A divine fairy tale of a day

I WISH I COULD CAPABLY DOCUMENT HOW THIS JEWEL IS MORE PERFECT THAN PERFECT - 

The 40 minute ferry across the glittering sea to Hauraki Gulf's, Waiheke Island would have been more blissful without the huge hen party on board. The theme was evidently - gold, judging by their apparel and all had a very intimate relationship with booze even before midday!! All passengers were in the eye of the hens hurricane of inebriation. 

Coming into range of the treasure isle was overwhelming as I was struck by appreciation for nature and the magnificence of creation. I saw all kinds of beautiful things in the ideal surroundings for soul searching and day tripping. The instant you step upon these sunnier shores, you know you are somewhere special and sub-tropical. Plus, it was voted the 4th best island in the world to visit by Conde Nast. 

The sun was wearing me out and stealing my breath but I would not be burnt as I topped up my lotion more than was necessary. I have long since mostly banished bacon from my diet but the B.R.A.T (bacon, rocket, avocado and tomato) ciabatta from Solar Eating House was soon swallowed down on a whim. And if all of Auckland's bacon is *thaaaat* succulent and non-fatty, it has my blessing to pass through my oesophagus more frequently. 

IT'S A GLORIOUS DAY, IS IT NOT? - 

And on one so gorgeous, it is practically law to consume gelato - fact. Bless you, Island Gelato Company in the cute village of Oneroa for your ice cream of solace, sunshine and sugar. My picks of blueberry crumble and chocolate coconut set my world on fire. Oneroa is not a completely 'horrible-looking' beach (!); it deserves for people to like and visit it. The pretty pohutukawa trees and lilac floral bushes frame many a spot for a photo op. 

Delving into rare, exotic spaces is my joy! I'm prone to rambling (in both senses of the word) especially in picturesque environments as that's where the party is for me - in explorations. A tremendous amount of walking sweatily uphill was accomplished in order to make my way to Palm Beach. A bus could have taken me there directly, but where would the fun in that be? The exercise did me no harm either. 

The beach was not as exotic as other parts of the isle but it was a joyous place to chill with a chilled can of L & P nonetheless. 

I'M GLAD I CRASHED THE WEDDING - 

Witnessing this holy union of man and wife was the best part of my day and it was then that it dawned on me -----> I am too young and TOO fun to be alone for the rest of my days. Am I so objectionably UNmarriable?? The bride was all glowy having her Cinderella moment and the groom beamed from ear to ear. I was suddenly overcome with emotion for this elated couple I did not know because they just seemed so sweet. 

Vowing to love each other 'even when we're old and wrinkly..' and 'even when we don't like each other..' awwwwww. The idea to have husband and wife encircled in a circle of love by those closest to them and with blue-purple flowers wreathed on the sand, was resplendent.

The wedding ceremony drew in umpteen spectators, it being on a public beach but I did NOT appreciate some of the cynics close by to me, betting the marriage wouldn't last. Don't be mad at these lovesome newlyweds just cos they get to be happy, all you idiot people!

TOO BUSY BEING CHASED BY THE BOYS (but he's young enough to be my son) - 

A little blondie boy, that I took to be from a Scandinavian country, came along trying to burgle my heart. He couldn't communicate with me in English but babbled away merrily to me in his native tongue as he kept running from his parents to sit beside me. It's like he wanted me to be his Mum. He'd share his toy truck with me and chat cutely but became sad when it was time for me to leave. Looking over his shoulder as he returned to his family, he'd stop several times to look to me as if to check it was okay for him to go back with them and would wait until I nodded my 'approval.' 

The gleaming reflections of sunshine off the water ferry side were so summery and gladly received. Waiheke was as beautiful as I imagined it to be and I already want to visit again. 

I'm feelin' you, 2017!

TRYING THE NEW YEAR ON FOR SIZE - 

Video chatting with my family as they saw in their start of 2017 with a sequinned fail of party poppers. One thing that always brings child-like joy to us Montigues is SPARKLERS.. that is unless you are Jamie and wuss out over the remote possibility of burning your fingers! It meant the world to be part of that. 

In a bid to rid myself of some of the Christmas pounds that have taken up residence on my physique, I took a long walk to Cornwall park. And what a delightful way it was to spend my first afternoon of January! Cos you know I so like to explore and experience our wide world's sweeping expanse. 

The fuzzy, cutie sheep were just darling grazing in green pastures and within the olive groves. I aawwwed or should that be BAAAAA-ed over the loveliness of these livestock. On through the park to One Tree Hill ** which erupted some 20,000 years back and was named more recently after the single, solitary tree 'pon the summit. That tree has since been dug out by the Council who deemed it unsafe. 

**Not to be confused with the teen US show of the same name

I GET LOST IN THE BEAUTY OF EVERYTHING I SEE - 

45 hectares were inhabited by a a Maori fortification which was the largest and most populous of Maori settlements on Auckland's volcanic cones. Some snippets of interest I learnt from the signposts *Auckland's volcanoes are the domain of the deity Mataaho * Great tohunga (a Maori Priest) Tiriwa is said to have carried Rangitoto (a volcanic island) from the west coast near Piha to Waitemata harbour. 

