This is the diary I made of our holiday.
Left Manchester on the 23th Jan.
Mon 25th Jan
We are now in sunny Papamoa. We had 2 good flights both on time one drawback on the second one was a poor baby crying I think she cried on and off 7 hours out of 9. Looked after very well at Singapore Airport with having wheelchair assistance. Went to bed for 8 hours between flights at the Ambassadour Transit Hotel cost about £40.
The entertainment programme on the plane was not very good I was so desperate I watched Barry Manilow in concert. (sorry to any Barry fans) I enjoyed it actually but I have to say Take That in concert at the O2 was better.
Gail & Doug's new house is just as we imagined it to be very big and spacious and Doug has done a beautiful job with the garden.
Wed 27th Jan
Getting over the jet lag a bit now. Had a lovely afternoon at the Papamoa meet up. It was nice to put faces to names.
I forgot to mention we had a problem coming. Alan takes tablets and somewhere along the way he lost the full 6 weeks supply of one of them. We always carry his prescription with us and we managed to buy 1 months supply at the Chemists in Singapore Airport ($19.40) thinking we would be able to get the rest here. However, when I asked at the Chemist's we were told we would have to see a doctor to get them. We made an appointment for in 3 weeks time. Just as an afterthought I asked in another Chemists and she informed us that they do not have this particular tablet in NZ only something of the same family and we would be better getting someone to post them to us. So we would have paid $63.50 to see the doctor to be told sorry I am unable to prescribe that. So be warned put another supply of everything in your suitcase.
Luckily we can order repeat prescriptions on line and I have our doctors email address in my book. I have emailed him and hope he will send them to us. I will keep you posted.
Thurs 28th Jan
Well I decided to order Alan's prescription with our own doctor and a friend will post them to us. I think this will be the cheaper option. I have told my friend to declare what's in the envelope and put the prescription in as well should the customs decide to open it. We do not want to be accused of drug smuggling do we. I am putting all this on here should anyone else be in this position in the future.
Off for a bit of retail therapy now at Bayfair.
I think I have sorted the tablets out they have been very good at the surgery and a prescription is ready for my friend to pick up. Am I glad I have all my contact email addresses in my address book. I have a apple computer and when I go into my mac mail I can go into my address book, is'nt technology wonderful. Its funny it was only when we had that bad weather at home (snow) that I remembered we had had a letter from the doctors saying we could order repeat prescriptions on line am I glad I put their email address in.
Sat 30th Jan
Not done much for the last couple of days so I think we are now fully recovered from jet lag.
We went to Mills Reef Winery in Bethlehem. Its Stars under the Stars. We went last year and it was very good. You can take your own food and drink (no tolleys) just enough for your own use. Also chairs, brollys, sun shades, rugs etc. Last year they had tribute bands, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, California Dreamers etc. This time its the Kiwis turn so that should be good as well.
Stars under the Stars. We arrived at Mills Reef at 5 pm to get a good spot for the show. It was pouring down and all we could see were umbrellas & makeshift tents out of anything that could be waterproof. Alan & I had a couple of plastic macs but were not much help. It did however stop raining at 6.30 just as the show started but by this time we were feeling rather damp. Its a shame it had to rain we were told by the announcer that this is the first time it has happened in 8 years. Nevertheless I am sure a good time was had by all in spite of the weather.
Well we thought the problem was solved re the tablets but I have just spoken to my friend and she was not allowed to post them. You cannot send drugs to NZ even prescription ones. Plus the fact seeing they do not have it in this Country it would be an illegal drug. We will have to see what the doctor comes up with.
1st Feb
Well its the beginning of a new month and the sun is shining now lets hope it keeps it up for the next few weeks.
2nd Feb
This is what we have planned and booked.
We leave on the 21st Feb and travel by bus Tauranga to Auckland.
Overnight Sky City Hotel King Room
22nd Feb coach travel to Paihia staying 3 nights at the Bounty Inn
23rd Feb Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach Tour - inc Lunch
24th Feb Bay of Islands: Morning Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock" Cruise
25th Feb Sky City Hotel for 2 nights.
27th Bus Auckland - Tauranga
I will tell you when we have been how it was.
Sat 6th Feb
I can't believe 2 weeks have passed since we set off on out trip to NZ.
