Going Roman's Way

Breaking in my shoes one more time, I hiked down to Pier 2 to catch a ferry to Rangitoto Island. 

Auckland has a huge port, and the tankers are unloaded and loaded in about 16.5 hours.

This is a very old lighthouse that guides many ships into the Auckland port.

Rangitoto is a 600 year old volcano that erupted in to an island.  Black lava covered much of the island, and the greenery is finally starting to grow in... first lichens and moss, then seeds from the wind and birds.

Just before heading to the lava caves a handsome man spotted me taking a picture of Bones.  He smiled and then asked if I would take a picture of him too... since he was traveling alone.  Roman was his name and we became tour buddies for the rest of the day.  We each took pictures, but never of eachother... don't know how I could have missed that, because when I go through my shots of the day, I feel like someone is absent. 

It was fun to lead Roman in to his first caving experience.  :)  He is a Ukranian, now living in New York.  We talked all day about travel, 9-11, writing books about Bones, and enjoying the views.

The lookout was 360 degrees of amazing!

Auckland in the distance, on the other side of my back here was the Rangitoto crater.

By the time I got on the ferry by the end of the day, my feet were sore and I was parched, but I'm so glad I got to explore more of God's creation.

A Break from my Vacation

Today I didn't feel like doing anything.  I slept in, especially since the skies were dark and threatening rain.  I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen and cooking dinner for the evening. 

 In the afternoon, Brooke introduced me to some yummy treats.  L&P is a carbonated drink that is super refreshing, with all the lemon.  And well, I've had Milo before, but not with TimTam's being used as a drinking straw.  O my goodness... melt in your mouth goodness when the hot chocolate gets soaked in to an already chocolatey cookie.  Yummylicious!  Click here to learn about the TimTam Slam.

 In the evening I whooped butt in Quiddler against Brooke and Travis, and then Travis and I drove out to Mt. Eden to see the night view of the city.  It's huge!! Surrounded by water and interspersed with volcanic hills.  On the way back to the house, Travis drove around a few local neighbourhoods, to show me where God has called them to serve in Auckland.

A calm day to relax and hang out.  I can't complain... that's what vacations are for.

City Walk

Plan for today - Monday, November 8 - See the City

Brooke and the girls drove me over to the Auckland Museum so I could start my tour in style.  I signed up to watch the 11AM Maori Cultural Performance, and was not let down.  A great show in music, history, and dance.  Afterwards I had a more personal guided tour with deeper story and a chance to ask questions about the native history.

Maori men stick out their tongues when in battle.

They also have incredible hand agility and great strength.

 After spending almost two hours learning about Maori culture, I moved on to the rest of the museum, to learn about colonization, island living, technology, education, war, volcanoes and earthquakes.  One of the best displays was set in a living room scene.  At first it was really quiet and I was sitting on a couch, watching tv... then the news came on and talked about how a tremor was felt out in the ocean and you could sort of see the effects. Within 12 minutes it went from being a peaceful living room, to one that was shaking underneath of me and ending up in complete dark death.  A cool experience.

 The Auckland Museum is a must see - very well laid out and highly detailed!  From there I walked to the gardens and a fernery, and down the forested domain.  I loved the feel of the city as it changed faces.  I hiked through the park, and then stopped in the University of Auckland for lunch... a typical meat pie was had.  From there I bumped in to a cute little art gallery and took a peruse through more Maori artwork.  And then on to my last stop of the day.

Sky Tower It is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere and reminds me a lot of the CN Tower back home... with a great view deck and a rotating restaurant.

One can see 82 km in the distance and you notice water from almost every angle.  A country of volcanic islands.  A great panorama.

I wasn't shy about walking hundreds of feet above, but some people creeped around the windows in the floor.

I experiment with my camera on the sky deck and got a great shot!

I walked back home from the Sky Tower in time to have breakfast for dinner.

The evening was spent with friends, discussing "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller and sharing our faith.  The Lord is moving in mysterious ways...

Cool Creation

Clownfish Exploring

The Koru... a NZ symbol

Fernz Fernery

O, and me!

Eating Jesus

November 7 - Sunday
Eating Jesus was the theme of Sunday morning Bible Study in the church office.  Travis shared about how the early Christians were seen as incestual cannibals because they called eachother Brothers and Sisters and ate and drank Christ, but Christianity is so far from that.  It is about taking in Christ, believing in HIM so that one will never go hungry or thirsty again.  The Lord's Supper is a challenge to the belief or unbelief in Jesus.  Believing is eating and recognizing all that Christ did for us on the cross.  The Lord's Supper is a picture of faith and I was so grateful to be able to partake with God's people in New Zealand.

16 of us gathered in the small office to eat from one loaf and drink from the cup.  Small cups of juice were also offered for those who can't take wine.  Once again I was in awe of all that the Lord has done and it was a blessing to break bread, not only with Aucklanders, but Christians around the world.

The rest of my day was filled with great fellowship.  I went out for lunch with Catherine and strolled down Ponsonby Road.  Back at the house I helped make a huge pasta caserole for supper as we were hosting house church.  Around 5:30 the crowds started coming.  27 people gathered in a smallish living room to share a hot meal and have an open discussion.  The questions were very intriguing:
1. Can people accept Christ after death?
2. What about those who have never even heard the name of Jesus before?
3. Describe the meaning of Romans 1.
etc... the discussions were deep and educational.  The answers were clearly explained because the group had a great mix of people... Christians, seekers, and friends. 

The rest of my evening was simply delightful as Brooke and I curled under blankets on the couch, and Travis relaxed on the love seat, and we shared life stories until midnight.  I am absolutely loving the fellowship of friends and am thankful for a Sabbath day of rest.

A Saturday Stroll

Today was a day to take a break from our holiday.  Catherine and I drove through lovely Auckland and came to a Chocolate Boutique around noon.  I ordered an unbelievably thick drink called "Chilli Denso"... it was like drinking hot fudge with a kick that hits about thirty seconds later.

Chilli Denso

 From there we went to the Rose Gardens in Parnell and walked through an aritsans festival.  I finally bought my first few souveniers.  Fun necklaces to remember my time in New Zealand.
Then off to Little Turkish Cafe on Karangahape Road for lunch.  I ate a Lamb Kabob... poor sheepy sheep.  After lunch Catherine left me to explore on K'Road and I strolled the streets and found my own way home on foot.

Symonds Street Cemetary

 The Symonds Street Cemetary is built under a bridge and the surrounding area.  The most intriguing burial grounds I have seen yet.  It almost felt like a park, and most of the dates were in the 1800's.

Walking back to the house, I got a great view of the SkyTower.  A symbol of Auckland.  Otherwise, a relaxing day with the Scott family.

Sheep World

Packing up this morning, it was hard to believe that a week has already passed in New Zealand.  Driving back to Auckland we decided to stop at Sheep World for a very entertaining show about sheep dogs and sheep shearing.  I know my friend Michelle, back home in Ontario, would not be impressed with the sheep shearing bit, but I was quite enthralled by how well trained the dogs are and the different roles that they play.  5 dogs can bring in 8500 sheep from over the hills.  Incredible.

Rounding up the Sheep

My favourite Ram

Yes, I was actually Shearing... I'll bring home the wool to prove it!

Feeding Time for a two week old

Lamb Cuddles

A Possum found a New Home!

Possums are slightly different here than back home.  But they have the coolest feeling tail... fuzzy on top with a rubber, rat-like gripping texture underneath so they can hold on to trees. A friendly pest.

Brooke and I

 Just a little further up the road we stopped again at another beautiful vineyard.  Ransom Wines... while the other adults sampled wines, I played with Sophia in the gardens.