So, everything has fallen into place and we’ve arrived in Auckland. As I write that first sentence of this post I realize I have fallen into the trap of adopting a new fad in the abuse of language. They seem to spring up from time to time, often initiated by teenagers or sports commentators, but I’m not sure where this new one germinated. Of course, I’m talking about the gradual replacement of ‘Well …’ with ‘So …’ at the beginning of a reply, to get attention or give time to put thoughts in order. To my conservative ear it sounds odd but probably no worse than the over-use of Well or Um.
We flew from Melbourne by QANTAS, in an A320, which is a nice little plane for domestic use but like a sardine tin for an international flight where people expect a little more room to watch the TV and to be fed. We haven’t flown QANTAS for years and only did so this time because Marilyn had a credit from a cancelled flight to Manila, and we had to use it within a certain time. We won’t be using them again in a hurry unless they change their policy of allowing only 31 inches between the seats. When other airlines can offer up to 34 inches for a cheaper price, we’ll avoid the flying kangaroo.
The Ibis hotel at Auckland airport claims to be only a 700m walk from the terminal and we could see their neon sign in the distance but 11.30 at night is too late for a stroll so we looked for a taxi. Inevitably, the driver was a Sikh and very helpful at loading our bags into the boot but, when we told him our destination, he apologized and said that he would have to charge us the minimum fare of $36, even though it was only a few minutes’ drive. Welcome to New Zealand! He also told us there was a free bus if we wanted to unload the bags and try that. No, I said bravely, we’re in now. Drive on! (We’re on holidays after all).
This morning we took the airport shuttle which dropped us off at the wharf. We couldn’t book in until 4.15 so we checked in our bags and wandered into town. We love Auckland. Like Sydney and Melbourne, it’s become an Asian city with a feeling of energy and purpose. We bought a couple of last-minute things we needed and found a Japanese restaurant for lunch before heading back to the ship.
Boarding was slick and our cabin was on Deck 8, near the front of the ship – a good size and perfect for our needs. It will take us a couple of days to establish our routine. There are 5 or 6 dining options so we’ll have to try them all. Tonight was the Pacific Moon; the food was excellent but it always is on the Diamond Princess.
We flew from Melbourne by QANTAS, in an A320, which is a nice little plane for domestic use but like a sardine tin for an international flight where people expect a little more room to watch the TV and to be fed. We haven’t flown QANTAS for years and only did so this time because Marilyn had a credit from a cancelled flight to Manila, and we had to use it within a certain time. We won’t be using them again in a hurry unless they change their policy of allowing only 31 inches between the seats. When other airlines can offer up to 34 inches for a cheaper price, we’ll avoid the flying kangaroo.
The Ibis hotel at Auckland airport claims to be only a 700m walk from the terminal and we could see their neon sign in the distance but 11.30 at night is too late for a stroll so we looked for a taxi. Inevitably, the driver was a Sikh and very helpful at loading our bags into the boot but, when we told him our destination, he apologized and said that he would have to charge us the minimum fare of $36, even though it was only a few minutes’ drive. Welcome to New Zealand! He also told us there was a free bus if we wanted to unload the bags and try that. No, I said bravely, we’re in now. Drive on! (We’re on holidays after all).
This morning we took the airport shuttle which dropped us off at the wharf. We couldn’t book in until 4.15 so we checked in our bags and wandered into town. We love Auckland. Like Sydney and Melbourne, it’s become an Asian city with a feeling of energy and purpose. We bought a couple of last-minute things we needed and found a Japanese restaurant for lunch before heading back to the ship.
Boarding was slick and our cabin was on Deck 8, near the front of the ship – a good size and perfect for our needs. It will take us a couple of days to establish our routine. There are 5 or 6 dining options so we’ll have to try them all. Tonight was the Pacific Moon; the food was excellent but it always is on the Diamond Princess.
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