and I'm so lucky to have met Bokhara who is as lovely in person as she is here on Fodor's. We seem to share a lot if interests and it was great to have someone take charge of the day so I could just relax and enjoy. I'm so touched by the generosity of my Aussie Fodor's friends. It's really made my trip.
Afterward I bravely had my hair cut and colored at a salon just outside the hotel. The young lady who did it had blue hair and a large number of crystals embedded in her ears. She'd newly arrived from London hoping to relocate in Sydney. She was quite sweet and did a very nice job and kept my color very boringly brunette. Thank goodness! I'm one of those that mates with my hairdresser for life so this was rather brave of me.
Mr. Gruezi and I met after my haircut for some snacks at our hotel and he was so relieved when I asked if we could stay in and go to bed early. We party animals were sound asleep by 7:30. Hee, hee. We can't seem to shake the jetlag in the evenings. I was up early but rather jealous that he slept until 8 am.
Today we had a long and leisurely coffee overlooking the harbor and then took a ferry ride to Watson's Glen and had lunch right at the beachfront at Doyle's. We almost could put our toes in the sand we were that close. The weather was warmer and sunnier than forecast and we had a stunning view toward Sydney. The water was filled with boats of every sort and there was a happy summer feel to the day.
After a really delicious lunch of oysters, calamari and fish and chips we slowly walked up the hill to a short walking path around the cliffs. The walkway itself was not much, but gorgeous views were to be had all around. We were a bit sluggish from food and drink and slowly rolled back to the ferry and our hotel for a nap.
The day was a perfect close to our time in this harbor city - loved the date Mr. Gruezi planned and being on the water.
(Unfortunately a large stack of paperwork has arrived for me that must be completed for my new position. It has put me in a bit of a mood, but at the very least I've got to spend several hours slogging through it. I've also had to cancel a weekend in NYC in November due to a professional conflict. Reality is such a travel buzz killer! But, I've had quite the year for travels so time to put on my pantyhose so to speak and no whining.)
We are off to Auckland in the morning.
Farewell beautiful Australia! Thank you for a warm welcome!
Oct 18th, 2014, 12:27 AM
#88
See you later, Gruezi; you're a delightful & most welcome visitor.
It was a great pleasure to meet you as MissBB would agree. Thanks for a lovely day and I hope you wash up on our shores again soon.
Have fun in NZ & good luck in your new job. Bx
PS: Thanks for your kind words ... Takes one to know one
It was a great pleasure to meet you as MissBB would agree. Thanks for a lovely day and I hope you wash up on our shores again soon.
Have fun in NZ & good luck in your new job. Bx
PS: Thanks for your kind words ... Takes one to know one
Oct 18th, 2014, 06:39 AM
#89
sounds like you had a great GTG both of you, in a lovely spot. I'm not surprised that two people who seem so nice in our virtual world got on so well IRL.
Glad you liked Watson's Bay, Gruezi - we went back a second time to eat and swim, we'd like it so much the first time.
give my love to NZ - wonder if the jetlag will get better or worse?
Glad you liked Watson's Bay, Gruezi - we went back a second time to eat and swim, we'd like it so much the first time.
give my love to NZ - wonder if the jetlag will get better or worse?
Oct 18th, 2014, 12:52 PM
#90
Oct 18th, 2014, 10:34 PM
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So pleased everything worked well for you Gruezi. Have to agree Bokhara is great company ( she has led me astray many a time(willingly) )! Those photos will be a reminder of your stay here. A much better promotion of our city than Paul Hogan etc could ever do !
Oct 19th, 2014, 07:27 PM
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"See you later, Gruezi; you're a delightful & most welcome visitor"
Yes Bokhara, I do indeed agree. I knew nothing about Gruezi (she mainly posts on the Lounge Board apparently),we walked and talked for around 4 hours, covering all manner of topics including the "taboo topics" of politics, religion, provision/access to health care etc. as well as sightseeing around Melbourne. By coincidence her girls are a similar age and life stage as my boys - so we had a some experiences in common. Had a great morning, felt like I was catching up with a friend of longstanding.
Yes Bokhara, I do indeed agree. I knew nothing about Gruezi (she mainly posts on the Lounge Board apparently),we walked and talked for around 4 hours, covering all manner of topics including the "taboo topics" of politics, religion, provision/access to health care etc. as well as sightseeing around Melbourne. By coincidence her girls are a similar age and life stage as my boys - so we had a some experiences in common. Had a great morning, felt like I was catching up with a friend of longstanding.
Oct 20th, 2014, 01:11 AM
#96
Oh dear friends it's so nice you're all still sharing this wonderful adventure with me!
