Today was more relaxed and included another chance to meet up with other Coogans. Not needing to be anywhere in particular, I slept later (on purpose) and wasn’t up and about until almost 0700. I verified (via emails) my bus tour for Sunday. For the first time since leaving home (almost a week ago), I was able to go through all of my stuff to plan my bags better! I also organized paperwork and checked on my suitcase item list (double checking everything was there). Before departing my hotel room, I reviewed some brochures (looking for things to do in the city). By 0800, I was ready to leave the Adina Apartments and explore more of Auckland on foot! It wasn’t raining yet but I’d brought my umbrella anyway... Walking west, I noticed that St. Pierre’s Sushi restaurant was open (an aside: it seems that a lot of Asian restaurants are open quite early in New Zealand) and decided to eat there. I ordered a chicken teriyaki “sushi” roll (better than an Egg McMuffin) and a big water bottle (I realized I'd forgotten the one I had back in my hotel room). Eating inside, I continued pondering my next moves... Eventually, I decided to try to figure out if I could climb to the top of the Sky Tower - I’d heard it was a good experience. After getting finished with my food, I continued walking west. Along the way, I passed the Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Joseph but was disappointed to see that they didn’t have a Vigil Mass on Saturdays. It wasn't long before I located Sky City, a major concourse of tourist entertainment located on a big hill above the Auckland Harbour. In addition to the tower climb, there was a WETA experience, a chance to jump off the tower (!), a casino and some interactive rides. When I arrived at the base of the tower (0900), I learned I only had to wait half an hour before I could go to the top. In the meantime, I wandered around and found some more New Zealand brochures. At 0920, an employee let me into the entry area and, after I got a ticket (and had my photo taken), I was able to ride to the top of the Sky Tower as their first guest of the day. An elevator operator gave me suggestions for good views as we climbed to the 51st floor. On the main observation deck, I looked through binoculars, read about some of the prominent landmarks and marveled at the urban sprawl of Auckland. Fortunately, it hadn't started raining yet. However, the windows were kind of dirty (I learned later that it was salt spray from the ocean). Hoping for clearer images, I next headed to the Sky Deck (60th Floor), which featured a spectacular 360 view of the city. These windows were very clean and I could see for many miles in all directions. The terrain maps were marked by lots of references to dormant volcanos. Apparently, the whole city sits in a field of old craters! While enjoying the experience, I offered to photograph a young couple (they took my picture too). I learned they were visiting from Kansas and were planning to relocate to New Zealand (for her work). By 1015, I’d had my full of the high tower and decided to depart. While trying to get to the bottom again, I ended up in an elevator with a "mind of its own". Fortunately, I was with other people and we all weathered the storm of being “trapped” inside (and going to an off-limits floor for some unknown reason) with humor. When I finally was back on Terra Firma (1015), I was glad I visited early and I think I was lucky to have good weather... In deciding where to go next, I remembered that I’d seen an interesting looking park to the east of the tower so I headed in that direction. On the way (east from Sky City), the rain started and the wind picked up significantly. My umbrella was trashed in a matter of minutes and I had to take cover under a building awning at the park’s edge. Later, with a break in the weather, I managed to figure out that I was in Albert Park and check out some the many big old trees in there. It eventually became clear, however, that I was just going to get wet and miserable. So, I headed back to the Adina Apartments to get dry. Until 1145, I read and relaxed while I waited for the time when I’d planned meet up with my relatives (John and his family) at a restaurant in Britomart called “The Store”. The rain let up long enough for me to walk there (it wasn’t far) and I met John and his wife (Deb) at 1215. We sat down outside the restaurant and spent some time visiting - we shared family stories and Ireland connections for about 45 minutes before other members of their family arrived. I then got to meet sons Logan and Kyle, Kyle’s girlfriend, Katya, and daughter, Ava. We talked some more and shared lots of laughter. It was great to be around friends and family! We ordered from the brunch menu and I got the Shorthorn beef burger with cheddar, pickles, burnt onion aioli and agria chips/fries. Everyone cleaned their plates - obviously, the food was good! It wasn’t until about 1415 that we realized that the restaurant had actually closed. Fortunately, we were done eating... With help from the waiter (an LA Lakers fan), we got a good photo of everyone (“Coogans all”) before saying goodbye. I next walked west, thinking I might try to do some more things. However, I soon encountered an anti-Israel demonstration and it started raining again. Feeling a bit defeated, I headed back to the hotel and spent the next few hours reading and relaxing. Just after 1700, I decided to walk east along the waterfront to see what was over there. It wasn’t raining, fortunately, and after I was satisfied with my Recce (not much there except some fast food joints and gas stations), I backtracked to look for a restaurant in the Viaduct Harbor area. It was earlier than when I’d been there last night so I had better choices (seating availability wise). The Lula Inn, which had a good mix of tropical drinks, Māori dishes and an ‘80s music vibe looked interesting and I was lucky enough to get seated in a quiet area near the back. I ordered a “Tiki” cocktail that reminded me of a Mai Tai and ended up trying a Cook Island specialty called "Ika Mata" (literally: raw fish). The latter dish was like a ceviche and tasted quite good. Topping off the dinner, I tried the house’s ice cream sandwich - mmmm. The place got VERY crowded by the time I was finished (1900) and the line to pay was huge. Walking back towards the hotel, I picked up some supplies at a grocery store called “Countdown” -and was back in my room by 2000. I spent the rest of the evening watching the Coronation of King Charles III (my first television of the trip). I went to bed at 2245. Despite the rain, I feel I still got an "up close and personal" New Zealand experience today, complete with food, family and fun!
