How many people catch the bus straight to The Koru lounge? I would rather spend my money on the destination, than the journey. Like economy class versus First Class, to me, it’s about delayed gratification.
Actually, the bus ride makes sense...they have their own lane, so they’re quicker. You can sleep, if a little jaded without 'lack of conversation' guilt. You get a birds eye view of the city. It’s a fifth of the price. Why wouldn’t you?
The Koru membership is a great gift to give your husband on his birthday under your airpoints number. It means whenever you travel together he receives all the benefits. It also means you do too, whether together or apart. Sadly, he is only the former. #bygones . I’ve showered in Koru, eaten my own body weight, drank like a sailor, sat smugly up the front of the plane, offloaded my carry on luggage onto an elitist trolley and generally enjoyed as many benefits as I can.
Travelling alone, like going to the movies alone is a learned skill. I am well practiced. On a recent trip to Auckland, I had two free days to enjoy while waiting to fulfil my maternal duties at night, after the eldest child returned from her working day.
Maximising my mother/daughter time, I trailed her to work on the bus (an old friend], then to a Mojo outlet to enjoy a millennial's breakfast of eggs and coffee, pre work. No dishes or preparation. Easy. After a jovial farewell, I headed to the ferry terminal and bought a ticket to Rangitoto Island for a Tuesday morning exploration. Literally, in her shoes, as I had bought carry on, I trudged up the 260m to the peak, loving every step at my own pace.
Under advisement from the shoe’s owner, I had packed a lunch of TANK® salad as there were no shops on the island. I enjoyed the snack immensely, back at the wharf, post climb. Alone and loving it, I didn’t need to check if my ‘partner’ was okay, needed a loo, had enough sustenance of their choice or was too tired. Instead I looked out over the Hauraki Gulf and chomped leisurely lost in my own thoughts and the stunning view.
Back to the CBD on the ferry is worth the $32 return trip. The wind in your fringe on the top deck and being sandwiched between foreign visiting families, really gives you a tourist vibe.
On my walk home, I stopped/fell into a quaint wee Asian Grocer on Parnell Rise, after almost passing out in the heat and incline. The dear old mama eyed me suspiciously as I circled the aisles formulating a dinner plan for that night. $24 later I had the makings of a vege curry on sweet potato noodles sussed, and dragged my haul further up the hill to the lair.
Because I could, I peered through windows, actually entered shops I was interested in and even spoke at leisure with strangers. Needing a pause from all this self satisfaction, I headed for home to unload and then venture out to the nearby museum. Another one of ‘my’ fave spots.
The heat of the day and the strenuous walking got to me and after knocking up the evening meal nice and early, I lurched for the couch and was found there many hours later. I did manage to sprint down to the local Asian nail shop but upon pre-payment, learnt I should have carried cash as they would not accept credit. #amateur
My eldest daughter appreciated my culinary efforts and we chatted and lazed about. She repaid me by painting my nails without demanding a cashflow card.
The following morning after a nourishing home cooked breakfast together, I dragged myself out of the flat after a spot of cleaning, not because it needed it, but because that's my language of love. Service. I also refolded two shelves of clothes before extricating myself.
The Auckland Museum is a must see. Who knew they could cram so much into a seemingly average sized building. Unlike the Christchurch Museum where entry is free to all, the Aucklanders only charge the tourists. $25 each. Kiwis are exempt with proof of residency. Brilliant idea. The place was brimming with paying customers. I only had an hour, so barely touched the sides. I will definitely be back to loiter longer.
All good things must come to an end and I must return to my real life and let my child live hers. It is a special time and one I relish, connecting on a one on one level.
As 'Arnie" says, "I'll be back!"
No comments:
Post a Comment