The story of 2 Maori lovers Hinemairangi and Tamaireiea who fell in love in the Waitakere Ranges and eloped shows how fiercely protective fathers were even back. Her papa led a war party in the dark of night to bring her back. Spells were cast causing volcanic eruptions and Hunua responded with fiery lava magic - creating the volcanic landscape of Auckland as it is today. Allegedly Hinemairangi didn't want to poke the dragon any further and so retreated home - later he transformed into a rock. 

This earth is intensely pretty and I have to pinch myself on a daily basis that this is currently the reality I get to reside in. 

MACHINES, I MEAN I DON'T HATE THEM - 

What the heck was I thinking trekking 6 kms in the rain? I was sodden; why didn't the grey skies dry up for me? My general lack of enthusiasm for transport shouldn't come as a shock but I had a coupon and museums are a rainy day activity. It was not normal for me to have been so happy to have ridden the free tram at MOTAT to the second half: Memorial Aviation Collection. I can't say I'm inordinately interested in planes but the collection within the blister hanger is remarkable. 

I'm so a fan of trams and wish they were in greater use so it was cool that they have some from the late 1800's. In the Idea Collective, the guests are encouraged to be interactive with the displays where a series of innovators are creating an evolving collaborative project - complete with kitschy wall murals and a light up bridge. I felt compelled to leave my message of inspiration on a pink post it note to a wall of other graffiti. 

The fun destroyers won't grant access to the funky-looking, glow-in-the-dark, lazer maze to anyone over the age of 14!! I couldn't deal with how quaint the historic village was; in particular the church and school house (fascinated). As a modern woman who has taught, the strictest rules enforced upon shackled, female teachers back in that era are not ones I would want to be revisited. These are some of the antiquated things that were outlawed (all of which I could never abide by): you may not keep company with men, you may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores and you may not dress in bright colours. 

I accrued much knowledge of transportation. 

I WANT TO BE A FRIEND TO ALL ANIMALS -

And so I went with my friend Hinsan to visit Auckland Zoo and see lotsa lizards and monkeys. The green geckos and skinks housed in NZ's largest reptile collection were awesome, the American alligators were too close to me for my liking and the dear, teeny Pygmy marmosets totally enamoured mi corazon. A baboon bit the bare, beetroot bottom of another - Kid ya not!!

How delighted I was to spot an active, AWAKE red panda as I'd only encountered hidden, sleepy ones before. My ears were entranced by the pretty sounds trilling from the beaks of the tui birds and their numerous other feathered friends within the aviary. I was set on viewing the national symbol of New Zealand but kiwi birds are notoriously nocturnal and their enclosure was light deficient. I got a 5 second peek in the simulated nighttime environment before it snuck back into its little house - razzlefrat! I'd have been less than pleased had we come away without a sighting. 

SANTA FORGOT TO STUFF ONE OF THESE CUTIES IN MY STOCKING - 

We were spectators to the elephants, Barma and Anjalee feeding time. The worker's commentary told us that the ellies are walked around the zoo each day, are tusk-less and how the females of he species ditch their blokes in their herds - I like that! Aww shucksy doodle, the largest of all land mammals share my appetite for popsicles and smashed their massive, fruity ice blocks against a log. The zoo won't be winning any zoological awards but I also liked the meerkats, lions, tigers and little penguins . 

Giraffes were separated with their ostrich pal appearing to peck at the gate dividing the Mister from his Missus, so they could be reunited. I read in the newspaper the next day that the mother had just days before given birth to twin calves and devastatingly the boy had to be euthanised. The reason being he was considered too weak to survive as he had some serious condition; splitting them up must have been on account of this tragedy. 

WE'RE SAUCEPAN SISTERS NOW - 

I still find the fair seaside village of Devonport pleasing, particularly with the company of Kaitlin, Ericca and Candice. They trusted the incompetent cook to take charge of frying up the onion and bacon on the fired up gas cooker and I took my role super seriously. Kaitlin was laughed at (as is the norm!) as she fretted about contamination of the garlic and kept saying she'd purchase fish and chips if we took any longer. 

A fettucine carbonara was concocted; mine was kept apart from the pot to spare me of cheese. Which was maybe just as well since Kaitlin bunged all that was grated into the pan making their portions extra EXTRA cheesy.We must have looked pretty fancy at Narrow Neck beach wrapped up in our blankets to beat the wind and then eating out of cups or passing around the pan as bowls and sufficient cutlery for 4 was forgotten. 

THESE ARE THE SIMPLE PLEASURES THAT MAKE LIFE WONDERFUL - 

Hearing the rolling waves break against the shore, a COOKED meal, followed by hot chocolate and having the beach nearly all to ourselves (not counting the whopper seagulls and fluffy doggie who was keen for some of our grub). We weren't able to see the sunset as we weren't on a beach facing the right direction but still beheld the sky streak with pink before it went to bed. 

Up the hill, down the hill card game was wildly entertaining! I came a respectful 3rd place (pah out of 4!) and Kaitlin wanted to play all night long so she wouldn't remain in last position and could attempt to dethrone Ericca but it was already dark after several rounds. 

My muffins of new mates brought me some smiles and I'm so thankful for that. It's BRILLIANT getting to know these girls better and I hope that's something that will continue for life.