Left at the Door

Route: Auckland - Bangkok Airline: Thai Airways Date of departure: 15th July 2018 Aircraft: 777-300ER Flight duration: 11 hours 21 minutes Flight distance: 9,549 km  Total distance flown so far this trip: 30,048 km Like my flight on the way out to Auckland, this flight was originally scheduled to be operated by a 787-900. The limitations on how far from land these aircraft can fly still apply, due to engine issues. The 787-900 is apparently due to be reinstated to this route in August. Until then, we were warned by a sign at check-in in, this flight would be operated by a 777-200 with 170° angle-flat seats (the ones you tend to slide towards the floor on as I wrote a bit about in an earlier post). I had checked on flightradar24 the night before when the aircraft had taken off from Bangkok to Auckland and had seen that on this particular day a 777-300ER was operating. That's the one with the fully-flat seats and with direct aisle access from all seats. So I was lucky. But as...

..... it certainly pours. But luckily for me, the rain started at 6pm last night, by which time I had done everything I intended to do. But not everything I wanted to do. I discovered something that would have been right up my alley called Barista Cats, but I discovered it a bit too late and there were no spare places as the number of visitors at one time is regulated for the sake of the cats. More on coffee with cats here: https://www.baristacats.co.nz - and a reason for me to return to the City of Sails, however ridiculous that might sound. Auckland is one of those cities that needs a bit of surface scratching if you are going to find its soul. On the surface, the centre, where you are probably going to be staying as most accommodation is located there, is pretty much like the centre of any other western city. But wander a bit and you soon discover the influence of everything Pacifica, from language to food, something that coupled with Auckland's location and clean air gives th...

I spent two nights at the Quest in Napier. Quest is a chain offering self-contained accommodation in New Zealand and Australia, mostly with a 4 or 4.5 star rating. I have previously stayed at Quest properties in Auckland, Wellington and Brisbane, so I knew what standard the accommodation is. Quest Napier is in the middle of Napier, a 20-25 dollar taxi ride from Hawkes Bay Airport. There is parking nearby for what seemed like very reasonable rates (I overheard a conversation regarding parking while I was waiting to check in. Check-in itself was quick and efficient. I had booked via Expedia since they had the same rate as booking directly with the hotel, but I had some cash points I could use from a previous hotel stationed through them, so I cashed these in and paid the remainder making it less cash for me. All my details were on file when I arrived, so I just had to sign on the dotted line and I was given an information sheet and my key. My King Studio Apartment was on the fourth f...

Well,  a bit arty and a bit planty to be more precise. Thus revealing my second interest after travelling, namely gardening -although I am very much an amateur as far as the gardening is concerned. Still, interesting to visit botanical gardens when abroad to get inspiration! This art-deco inspired wallpainting is to be found at the bus terminus in Napier. Haere mai is Maori for welcome. So interesting to hear how Maori words and phrases have been integrated into New Zealand English. I found wallpaintings and photos adorning the walls of Theatre Lane. Wall-mounted photos depicting the aftermath of the earthquake in Hawkes Bay. The MTG building houses  library, theatre and museum. "Pin Wall" was commissioned by Napier Council to decorate the side of the building. Not a bad investment from the council! This set of murels (muriels as Hilda Ogden would have said) has a sea-conservation theme And finally, it was time for a cuppa as they also sa...