Went to friends of Gail & Doug's for a bit of a celebration. The family have been here for 4 years and love it still. The eldest son (19) went back to the UK last year but is now on the verge of coming back. Thery are glad about that because they miss him a lot. He needed to go though then he could make up his own mind where he wanted to be. Hopefully he will be back soon.
Where we were last night they have a Chiminea and later in the evening our host lit it. I have never experienced one before and my do they throw some heat out. Its funny Doug & Gail have bought one this week and is now set up in the garden. They have not used it yet though. They bought it off TradeMe of course where all the best bargains are. That's a tip for all you new people.
They are very affective, Doug lit it last night and we had to keep moving further back or are legs would have been burnt.
The one Doug bought off TradeMe did in fact come from the UK. The couple he bought it off were going back for some reason or another. It is a very heavy cast iron one and as in all things there a different qualities. I would price them in the UK and in NZ and look what they are going for in TradeMe & Ebay.
Sun 7th Feb
Not much to report today. Went shopping with Gail & Doug they wanted more ornemental things for the garden. They moved into their new house in June and are still making it to their liking. They have a BBQ area, veggy garden, decking, flower garden & a lawn all this backs onto the reserve.
8th Feb
We went to Bayfair and I had my nails back-filled $35 and Alan had a Pedicure $40. This was done at ProfessioNail, they have 9 chairs for nails & 7 for feet so you never have to wait too long or need an appointment.
From there we went to Katikati. When we went to the Coromandel in 2008 we stayed at Camellia Cottage. The owner Christine retired last year and moved to Katikati. We have always kept in touch so went to see her today. She showed us round her house and garden. She has all sorts of fruit and veg. growing plus a lovely flower garden. She told us about the Uretara Stream Walkway also known as The Yeoman Walkway. This is a Bird Walk. There are bird sculpture along the way. This is a MUST for anyone who enjoys an easy stroll and has an interest in bird spotting. It follows the Uretara Stream and is dedicated to the late Brian Chudleigh. He was a bird photographer and keen conservationist who lived in Katikati.
Wed 10th Feb
Today we went to Rotorua. Our first port of call was the Information Centre because we wanted to go to a Hangi Evening Concert & Meal. A very helpful lady gave us one of two options we told her we wanted to stay over so she said the best one for us would be the Tamaki Heritage Experience because this one collected you from the hotel and was $100 each. We asked if she could recommend somewhere to stay and she replied I can do that for you as well and how much we wanted to pay. We said $100 - $135. She phoned a motel and they could accommodate us for $95 per night.
The Havana Motor Lodge was just off the main thoroughfare and just 3 minutes walk from everything such as shops etc and the lakeside jetty. It was not the Ritz but it was very clean. We had a double bed plus a single. It also had a small kitchenette. It does have private indoor Hot Mineral Pools and an Outdoor Heated Pool. I said what a shame we had not brought our swimwear her reply to that was just go in the nude but make sure you lock the door. We did not take her up on it though. What more can you want for $95.
We were picked up at 4.30pm by Raki who would be taking us for our evening’s entertainment about 20 minutes drive out of Rotorua. He introduced himself and asked out names. We collected more people and by the time we reached the village he was addressing everyone by name. Raki had also asked for a volunteer to be Chief for the night. The Chief had to accept the peace offering on our arrival. We had been instructed on the rules and protocol by Raki which I will not go into you will have to experience it yourself.
The food was buffet style chicken, lamb, potato’s, veg, salad etc then there was a choice of sweets. You could help yourself to tea, coffee & water and there was a bar area where you could buy alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks.
Before and after the meal we were entertained with ritual dances etc and we were allowed to wander round the village where men and women were showing us their crafts.
We left at around 8 o’clock. On our coach there were 4 people from England, 2 French, some Canadians & Australians and 1 man from Scotland. We had to get up and sing something from our country we chose The Beatles "All you need is love" The man from Scotland was the last and chose "Auld Lang Syne" very apt I thought to round off a good evening.
Just as we arrived back as we approached a roundabout Raki started to sing
"We'll be coming round the mountains" and went round the roundabout 5 times. Do not try this at home.
All in all it was a very good night and did not cost the earth just $295 and we have got some lovely memories.
