Auckland
The Airbus A330 approached the International Date Line at a speed of 550 MPH, the carriage began to shake, the seatbelt sign flashed on, the flight attendants scurried to their jump seats. The Airbus rocked for two full minutes, then went smooth. Just like that DeLorean shook in Back to Future. We had busted through the International Date Line. Friday 8 pm became Saturday 8 pm. I thought they made up that shaking business just for the movie; neat.
18 hours in a jet plane, across the equator, landing in New Zealand; my reservoir was depleted. A one hour, late afternoon nap on my second day in Auckland would be the final step required to restore me. A few minutes after slipping into REM sleep, my hotel bed began vibrating, very pleasant, yet I didn’t recall a vibrate option.
Hobbit Land was shaking at 6.3 intensity.
The TV news folks predict 23 aftershocks will continue to quake New Zealand for a couple of weeks. The quake center lies 250 miles south of Auckland, alongside New Zealand Highway 2; The Wine Trail. This paved path leads from Hawks Bay into Wellington, the capital; my driving route five days hence.
At some vineyard along the Wine Trail, I’ll sip wine, watching the mountain tops jiggle; a New Zealand peep show.
Mai Thai Restaurant
Walking the sidewalks of Auckland, the multi-culture is remarkable. Thailand is not the largest émigré community, but they influence the dining options.
As you enter Mai Thai you will be welcomed with the Wai, the Thai greeting consisting of a slight bow, with palms pressed together prayer-like. White linen covers the tables, superb spicy Thai food.
How Far Down the Block?
A half block away from Mai Thai, the largest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland’s Sky Tower, looms. Sky City, anchored by its tower, is the easiest destination to locate while exploring a new city anywhere in the world.
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Why you might be nearby
The Sky Tower complex features a Casino and two large hotels. It is surrounded by several first class eating and drinking spots. A four block walk and you arrive at the restaurants and bars of Viaduct Harbor. Sky City is a major confluence for busses serving metro Auckland
Lesser known Facts
Prepping for my trip to New Zealand, three tastes kept tempting me; seafood, lamb and Thai. Lamb ribs, a featured appetizer at the Depot, were my first taste along with the local Epic pale ale.
I washed the huge serving of green-lip mussels for lunch at the Auckland Seafood Market with a six-glass tasting of NZ red wines.
Mai Thai Restaurant was recommended by 1) an Irish bartender while serving me a Tullamore Irish Whiskey, straight-up and 2) a Kiwi from Christchurch, a Microsoft guy who commuted to Auckland weekly. Their recommendations sealed the deal.
Local Recommendation
Around the corner on Federal Street, 200 feet from Mai Thai, lies The Depot, for fresh oysters and NZ wine on tap.
Something For Nothing Freebees
In New Zealand, if you’re a senior 62 years or older, lots of stuff is free or discounted. First step is to buy a New Zealand Senior card for $39 – I did this before leaving the states. Best free service for seniors in Auckland is the bus system. The City link, Inner Link and Metro Link serve rings of the city – like a metro tour bus without audio. Bus 767 hugs the coast on the ride to Mission Bay and St. Helier’s, both locations have a seaside walkway and several ocean view eating drink spots. I’d live here in January-March