Visiting Carlos and Kelly in Auckland

Neither Carlos nor I are very good at following up on stuff I thing like trying to reach people but anyway we did manage to connect and I met up with them at my arrival back in Auckland. At the Cathedral in Parnell, I had found they were playing Rossini's Petite Messe Solonelle and it was Beautiful!!

From there we drove to Devonport. A ferry will take you very quickly from the city center over the water but if you want to drive, you will have to go a long way around. On the other hand, driving around was the opportunity for Carlos to show me the area. Devonport used to be a bit shaby, a 'bohemian' neighbourhood. They considered buying something there but thought it was ridiculous to pay so much for houses that needed so much done. Now home prices have doubled and the population has slightly changed...
We went up Mt Victoria where I took the panoramic pictures shown here.

A cuppa tea in the afternoon sun followed by a walk by the shore and through the neighbourhood. I must come back here!
Kelly and Carlos took me around the map of New Zealand making all sorts of recommendations (I'm only here for a month!)
The next day, I visited a children's book shop up in Ponsonby and found a nice selection. The mail is taking them together with the Australian books I bought to Belgium, to my parent's house as I write. Some for myself (love'm) some for my new niece Julie (!!!!!), all to be enjoyed by all the family.
A quick lunch with carlos who had taken a day off for stuff and I'm on my way to Rotorua.
(SEE ALL PICTURES ON https://photos.app.goo.gl/JnhUrCplyXXB9WlE2)