One thing I forgot to mention was with our show tickets we could have got free tickets to Paradise Valley Springs, Hell's Gate Thermal Reserve or Rotorua Museum. We chose the Museum which was a mistake. Its $12 adult & $5.50 children admission. There are no facilities for the disabled and there are lots of steps so as I have said before Alan had 2 knee replacements last year and did not want to wear them out at the Museum climbing all those stairs. It does say allow 1 - 2 hours to look round so it’s not very big. It’s not a patch on the one in Christchurch which was free admission. We would have been better off choosing Paradise Valley Springs which was $26 adults & $13 children. We could have done that on our way back to Papamoa. Never mind we learn by our mistakes. Another thing about Rotorua it is not predestrian friendly. There are no zebra or pelican crossings. You can cross at the lights when its your turn but some of the streets or so wide that in some cases you are only half way across before the lights go against you. Then you have to run for your life that's if you can run but unfortunately we can't.
12th Feb
Another momentous occation today. Ryan our Grandson is off on his first holiday with a mate. (no parents or grandparents) They are going to the Gold Coast Australia. He was 18 on New Years Eve and this is how they are celebrating. Mind you I think he has been doing that since 1st Jan by all accounts. Well we have just waved goodbye to Ryan . I would love to be a fly on the wall for the next week.
Gail is having visitors today, staying overnight. It's someone she used to work with in the UK who is here touring with her husband. They landed in Auckland and made their way to the Northlands so that should be interesting. They will be able to tell us something about it for when we go on the 21st.
From there they made their way to Rotorua and then they are coming here. Tomorrow they will head off to the South Island.
12th Feb cont.
This afternoon we went on the beach at the Domain in Papamoa. It’s a lovely place, spotless clean and there are toilet facilities as well.. We take folding chairs to which you can fix a sunshade. We needed that today it’s was very hot down there. The sea here is a beautiful blue colour, a bit different from the one in Blackpool (UK). We did go for a paddle it was lovely to feel the cool water between our toes, something we would not do in Blackpool.
There was a party of about 30 young children who we were told were training for life-saving. There was a group of about 10 adults up to their waists in the water. The children had to run out to them in groups of 6 run round them and then back. They did this for about 45 minutes and then they were allowed to play in the sea for a time.
We called at Woolworths and for those in the UK who do not know this is a food store and they are all over NZ. We wanted a few more things for the BBQ tonight. We bought a medium size tub of potato salad 0.484kg = $4.21, and coleslaw 0.362 kg = $2.32 plus a small egg & celery salad 0.226 = $2.85. In future when we go shopping I will give the price of things to give anyone who is not yet here an idea of what to expect. I have found in general food shopping is very much on a par with the UK.
We went to The Mount. On the beach front there are one or two cafes could be a bit dearer because of the location.
3 Eggs on 2 slices toast $12
Bacon on 2 slices toast $13
Eggs & bacon on toast $15
tea $3
We are all going out for a Chinese tonight so I will report on that later.
After seeing our friends off we went to Te Puke and arrived about 12 o clock. It was very quiet it was like a ghost town not many people about at all. Asked in one of the shops and apparently they close at 1 pm on Saturday. On the way to Te Puke from Papamoa just past Bunnings you will see a sign for Looking Glass Gardens. Anyone with children 4/5 and over should visit because they will love it.
Sat 13th Feb cont.
As promised this is where we went for our Chinese meal Kwangchow Restaurant Mt Maunganui. Gail & Doug had not been before but had been told about it. They serve whats known as Smorgasboard which is a buffet meal featuring a varied number of dishes. It was value for money $16 senior’s $19 adults; this included a sweet, tea or coffee. There is also takeaway $9.50 $7.50 & $6 but are only allowed at the dishes at the front. This does not work very well because you have people filling their boxes as well as the diners filling their plates. It was very busy with a lot of coming & going and personally I would rather be served.
It was spoiled by a party on the next table. We were sat between the toilets (not too close) and the sweet, coffee & tea table. There was a round table to the right of us which consisted of 2 women and 5 children. They had already eaten when we sat down the women were drinking wine. You can take your own and they charge $2 per bottle corkage which is not bad in my opinion. However, these children were allowed to please themselves, running in and out of the toilets and then helping themselves to cakes off the 3 tier cake stand and popping them in their mouths. Needless to say I did not have anything off there but there was a lot more choice as it happens.
I cannot knock it but it was not our scene to be honest.
Here's a few prices from our shopping list you may be interested in.
