Solo day in Auckland: Friday, 7/24

I fell asleep around 4pm yesterday and didn't wake up until 4am this morning, but luckily today I feel completely refreshed and excited to be here! And since I didn't even take the time to look out my window before crashing, look what I saw this morning:

Oh hey, Deloitte! Towering over the surrounding buildings. Nice to see you.

After watching tv until an acceptable breakfast hour, I walked to Shaky Isles- a cute cafe a block away from the hotel. Everyone has been so friendly here, and I got the cashier's recommendation plus a big cup of coffee, no surprise. The poached eggs were great and made me think of Mama because they're one of her favorites :)

Since it was an overcast day, I decided to wander to the New Zealand Maritime Museum for a tour and harbor sail. I got there reasonably early in the day and ended up on a private tour with a fantastic older gentleman volunteer named Graham. I have nothing but positive things to say about him and the museum. With exhibits ranging from early NZ settlement to immigration to whaling to yachting to fishing and beyond, the tour took over two hours and I could've been in there reading information for another three hours. I was so happy that I ended up deciding to go there- all of the history and importance of boating to NZ in general gave me a great perspective for the next few weeks. Graham also gave me advice about things to see and buy throughout the rest of the country, and we had a great time meandering through the museum and laughing at all of the school groups running around. He introduced me to the phrase "Take pictures, leave footprints", which I naturally fell in love with because I live for good quotes and mantras.

Next I hopped on the Jane Gifford for a harbor tour with a few other tourists, and we went to the Auckland Harbour Bridge and back! It was fun, and I got to help hoist a sail so I felt more like a sailor than I ever have in my life. I also talked to a few crew members who instantly picked out that I was American and offered more advice about their favorite places in NZ. 

In the afternoon I visited Auckland's Art Museum because it was free, so why not? I can't say there was anything particularly unique about it, but it was a pleasant way to spend my late afternoon regardless.

That wraps up my day- Jen gets in late tonight and I'm SO EXCITED to hug my little again! We meet up with our Topdeck group tomorrow around noon as well, where the adventure continues!