Two 007

What did 2007 bring? Well, a bit of a headache to be sure which was alleviated a little falling asleep to Casino Royale and got better with some nachos and a beer down in a little spot in nearby Newmarket. I was feeling just about right for a big roast chicken dinner in the evening which is exactly what I got. I also got a fake green plastic fingernail in my cracker, but that was no way near as good as the dinner.

To complete the tradition, Lord of the Rings was on the TV so with a few Mordorrrrs and fool of a Tooks, it was the end of the first day of 2007.

The second day of 2007 was sadly my last in Auckland but it went off with a bang, or more accurately a gorgeous breakfast pizza which consisted of nice wood-fired bread filled with bacon and egg and topped with Hollandaise sauce. You can get steak and chips on a pizza here but this was in a different class altogether.

I was glad to see the sparkling Auckland harbour one last time as we drove up to a reserve on the eastern shores with dazzling sunny views of the Gulf Islands.



I could’ve stayed here a bit longer, it was nice and warm and beautiful, even two greying Poms couldn’t ruin the scene!

Rangitoto was looking hot hot hot, definitely be thirsty work climbing up to the crater rim, so it was best to admire it one last time from afar.



And here are my wonderful hosts and friends, who despite being half way round the world made things feel so homely and, well, normal. After being away for nearly five months it was welcoming to have some familiarity and more than that, a great deal of fun. It was great to see in 2007 with you both and I wish you continuing good weather in Auckland and look forward to returning the favour in Canberra (I can show you the equally dazzling waters of Lake Burley Griffin!!)

Adios and happy 2007, eh?