HP Sauce 372ML $4.99
Mushy Peas 300G $2.45
Heinz Baked Beans 420G $2.49
Spring Onion $1.79
Honeydew half $3.25
Bananas 1.48kg $3.39
Cadbury Dairy Milk 200G 2 for $5.00 on offer
Linx Shower Gel 400ML $4.99 on offer
These are just a few examples. Gail can live without most things she used to have in the UK but not the Heinz Baked Beans
These things were bought from Woolworth's you do need a card because a lot of things are on offer or promotion and you will not get the discount without one.
Sun 14th Feb
Today we went to Julie & Mark’s they have been here almost 7 years. In past reports if you have read them they also come from Tyldesley and went to school with Gail & Doug and met by accident in Papamoa.
In the UK when I was about 12 years old I went and asked could I take this little girl for a walk. The woman’s name was Elsie and she had 2 daughters Lynne & Susan so I had to take both or none at all. Lynne is Julie's Mum she moved to NZ in 2008 and lives in Te Puke. She got married to a kiwi last year.
Elsie is a sprightly 84 year old and is on holiday for 5 weeks so we all met up today. Who would have dreamt 60 years ago we would be having a BBQ, in February, in the sunshine and in NEW ZEALAND.
Mon 15th Feb
Today we have been to see Maria & Tom her husband. We were made very very welcome and felt that we had known them for years. They have 2 pug dogs & 8 chickens. The chickens are outside of course. They have a veggie plot as well so when they do get their own place they will be very self-sufficient.
They are in a nice rental very sparsely furnished because they are still waiting for their container. I hope it comes soon. They are surrounded by fruit trees and Maria is a very good cook and gave us some plum jam she had made. She showed me how to make a “proper” Cornish Pasty and we had them for lunch. It goes without saying that they were delicious.
We were there nearly 4 hours but the time passed so quick we did not notice until we were leaving.
We had a quick trip to The Hub Shopping Centre which is just before you get into Whakatane. We got a couple of bargains from Farmers Alan a pair of shorts $10 and me a pair of jangles $8. So all in all it was good day.
Tues 16th Feb
Well I felt well & truly needed today. Last night Gail said Mum, do you know what I miss, your Potato Cakes no one makes them like you. So today I made some they are ready for when she comes home from the shop. Hope they turn out OK not made them for years.
Also went TV shopping they wanted a 26" flat screen for the bedroom. So we went round the usual shops comparing prices for them. They decided on the one they wanted and we went back for it. Two jobs well done today.
Wed 17th Feb
We went to Maria & Tom's today to give them a lift with their unpacking. Their container has at last arrived after 16 weeks. Its just like Christmas as everyone says, opening boxes and having forgotten what is in there besides what it says on the box. Obviously you can list every single item or you would need bigger boxes. We did enjoy ourselves then decided to knock off at lunch time and go and get something to eat. We went into Whakatane for fish & chips. We went to Wally's on the Wharf and I have to say they are the best fish and chips I have tasted in a long while. Its right on the waters edge and you can eat inside or out, we chose outside. We had Hoki for 4 and 2 portions of chips plus 2 cans. The cost was $25, and is highly recommended.
On the way back we called at Blueberry Corner for ice cream. The small cones were in fact very big and cost $3 plus 50c for a flake.
Thurs 18th Feb
We both went to have our hair done today. We went to Wendy's near Doug's shop. I have a cut & blow a very good job it was as well and Alan had his cut total cost $50.
We then went to Woolworths so here are some more prices:-
Schweppes Tonic 2 for $4.78 on offer
6 bread rolls $1.99 " "
Oranges 658kg $2.22
Apples 753kg $1.49
Wholemeal bread 750GN $2.99 promotion
Toblerone bar 50g 99c "
We also earned onecard savings $1.70 but of course we will not be able to get it because we have not registered the card.
Its Gail's birthday tomorrow so I don't know what we will be doing.
I forgot to mention yesterday we saw a group of school children going somewhere with their teachers. I would say 2 thirds had no shows on. I still find this very strange. Its not unusual to see familes out shopping and none of them wearing shows.
Something else we spotted on the way to the hairdressers this morning. In New Zealand they make sure children do understand road safety. They had the children on the crossing outside school with as we would call them in the UK lollypop people showing them the correct way to cross the road. Last year when we were down at the Mount the roads were closed in some parts because of children cyclists again having lessons.
Very good idea in my opinion.
