Backing up a little to Auckland

 Several Teslas, but no visible charging stations. Hmm. Lots  of rental electric scooters, some left in designated places, others just left. Not like NYC City Bike where you lock the bike in locking stations. Apparently you leave it, click out of it on your phone, and the Scooter Fairy comes by and picks it up. Convenient for the user but a lot of work for the Scooter Fairy. 


Newer buildings have shaded exteriors to cut down on sun load. Panels oriented to afternoon sun. But security concerns everywhere- the main Catholic Cathedral- St Patrick and St Joseph - open only at Mass times.  Upscale shops on main shopping streets with stern looking men at the doors  



Across the Harbor lies the toney North Shore, a short ferry ride commute. A large freshwater lake- possibly a volcano crater- hosts scuba diving (blue flag, not red and white) and some black swans.  


President Obama graces a woolen goods store wearing a jumper gifted to him by a former prime minister.  Not sure whether he received any NIL payments  I asked the young salesperson whether they planned to display posters of any subsequent US presidents - she laughed a “No.”


Auckland can be incredibly windy, with winds coming from the Tasman Sea. On our days there some passengers had scheduled excursions on Americas Cup yachts - the older ones, not the new foiling catamarans First two days cancelled for sure  When we drove across the Harbor Bridge to the North Shore, paddle boarders were surfing 🏄 on the white caps . Presumably a one way trip to a planned safe harbor  



Our last day brought us by a golf course / alas, no time, and a bird wetlands 

Goodbye Auckland  







Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2024 at 7:18 AM

    Do you have any plans to golf on the trip? I’m sure you could rent some clubs. - Peter

    ReplyDelete
  2. SheilaFebruary 19, 2024 at 4:39 AM

    Always the jokester! They want to sell the jumpers, not have people leave the store!😂🤪

    ReplyDelete
  3. graceBFebruary 23, 2024 at 3:54 AM

    #6 is my favorite

    ReplyDelete

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