I loved the photos from Bokhara's link and recognized quite a few of them! I will say I've been enjoying the swimming pools (despite the rainy cool temperatures) this whole trip. And you all already know I'm loving the food.
I dare not get into the fish & chips debate! Let's just say fish & chips have been a spiritual experience as promised by someone way up thread. The whole "Doyle's date" will go down as Mr. Gruezi's (a notorious non-planner) finest hour.
Cocktails? Who knew??? My favorites have had ginger or passionfruit. Love passionfruit and it's everywhere including on my dessert last night. Another really great cocktail I hope to copy at home was vodka + ginger + pineapple juice - it was at Gingerboy in Melbourne and was called the Gingergirl. I even love the name.
Okay. New Zealand!
Flew wonderful Air New Zealand (brand new plane) from Sydney to Auckland and I had a window seat. The sky was so clear I got a great aerial view of this green and blue country from above. I will never forget having the soundtrack from Bridge Over Troubled Water playing as we flew over and landed. I'll admit to feeling pretty excited about the scenery I saw below. Like a kid really.
Sunday evening we were both terribly tired but forced ourselves to head downtown by the harbor for dinner. Went to Soul which we knew nothing about and chose walking by, but ended up having a great meal on their enclosed terrace (I had duck and Mr. Gruezi had snapper). We had a very sweet waitress who urged me to head to Waiheke today. We limped back to the hotel and collapsed into bed and had a lousy jetlagged sleep.
Today the weather was rainy so I was directed by the concierge to skip Waiheke and to take a ferry to funky and charming (my words) Devonport. I arrived there at about 10 am (slept in as we were MORE jetlagged with the 2 hour time change) and carefully shopped around for the best cafe for breakfast and hit paydirt at Correlli's. The perfect latte combined with the "morning glory muffin" was another religious experience. And this spot could not be cuter or friendlier. And the morning really was getting glorious due to that inspired muffin.
Afterward, I walked up Mount Victoria (a very easy and quick climb) for 360 degree views. Really pretty. I took some photos and came back to town and could have spent some time browsing in all the vintage and fabric and yarn shops in Devonport, but the sun was breaking through and the forecast basically says rain for the whole next week. So, I was determined to make the most of any sunshine I was graced with. I scrambled back to the ferry landing and just caught an outbound ferry to Waiheke. The weather was still looking a big iffy, but plenty of other people seemed to have my idea as the ferry was full.
Hopped off the ferry in Waiheke and was able to get the last seat on a 90 minute bus tour of the island. It's a pretty gorgeous place and after the tour I had a very average lunch but with a spectacular view in town at Vino Vino. Lunch views inspired me to head down onto the beach below for a stroll that turned into a "tramp" (kiwi for hike) on the "coastal track." The sun came out in full glory and this walk was stunningly beautiful.
(Some of you may remember I'm not the best with heights despite my obsession with coastal views, and at one point I got a big too high for myself and had to backtrack on my bottom. I don't know why I can't resist these cliff walks but someday maybe I'll overcome my fear of heights!)
In any event, I managed to get back safely to the harbor. I loved this island so much that we will spend our last two days there resting and relaxing when we come back from Wellington. And now we are hearing it's kind of a microclimate that often is sunny when it's raining elsewhere. (Fingers crossed.)
After I got back from Waiheke Mr. Gruezi and I had some wine and snacks together and then I went to the pool for a very refreshing swim and a spa soak. We are staying at the Auckland Langham, and although the hotel is kind of generic in some ways, there is a really wonderful pool and Chinese spa here. The pretty infinity pool is half salt and half chlorine which is really nice on the skin. Swimmers out there will know what I mean. It was cool outside but the heated pool tonight was a delight. After a soak in the spa there was an herbal steam room and an ice bath and "snail" shower. Ahhhhh.
It was a perfectly perfect day.
Tomorrow I'm off to the Auckland Art Gallery and then I'm having a spa afternoon - swimming if the weather cooperates - and a special Chinese medicine massage. Mr. Gruezi is warning me the hotel will be overtaken with IT geeks attending his conference, but hopefully they will not be at the spa!
We head off to Wellington on Wednesday. Weather looks less than wonderful but perhaps things will shape up a bit.
I loved the photos from Bokhara's link and recognized quite a few of them! I will say I've been enjoying the swimming pools (despite the rainy cool temperatures) this whole trip. And you all already know I'm loving the food.
I dare not get into the fish & chips debate! Let's just say fish & chips have been a spiritual experience as promised by someone way up thread. The whole "Doyle's date" will go down as Mr. Gruezi's (a notorious non-planner) finest hour.