Fri 19th Feb
Its Gail's birthday today so we are all going out for a meal tonight. We bought the TV between us for her birthday. Ian our son in the UK gave her money so did Doug and so did we. We gave her more than we would do normally but we are using her car while we are here. It has saved us a lot of money and the exchange rate being what it is we needed to save a bit.
The trip to Northlands is $2116 which works out at about 940 pounds. This time last year we were getting $2.80 so it would have been 755 pounds. A very big difference there. People who live here do not compare now but we do because we are on holiday. We always go away for a few days when we are here it gives them a bit of breathing space.
Fri 19th Feb
We went to the Rain for a meal with friends to celebrate Gail's birthday. She got some lovely presents. They have made so many friends while they have been here and they value them.
Part of the newly formed netball team were there. They said they were discussing tactics, I believe them thousands would not.
Sat 20th Feb.
We are going on a girlie night out tonight on a boat round Tauranga harbour. Tomorrow we are off to Northlands so I will not be posting for a while until we return next Satuday.
Anyway who cares its only money when alls said and done and I am at least seeing my family so its worth it.
The Luv Boat was excellent, it went from Pilot Bay. There were 38 lively women in total but all well behaved. The was a bar on board and everyone took nibbles which were set out on a table so that we could help ourselves. I am glad someone remembered to bring plates & napkins because we did'nt. The was some dancing and then karaoke. Quite a few people got up some very good singers. Gail did her party piece as well. If I had got up everyone would have jumped overboard.
Anyway a good time was had by all and good value at $25. We boarded at 7.30 and set off at 8 returning just after 11pm.
Sun 21st Feb
Got the bus at Tauranga for Auckland and it left on time at 1.30pm. Its like the National Express in the UK there were quite a few stops on the way but nothing to bother us though. We arrived in Auckland 30 minutes late because of road works. We loved the Sky City Hotel, we had a lovely room overlooking the city. Went to get something to eat and by this time is was getting on for 7pm so did not want to go wandering about. There was a Denny's across the way so went there and had Fish & Chips both had tea and it was $18 for both of us they do smaller potions for seniors. We have used Denny's in America and it was good.
Mon 22nd Feb
Our coach left Auckland at 7.35 am. Two young girls were lucky we should have left at 7.30 and was just about to drive off when then turned up.
There was some confusion when boarding the bus for some reason Charlotte from the Travel Agents had put her name Campbell on the boading pass.
We had a very informative driver named Peter and could he talk I don't think he stopped for 2 minutes at a time. We had comfort stops along the way at points of interest and we arrived in Paihia at 11.30. We thought we would have to take a taxi to out motel but the driver said he would take some people who had booked a trip to where the Treaty had been signed and he would drop the rest us off at our hotels. Some had already got off at the Maritime Building because they were on a day trip and were going on boat trips.
Paihia is lovely, we had a little walk about then went to get something to eat. I had a Baked Potato with Tuna Alan had a Cheesburger plus 2 teas all for $20.
Mon 22nd Feb cont
For a seaside resort we are finding this place quite reasonable to eat out etc. We have just been for our evening meal and we went to Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack. We saw the size of the portions they were serviving so we had ribs to share with chips plus bottle of Tui and a glass of Chardonny $32.40 in total.
It is a lovely evening so we are now going for a walk along the sea front to walk it off.
Tues 23rd Feb
Our Trip to Cape Reinga
We were picked up from the Motel at 7.30 we had 2 more pick ups then we were on our way. We stopped at various places along the way such as Kerikeri, Whangaroa Mangonui Taipa then we made our way to the 90 mile beach. It is in fact only 64 miles its a long story as to how it got its name so anyone who is interested can look it up. We arrived at Cape Reinga and and saw where the Tasman & Pacifia Oceans meet. That was a sight to behold I must say. We did not walk all the way down to the lighthouse because I do not think we could have made it back. After that we planted a tree. For $20 we were allowed to plant it ourselves, were given a certicate with its number on and a postcard already stamped which we sent home from there. We were also given a number to find it on google as well. This Postmark may be valuable in the future. From there we were taken sandboarding, we did not do it for obvious reasons. What a climb up, they needed a lift. There was a character on our bus nearly 70 but he had a go. They do come down at some speed I have to tell you. From there we went to Houhoro for our BBQ lunch. There was a bit of a problem here because the electricty was off and had been for some time but they coped very well. It was even off as far down as Paihia. It was back on by the time we got back though. We also called at Puketi Kauri Forest which is renowned for its native flora & fauna. We arrived back at 6.15 so it was a very long but enjoyable day. Highly recommended.
