Waiheke Island, New Zealand
The first thing we did when we left the customs at Auckland airport was treat ourselves to a very unhealthy McDonalds Hunger Buster Breakfast and a lovely freshly ground coffee. What a real treat it was and the fact that the toilets were self-flushing and had no bin to put your used paper. No need to go into detail I know, but it was rather strange and quite welcoming to see the paper flush away for the first time since we left the UK.
New Zealand continued to treat us with little luxuries as the day continued, the biggest of which was to come later when we'd be meeting with Hannah, Ollie and Emily in our little pad on Waiheke Island. We caught an early ferry to check out our cottage and get ourselves familiar with the surroundings. After dumping our bags and a quick cup of english breakfast tea, we hopped on a bus and headed over to the only supermarket on the island. We found many treats there including feta cheese, proper bacon, but most importantly MARMITE! I yelped when I saw the familiar jar on the shelf and grabbed one and hugged it for a while under the constant gaze of couple of geriatrics doing their weekly shop. It was branded MY MATE! My long lost mate was now found again.
It was somewhat surreal and thoroughly wonderful when Hannah, Ollie and little Emily joined us later that evening for dinner. I just couldn't believe I was there with one of my oldest friends enjoying a good catch up. After diner we just relaxed with a nice bottle of red from Mendoza.
The next morning us ladies went to the nearby beach. Emily is such a beach-babe, she loves playing in the sand and gave me my first exfoliating wet-sand rub. We braved the cold waters for a quick 5 minute dip before heading back to the cottage for some lunch and head out to the nearby town of Oneroa.
It seemed Emily took to us fairly quickly and I think Mark was her favourite. As soon as he was out of sight her questions started flowing 'Where's Marky?" 'Where did he go?". He was really good with her too. They played all her games and puzzles, and I think he rather enjoyed himself. Emily is such a loving little girl. I think the cutest thing I saw was Emily giving Hannah's bump nice wet kisses and for a 2.5 year old she's incredibly well-behaved. Well, except for when it's bed time!
Our afternoon trip into the main town of Oneroa on the very crowded bus highlighted the need for a large family vehicle and Ollie treated us to one next day. We had a lovely couple of days running around the island to nice cafe's, art galeries and vineyards. Waiheke is also known as ' the island of wine' and they have some gorgeous vineyards over looking to the bay across to Auckland city. Many also have stunning restaurants and cafes attached. Mark and I did quite a few tastings there and, as is our fashion, purchased more wine that we now have to carry in our backpacks.
It was amazing to just chill out enjoying the stunning scenery and good food; and most importantly spend some quality time with good friends. But unfortunately our 4 days seemed to flyby and before long it was time repack the backpacks and say goodbye to Hannah, Ollie and Emily. They were on their way to visit family and then were jetting off to Fiji for a short get-away before the new baby arrives and we were on our way down to South Island for the big birthday celebrations. The fact that we will be seeing them in a few weeks time in Sydney made the goodbye so much more bareable.
