It Is Actually Happening!!!!!!!Taxi

Well, here we are in New Zealand.  We survived the 14 hour flight with no issues other than cramped seating, not very good food, crying baby, bad food, inconsiderate seatmate next to Kendra (no, not me, the lady on the other side of her), a sneaky seat reclining person in front of me, and lots of coughers and sneezers.  Other than that and the crummy food, it was a fine flight.

Taxi anyone?

Our taxi driver who took us from the airport to the hotel was a very friendly, talkative Maori who had an interesting driving technique. Corners, intersections, lanes, and other cars were simply obstacles to be overcome, but stop lights that were even thinking of turning red were to be cursed and obeyed!  In any case, Kendra had already an agreed-upon price so all the shenanigans were not costing us anything and actually enhanced our ride.

Our hotel, Rydges Auckland, is very nice.  Our corner room has a great view of the Skytower, in fact it is so close we have to bend way down to see the top of it.  Today the weather is rainy but we hope to explore the city a bit and check out the waterfront.  Then to bed EARLY as we are catching a 7am flight to Brisbane in the morning.  Can't believe we are finally here.