Wed 24th Feb
Another adventurous day today. We went to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. There is a lighthouse there which is fully automated. When it was built in 1910 it was manned until 1978. There is a little cottage where the lighthouse keeper & family lived. It has been fully modernised and you can rent it for $12 per night. Its a bit of a way to the nearest pub though. On leaving Paihia we passed Russell, this is where we will be going tomorrow on the ferrry which is like a bus service. We passed lots of other islands on our way to the the Hole in the Rock, one of them being Roberton Island, tragically the Roberton family were killed here. This is where Captain James Cook anchored the "Endeavour".
As we made our way into the open sea it was quite rough and a few passengers did not feel very well but Alan & I were OK. We were unable to go through the hole because of the rough waters but to be honest I think the vessel we were on was too big anyway.
We had booked a 4 hour cruise which included getting off at Motukiekie which is a private island. There is a restaurant that we were not allowed to use plus we could not use the facilites. We would have been there over an hour so decided we would go back to Paihia.
So all in all this was a very good trip costing I think $89 - $99 per person. We had already paid for everything when we booked with the travel Agent.
We dined at the Kingsgate hotel last night it gave us a chance to dress up a bit. There was a buffet on, all you can eat $33 but as you get older all that food overfaces you so we chose something from the menu.
We both had lamb shanks with mash & veg. We also had a sweet and Alan had a Tui beer and I had a wine. Very good value for $63.50 in total.
24th Feb
One thing I forgot to mention about the cruise was that at one point we were surrounded by dolphins. What a sight to beholf they where with us for about 15 minutes and I managed to get some good photos & video.
Thurs 24th Feb
This is the day we leave Paihia but not until 4.15. The owner of the Bounty Inn kindly took us down to the Maritime building where we could leave our luggage.
We went over on the ferry to Russell $7 return. It is a very picturesque place. When we left the motel it was raining so we had our jackets with us but when we got to Russell it was extremely hot, so we only stayed about 2 hours and then we returned to Paihia. It was so hot we put our coats & brolly in the case. Had a look in The Cabbage Tree shop. I bought a waterproof coat the sort I had been looking for in the UK. It had been reduced to $99 a bargain. We went for some lunch and it started to rain very heavily again but I was not getting my new coat wet on its first outing. However it did not last long so that was OK. We are now waiting for our coach to take us back to Auckland.
Thurs 25th Feb
Arrived back to Auckland at 7.50 pm there was a surprise in store for us. We had been upgraded at the Sky City Hotel. We had been given a suite of rooms. A large lounge with 2 chairs and big settee. A 32" flat screen TV with sky and a music system.
In the bedroom there were 2 king size beds and a 40" flat screen TV. There was also a walk through bathroom which you could get to via to lounge or bedroom. There were bathrobes & slippers provided for our use.
Fri 26th Feb
Had a lie in then went for some breakfast. We then made out way down to the Viaduct and had a look round there. At 12 o clock we went on the harbour cruise.
We had a look round the shopping centre. Alan had lost his rubber of the end of his walking stick and we tried to get a new one. No joy so we ending up getting a new stick for $7 in one of those dollar shops.
In the evening we had a good look round Sky City and went to the casino. Lost all of $2 on the slots. At one stage I had won $3.57 but decided to let it roll.
Sat 27th Feb
Returned to Papamoa.
Sun 28th Feb
Phone rang at 3 am Gail answered it and it was our son in the UK warning us about the Tsunami. Gail had a look on TV and there was nothing to panic about at that time. At about 7.45 am the siren went so we made for the hills. There was some confusion as to what people heard some said it was 3 with gaps and others said it was continuous. When we got to Papamoa Hills there were lots of people there. We listened to the radio and it said it would be 9.05 when the wave hit Mt Maunganui. We don't know if it did will probably find out later. We returned home at 10 am.
Mon 1st March
Had a profitable trip today.
Some time ago I broke one of my bracelets and took it to a jewellers (in UK)for repair. She pointed out to me that it was going in a number of places and I would be better trading it in because gold was high at the moment. She said if I had anything else to bring it. I gathered all my broken chains odd earrings etc and returned with them and I got 209 pounds. In the UK at the moment we are inundated on TV asking for our scrap gold, even Dale Winton is on one of the adverts.
