Shopping, Fush & Chups and Rain

It has been wonderful in New Zealand. I love where my Nana's flat is located, in the town of Devonport, directly across the harbour from Auckland. I could totally get used to it, and it is a possibility, cause my parents are considering retiring here in the next few years. Pretty neat, but we'll see what happens, and if they are actually able to retire here, considering all that is holding us back in New York..

Anyway, the past few days have been fun. On Sunday, we went over to my cousins' house for a Sunday Roast lunch of lamb, potatoes and veges. It was yummy and it was great spending time with my 2 cousins who are 15 and 11.

Peter, Me and Emma

After, my Uncle dropped me off at my other cousins house- home to Lizzie and Katy and their parents Robin and Richard. They invited me to stay for the night, which was really nice. I love staying with them, because they are my age- 21 and 23. As per my request, we went out to a Mexican Restaurant. Last year when I visited, we went out to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant right at the base of the Sky Tower. The food was so good- authentic- just like the food we get back in the US, so as authentic as US Mexican food is. Anyway, Melbourne doesn't have any Mexican food like that, so I really wanted to go, and they were so nice to take me. We started the night off with some yummy Strawberry Margaritas and some Salsa, Guacamole, and Cheese dip. For main course, I had my usual- cheese enchiladas- with beans and rice. It was absolutely the best thing EVER. I was craving it so bad. I wish I had taken a photo of the deliciousness.

After dinner, Katy and Lizzie and I rented a movie, Couples Retreat, and watched it back at the house. Lizzie and I stayed up for a while, catching up on life and exchanging goss. The next morning, we woke up and had breaky and headed into the city on Queens Street. Lizzie wanted to see a New Zealand film in theatres called "Boy" so we decided to see it before she had Uni. It was such a GREAT movie! It was at Sundance, and it was so powerful. I highly recommend it. Here is the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwqfR8g-Qow

After the movie Lizzie and I bid each other farewell and headed down onto Queen Street for shopping. First stop, Jay Jays! I bought 2 pairs of jeans and a black leather looking jacket that I have been after for a while. Ended up spending a lot of money, but the exchange rate from USD to NZD is better than USD to AUS. After that, I went and bought a wallet down the street, popped into a few more stores but ultimately decided I had spent enough money and couldnt be fucked to do any more shopping. So, I walked to the ferry building and made it just in time for the 2pm ferry.

Ferry building in Auckland

Once I got to Devonport, I had to walk back to my Nana's. I was carrying my backpack and all of my purchases- and stopped at the New World Supermarket to get some NZ chocolate bars and 2 $1 dollar scratch off lotto cards. I also stopped in the $2 dollar store and got some random knick-knacks for people. Then I began the hike home, which took a while, since I was holding so much stuff.

Self timer action on the way home

I was almost home, and decided to stop at the little beach/park near my Nana's, which have some excellent views of Auckland. I took some photos on the self timer and posed and had fun. It was a nice rest. For dinner we had some fush and chups! It was absolutely delicious. I have grown to really like fish since I have been down in the Southern Hemisphere. It was so fresh and tastey.

Today, I woke up around 10 and helped my Mum change my flight back to the US. I am now leaving on July 2nd instead of June 30th, only 2 days difference, but I'm happy cause now I have 2 more days to spend with Chris! After, we headed over to the mall. It was TORRENTIAL rain the entire way there, but luckily we made it there in one piece. I went to exchange my jacket at Jay Jays because I wanted a different size, and stopped at Valley Girl. It was an outlet store, so I got 2 things for cheap- a nice top and a cute little cardigan. Also stopped at Farmers and picked up some stockings, since the ones I have in Melbourne have holes all over the place.

We stopped at the hospital to visit my Granddad, who was in good spirits, and my Uncle and his girlfriend who had just arrived from their Hong Kong flight (Hes a pilot and she is a flight attendant) stopped by the hospital to say hi. We came home, had dinner, and have relaxed the rest of the night. Mum and I played a card game "Strip Jack Naked" which is always fun. What a silly name for a card game!

Tomorrow is my last full day in Auckland, which will most likely be spend doing some homework, and seeing some family. All and all it has been fun, and relaxing!

Auckland