Every minute I spend with my sister is one to treasure

NOW HERE'S THE PART WHERE I'M SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU HOW AWESOME WAIHEKE ISLAND IS - 

So let me profess my love publicly for its care-free beauty and how the archipelago can cheer up anybody. For the most part it *was* awesomely splendorous but the sun disappeared from us frequently behind twisty, dark clouds. Nevertheless, we weren't going to allow that to stop our fun; no way sirree! I had some more paradisey plans but as it kept alternating between warm and cool, it was not to be. Waiheke had committed a weather foul with the sunshine being stupidly selfish; we didn't really want to engage with drizzle. 

I'd imagined having Amy in the same hemisphere as me for so long that it was special just to be back together again .. it doesn't matter what we're doing really. It's even better when we can spend it on one of the PRETTIER islands in Auckland. I'd sort of thought the day star would be glowing down all day as it did at the beginning and we'd put on pretty, blue dresses for impressing.

WAIHEKE IS AS CLOSE TO PERFECTION AS ISLANDS COME - 

As we exited the ferry, the sea was scintillating and the surroundings exotic. Everything was immaculate bar the sand! Photos will legit have your Snap and Insta blowing up. It was a 20 minute stroll to Oneroa - the Village by the sea, past wild flowers and tweetie birds warbling blithely, with it feeling like you're inside a screensaver. We perused the sculptures at Alison Park, a former rubbish tip, filled to the brim with native trees, looking over the valley. 

The main beach on the isle is the golden sanded, Oneroa Beach, sheltered water in Hauraki Gulf. Boy, can seagulls clear a beach! When we sat to eat our lunch, they were instantly on the attack. NO gate crashing seagull is worth this unwelcome interruption; they have no business treating holiday makers this way! We spent time: rounding up paua shell fragments while chilling like professional beach bunnies, paddling and being smarter than the ocean by avoiding the mighty waves and a soaking, casting out wishes on shell 'rings' because it's a Rianne and Amy thing and we are odd ducks and swinging on the park swings right on the beachfront as you're obliged to do.

GELATO HATH CHANGED ME - 

I only have compliments for the cherry and macadamia nut serving from The Island Gelato Company; it was a blessing to taste its creamy consistency. 'Without gelato, there would be darkness and chaos' - is a sentiment emblazoned on the staff tees and I concur wholeheartedly. Amy's the sweetest to put up with my nonsense for our Boomerang fails as we 'Cheers'-ed with our cups of gelato. 

As it is customary to do, Amy and I purchased a piece of jewellery for one another in the form of a bone carving necklace. Amy chose a purple whale tail and I, a teal infinity symbol. We went on to look at some art pieces of outstanding craftsmanship with prices to match. Then rode the bus to Onetangi beach (one I hadn't visited last time as it was a 10km distance from Oneroa and I didn't fancy walking it).

A GORGEOUS SPECIMEN OF  A BEACH - 

Onetangi is a Maori name that means 'weeping sands'. The beach is a serenely picturesque expanse of 1.87 kms, made for me; the sun came out and we basked in its warmth. It enhanced my mood but decreased my energy so it was lovely to do nothing but just be happy! Amy shell-hunted some more while I rested by a dune before we both dipped in the sea as it shimmered like it was dripping with thousands of diamonds. We didn't get to see dolphins on the coast and as it became too breezy late in the afternoon to sit outside on the top deck of the ferry, we tucked ourselves away on the lower deck. 

We had a cheery evening in Darcy's company at Ain't No Taco, a spot I chose for its yumminess, not knowing that Amy hates the majority of Mexican cuisine. Luckily, there was an item on the menu that took her fancy and she loved her selection of kaarage chicken mini tacos. I like this place as you can select fresh ingredients for a super-size bowl of taco salad treats. 

SISTER OUTINGS ARE SUCH FUN! - 

We were on the other side of earth from Mama Montigue on her birthday but celebrating early on her behalf. We thought of her all day long, hoping that all her dreams come true before long. First on the agenda, was popping into Gallagher Bassett for morning tea so the crew could meet ma soeur and I was able to say a last farewell to the work friends I have grown so, SO fond of. Amy was able to see the banter between us and how highly thought of I was on the team. We were fed with donuts and I showed her round the office. 

Not long after, the little ladies took the short ferry over to Devonport - the greatest, colonial suburb and its stately villas. Torpedo Bay was our secluded spot for lunch and the sun decided to cooperate, beaming down semi-warm rays for which we were grateful. It blows my mind that this is the beeeeeeeautiful location we find ourselves in as we spent our Friday in a BIG, happiness bubble. Amy was almost mauled by a barbaric birdie on the warpath and 'big' sister had to step in to shoo it away. Forgive us, if we're not thrilled to be driven up the wall by these wretched, winged warriors!

I WILL GLADLY LEAVE MY HEART IN THIS LAND - 

Crazy Boomerang clips were of course recorded by us on the beach; you think us strange? WE ARE :D We laughed with our entire faces as we lived life off the leash! In fact, we're still laughing about this day and how we were being silly billies as I embarrassed Amy and MYSELF with the faces I was pulling. Apparently, I'm not sane enough to take a normal photograph cos that's too boring. 

The Navy Museum is a salute to the Royal New Zealand Navy with artefacts showcasing the history of New Zealand involvement in WW1's sea war. Amy adeptly used Morse code to signal a message by light which was decoded by a Navy veteran so she must have been successful in her mission. It's cool that it is housed in a 19th Century torpedo station with many naval resources and displays. 

IT'S ALL AN ADVENTURE THAT COMES WITH A BREATHTAKING VIEW - 

Next was our visitation to North Head Army Barracks where the coastal defense would have taken shelter from the 'feared Russian invasion' during WW1 and WW2, over one of Auckland's oldest, volcanic cones. This was positioned strategically over the shipping channel. The views were not much to look at (!!!) in this magical kingdom as the sun broke forth through clouds over Cheltenham beach below us. 

We explored the loop of self-guided barracks along rocky ledges of military tunnels, gun emplacements and fortifications all over the grassy hill, historical reserve. It's easy for me to get a little screwy in dark, confined souls which may be sissy behaviour but I was on edge and freaking myself out and that happens to me too much. Had a nose around the shops and then scoped out Devonport Chocolates, the gourmet store of alarmingly, overpriced goodness. Our dark choc shot was spectacular 'sauce' with a glossy, smooth texture. However, the cheapest items we could purchase were milk and dark chocolate frogs and tokens and I mean this in a very nice way... these were a sad, non-special excuse for plain, moulded choccie. 

I DON'T MEAN TO BRAG BUT WE HAVE REAAAALLLYYYY GOOD TASTE IN WHAT'S YUMMY - 

Dining in Elliott Stables, many restaurants in uno posh food court causing a debacle of choice is always an inspired decision. Both of us had Cajun from Bonz Cajun Kitchen, I have a crush on the culinary invention of jamabalaya and Amy's plate of chicken sliders and curly fries also merits a cheer. Pudding was another stunning treat from the team at Miann. The exquisite Illanka gateaux was the friend I've never had and the dessert artiste has my glowing regards. Our day rounded out video chatting with the birthday Mum overseas, the connection may have been bad but the main thing was that we could communicate at an hour on her actual birthday. 

On our final evening in Auckland, my completely wonderful Felicias and I had a lovely, intimate get together at the Keyes, allowing me to say goodbye to friends who'd accepted me for all my weirdness. I didn't want to leave this city EVER :( I'm especially going to miss my babes as I had a lot of happy memories with all these wonderful women. It makes me a little misty even now as I met angels in Auckland that my life is not the same without.