I thought I wonder if its the same here. We noticed a couple of weeks ago there was a jewellers in Mt Mauganui asking for scrap gold. We took Gail's scrap today, 3 worn almost through rings, 2 pairs broken or odd earrings
and a thin gate bracelet we got $90. Needless to say she was well pleased.
Tues 2nd March
The day looked very cloudy this morning so did not know what to do. Took a chance and put the washing out that Gail had put in the washer before leaving for work. Still undecided I did some ironing I am now know around here as Widow Twanky.
However the day brightened towards dinner so we went to the Hot Pools in Mt Maunganui. Healing salt water is warmed to a bone soothing 39ºC in the large soaking pool, three private pools and two outdoor spa pools.
There is also a cooler 32ºC active pool and a toddler’s pool with fountains, a waterfall and slide for the younger bathers. It was $7 seniors but only $3.50 for resident seniors. We said we feel like residents we are never away from the place.
We had been there about 1 hour & half and had just got out when about 200 school children arrived. We had got out just in time.
Friends are coming round tonight so we have steak cooking in the slow cooker to make a pie later.
Wed 3rd Mar
Well feeling a little sad today we leave Gail Doug & Ryan's on Friday. We are flying from to Tauranga at 6.30 pm to Auckland staying overnight at the Jet Park Hotel. They will collect us and take us to the airport on Saturday morning for our 1 o clock flight. Leaving the day before makes it a lot easier for everyone. The flight to Auckland is only 35 minutes if they drove us its about 7 hours round trip. Its Ok when they are picking us up because everyone is excited but its not nice having to drive all that way back when they are upset. Although having said that Doug has had us on count down on his computer since the day we arrived its down to the second. He will pipe up 2 days 23 hours 18 minutes and 10 seconds or something similar. Do you think he is trying to tell us something lol
Good job I know him.
Thurs 4th Mar
I have just made another batch of Potato Cakes they can think of us when they are eating them. Gail puts them in the freezer.
I did a bit of packing this morning with not much enthusiasm I have to say. You do not feel the same when you are packing to go home.
Gail came home from the shop at lunch time and we went for a snack with friends at the Pacifica Garden Centre. They have quite fancy snacks but the service was not up to much to be honest. Admitted there were 10 of us in total but we arrived at about 1 pm and the last 2 to get their food and drink was at about 2.15. By this time Gail & Lynne had gone back to work and we were ready for going because Heather was dropping us off before she picked her daughter up from school. You have to bear in mind they are not cooking meals so I do not know why everything took so long. For instance Gail ordered a piece of Carrot Cake it arrived at 1.30 (warmed) which she did not ask for and she said it tasted of nothing. When people are eating together food and drinks should not come in fits & starts. If there was a problem they should have said so but I think its the norm.
Never mind worse things happen at sea just thought I would tell you.
Fri 5th March
Well we are all packed and set to go for our flight from Tauranga to Auckland. We are going to the shop to say goodbye to Doug then have lunch out with Gail then we will be off. We leave Auckland Sat 6th at lunch time.
Sun 7th March
Landed back back at Manchester 1 hour early at 5.25 am. As you know we have wheelchair assistance. As usual no organization at Manchester. We were met by 3 women each holding a file checking our names off. I would say there were about 10 of us needing assistance. These women took us through the tunnel from the gate and then we were left to wait for someone to collect us and take us to baggage collection. 1 man appeared and he waited for another one whose was strolling along. Off they went, then 2 and then another 2 more arrived then nothing. This left 4 of us and our taxi driver had phoned because he was outside waiting and wanted to know how long we would be. The 4 that were left decided we would do it ourselves. Both ladies pushed their chairs and I started to push my husband then we changed over. When we were nearly there 2 of the men came back and took over. I asked him why this happens every time we return to Manchester. I said I was not blaming him personally because after all he was there but there never seems to be enough staff for this job. He said someone had not turned in but that to me was no excuse there were 10 people needing assistance and only 4 people to do it. The 3 women by the way had disappeared. Another case of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
We have opened all our post, no cheques from Premium Bonds and have not won the lottery so will have to start saving up again. The Credit Card Bills were there though.
Edited by June P (10/03/10 11:19 AM)
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