Day Seventeen - Auckland

The customs officer informed us as we left the ship in Auckland that they had not had rain for over five weeks. Today we had all five weeks worth!!!! This was a real pity as the ship was berthed right in the city with a terrific view (if the weather was clear). In the centre of this photo(barely visible) is the Auckland Sky Tower, apparently the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere. Although we had packed our cagoules , the rain was driving off the sea and we were drenched right through.

The second reason that the weather was disappointing was that we were meeting  Sylvia & Lorna’s school friend from Wendover, Sally .We were a little concerned that having not seen Sally for over 30 years we would be unable to recognise her. We had arranged to meet outside the cruise terminal at 11.00. Walking out of the terminal , Sylvia immediately recognised a person walking up the street. It was Sally and her partner Barry. We retired to a restaurant on the waterfront for coffee and Sylvia & Sally exchanged reminiscences of places and people that Barry & I had hardly heard of. One of the waiters was kind enough to take the following photo. Apologies for the bedraggled looks but it’s the weather’s fault. After chatting for over an hour Sally had to go back to work so we said our goodbyes. It was so nice to meet up with them and hopefully we won’t leave it so long next time.

By this time the rain had abated a little so  souvenir shopping was called for . We walked about three blocks away from the ship looking into various shops, and then the rain returned with a vengeance. Although the walk back to the quay was partly undercover, the rain was driving and we were soaked again. A complete change of clothing was called for prior to lunch!

The afternoon was spent on the ship as the rain continued. For a cruise ship there is very little to do on the “Rhapsody” when you are in port. All of the normal activities are held over because most people are ashore, Except when it’s raining!!!!!

The one event that was still on was the afternoon trivia and we decided to enter as a two man team. Unfortunately we were beaten by one point. I wonder how the “Village People” did this week?  We made it to dinner tonight only to find that last night everyone missed except PJ & Joan. Everyone seemed more relaxed tonight and during the course of the conversations found that we all (at least the men) had a liking for rock music. With that in mind we decided to enter the “name that tune” competition after dinner. Despite a sterling effort we were beaten by a magnificent team who only got one question wrong.

It was nice yesterday to receive an e-mail from Marmaduke, he’s obviously not missing us very much as he is being looked after so well by Colin and Vilma. I hope he remembers where he lives when we come back! Thanks one again for this.

And finally……………………………………………….

I thought it was two sheep but it’s apparently a kangaroo????????