Cocktails? Who knew??? My favorites have had ginger or passionfruit. Love passionfruit and it's everywhere including on my dessert last night. Another really great cocktail I hope to copy at home was vodka + ginger + pineapple juice - it was at Gingerboy in Melbourne and was called the Gingergirl. I even love the name.
Okay. New Zealand!
Flew wonderful Air New Zealand (brand new plane) from Sydney to Auckland and I had a window seat. The sky was so clear I got a great aerial view of this green and blue country from above. I will never forget having the soundtrack from Bridge Over Troubled Water playing as we flew over and landed. I'll admit to feeling pretty excited about the scenery I saw below. Like a kid really.
Sunday evening we were both terribly tired but forced ourselves to head downtown by the harbor for dinner. Went to Soul which we knew nothing about and chose walking by, but ended up having a great meal on their enclosed terrace (I had duck and Mr. Gruezi had snapper). We had a very sweet waitress who urged me to head to Waiheke today. We limped back to the hotel and collapsed into bed and had a lousy jetlagged sleep.
Today the weather was rainy so I was directed by the concierge to skip Waiheke and to take a ferry to funky and charming (my words) Devonport. I arrived there at about 10 am (slept in as we were MORE jetlagged with the 2 hour time change) and carefully shopped around for the best cafe for breakfast and hit paydirt at Correlli's. The perfect latte combined with the "morning glory muffin" was another religious experience. And this spot could not be cuter or friendlier. And the morning really was getting glorious due to that inspired muffin.
Afterward, I walked up Mount Victoria (a very easy and quick climb) for 360 degree views. Really pretty. I took some photos and came back to town and could have spent some time browsing in all the vintage and fabric and yarn shops in Devonport, but the sun was breaking through and the forecast basically says rain for the whole next week. So, I was determined to make the most of any sunshine I was graced with. I scrambled back to the ferry landing and just caught an outbound ferry to Waiheke. The weather was still looking a big iffy, but plenty of other people seemed to have my idea as the ferry was full.
Hopped off the ferry in Waiheke and was able to get the last seat on a 90 minute bus tour of the island. It's a pretty gorgeous place and after the tour I had a very average lunch but with a spectacular view in town at Vino Vino. Lunch views inspired me to head down onto the beach below for a stroll that turned into a "tramp" (kiwi for hike) on the "coastal track." The sun came out in full glory and this walk was stunningly beautiful.
(Some of you may remember I'm not the best with heights despite my obsession with coastal views, and at one point I got a big too high for myself and had to backtrack on my bottom. I don't know why I can't resist these cliff walks but someday maybe I'll overcome my fear of heights!)
In any event, I managed to get back safely to the harbor. I loved this island so much that we will spend our last two days there resting and relaxing when we come back from Wellington. And now we are hearing it's kind of a microclimate that often is sunny when it's raining elsewhere. (Fingers crossed.)
After I got back from Waiheke Mr. Gruezi and I had some wine and snacks together and then I went to the pool for a very refreshing swim and a spa soak. We are staying at the Auckland Langham, and although the hotel is kind of generic in some ways, there is a really wonderful pool and Chinese spa here. The pretty infinity pool is half salt and half chlorine which is really nice on the skin. Swimmers out there will know what I mean. It was cool outside but the heated pool tonight was a delight. After a soak in the spa there was an herbal steam room and an ice bath and "snail" shower. Ahhhhh.
It was a perfectly perfect day.
Tomorrow I'm off to the Auckland Art Gallery and then I'm having a spa afternoon - swimming if the weather cooperates - and a special Chinese medicine massage. Mr. Gruezi is warning me the hotel will be overtaken with IT geeks attending his conference, but hopefully they will not be at the spa!
We head off to Wellington on Wednesday. Weather looks less than wonderful but perhaps things will shape up a bit.
Oct 20th, 2014, 03:38 AM
#97
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Thanks for posting your TR in the lounge - I would have missed it! wow! sounds so wonderful!
Our daughter has struggled with jet lag a bit Gruezi - it is a 17 hour time difference from California and she is still a little tired (3 weeks in!)
Looking forward to reading about New Zealand! I have always wanted to go!
Thanks for sharing your trip !!
Our daughter has struggled with jet lag a bit Gruezi - it is a 17 hour time difference from California and she is still a little tired (3 weeks in!)
Looking forward to reading about New Zealand! I have always wanted to go!
Thanks for sharing your trip !!
Oct 20th, 2014, 07:17 AM
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<<I dare not get into the fish & chips debate!>>
Oops!
I have to concede that the fish and chips at Doyles are excellent and with the views are hard to beat.
Glad to hear you're enjoying every bit of sunshine
Oops!
I have to concede that the fish and chips at Doyles are excellent and with the views are hard to beat.
Glad to hear you're enjoying every bit of sunshine
