Hello New Zealand

Our ship docked early this morning in Waitangi, New Zealand, a picturesque small town, also historically significant for being where the Māori chiefs and British officers signed the treaty establishing New Zealand in 1840.

New Zealand has always been one of my favorite places because it reminded me of how the US was in the early 40s and 50s, clean, unadulterated and with a can-do spirit. Our excursion took us to several small towns scattered about the countryside and each town was as charming as the other.

One of my friends had a plate of a dozen oysters for lunch in Waitangi, they were prepared in several different ways and she reported it was one of the most delicious she had tasted anywhere. The town itself is tiny but loaded with shops restaurants and cafés on the water’s edge.

Another town, Kawakawa, also charming but was known for (of all things) – toilets. An eccentric architect moved into town and convinced the city council to design and build the cities public toilets. Naturally I was fascinated and sure you will  agree that they are unique. Kawakawa, was also quite small. It had a tiny main street with an actual train running through it, a waterfall, a non-operational covered bridge and wonderful bakery where I had an egg salad sandwich and a fresh apple turnover.

Tonight we sail into Aukland, know for its America’s cup sailing victory. I  remember it as one of the neatest cities in the world and I’m looking forward to another exciting visit. By the way tonight’s dinner was an exceptional surf & turf dinner prepared by one of the specialty restaurants and I was joined by my Egyptian friends, Sonia and Ralph and their spouses. Another wonderful evening!