My departure from Christchurch was a tad sad since Liz and Paul's little dudes became attached to me and vice versa! I do plan on seeing them once I get settled here and my bank account gives me the go ahead.
Anyway, the flight was a fast 465 miles. Colin, my dad's friend's friend, picked me up again! He took me to the top of one of the 15 inactive volcanoes (Mt. Eden) that are in and around this city. And as we walked up a bit to get "the" view, I hear, "Jo?" I turned around before even thinking about how random it would be if I actually knew someone on top of a volcano in Auckland. Right?!?! It turned out to be a lovely couple from Reno, NV that I met on the wine tour I took last week.
So after to bizarre encounter on the volcano, I went to dinner with Colin and his wife, Charmaine. We shared a steaming pot of lobster and brandy bisque mussels. So flippin' good!
I may need to establish the Generous Award of the Year for these two. I could go on and on, but the long and short of it is that a lot of stress has been surpassed because of this awesome couple!
On to the next great couple, Michael and Annette - the owners of The Grove. I have only spoke to Annette on the phone, but met Michael at the restaurant yesterday. He is a friendly, always on the go, family guy and I think we get along quite well. Thank you for this connection, Fabio!! I am on the roster starting tomorrow! I am happy to dive right into it. Check out the restaurant's site here. Be sure to look at the wine menu! Amazing and intense!
As far as living arrangements...I am looking at a place tomorrow in a suburb called Point Chevalier. It is just close enough, but just far away enough to the centre of town and work. Auckland is indeed a BUSY city, so I have opted to search in the closer/safer/trendier suburbs. This first place has a view of the bay, so keep your fingers crossed that the listing is telling the truth and nothing but the truth.
Ok...I am off to bed, friends and family. Cheers.
love you!
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