Nan and Elvis
Welllington
Lunch at Wellington Harbor
We slept in after the long journey and were picked up at 11 a.m. by John's friend, Joy. First stop: wine tasting at the Villa Maria Estate. With six bottles in tow, we proceeded on an overview tour of Aukland. We made our way to the harbor for a fabulous seafood lunch. It was a holiday so there was a lot of activity on the waterfront. In fact, Elvis was there! We headed towards Joy's house in Papakura but stopped off at a horse auction on the way. What an event! Thousands of thoroughbreds being auctioned off - a week long event. While we were there they were being bought for anywhere from $60,000 to over $500,000. Too bad I forgot my checkbook! We arrived at Joy 's house and met her kids Amy and Ben. John had met them 8 years ago when he was here but now there are 4 grandkids ranging in age from 9 months to 9 years old. They're really good kids and we've enjoyed them.
Yesterday for lunch we got "take away" fish and chips and sat by the beach. Yummmm! Afterwards Joy and I did a little shopping while John got a massage to help get rid of his travel kinks. The masseuse was a little difficult to locate - she's in a dentist's office! We took a little ride to see the B&B Joy used to own and then took a trip to Hunua Falls. Very nice. Much more scenery come.
Today has been tech day. John spent most of the day getting our phones and skype to work. We're all set now and called our moms via computer. Also we'll be able to post some pictures. Tomorrow we head out in a car Joy has loaned us. John's practicing driving on the left side of the road right now. I opted out of this little session. Tomorrow...
I find it very coincidental that you visited a winery, went to a thoroughbred auction, and saw Elvis all in the same day. Not many people know this but Elvis was quite the accomplished horseman. Graceland boasted over 100 acres of pasture for his noble steeds including a Palomino named “Rising Sun” and several Tennessee walkers. (I know... not very manly. Not like a strong and elegant thoroughbred with a net worth of half a million dollars). Not only did he have an appreciation for the equine arts, but he was also a wine connoisseur. “Elvis Presly Wine Cellars” makes a wide variety of wines including “Blue Suede Chardonay”, “King of Rock and Roll Cabernet Sauvignon”, and a bold and spicy “Jailhouse Rock Merlot” which dances across the palate with sensuously supple blackberry, cedar, plum jam, and spicy oak flavors.... and while it may not complement “take away” fish and chips, I hear it is quite lovely with lamb or veal. The wine (when consumed in excess) is known for its relaxing qualities. Some say, 6 glasses of blue suede Chardonay is equal to a one hour dental massage. Like a dental massage, the wine is known to decrease your fears, lower your anxieties and increase your level of comfort about your dental procedures. If the wine and dental massage is inadequate there is always anesthesia or nitrous oxide. Just be sure to have a sober driver (who is comfortable on the left hand side of the road) to drive you home.
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