The airport is all new and flashy on the outside, newly opened for the recent APEC conference. It is only once inside however that you find out that they have slapped a new exterior over an old building! The luggage conveyor belts weren't working, the staff were clueless, the queues took forever, security was a joke, there were chairs for about 30% of the passengers and the restaurant sign pointed you in the direction of a counter that sold water, coke, Pringles and Magnums! That was it! There was almost a riot at one point!
The airport in Auckland was such a contrast! So laid back that there were only two immigration officers, but everyone just chilled out and waited! The bus driver gave us a tour on the way into the city, and the check-in staff pointed me in the direction of the Diwali celebrations that were going on that afternoon!
As a result I wandered along the harbour area and then cut up Queen Street, and followed the noise! I finally found a massive throng of, predominantly Indian, families watching dancers and singers, eating Indian street food and perusing the various market stalls! I couldn't walk past, smelling all of those lovely spices and not cave, so I did enjoy a couple of cheeky samosas!
Although 18c in the day the temperature drops to 12c at night, so I quickly felt the cold and had to layer up! Back at my lovely swish Sofitel I wi-fied myself up in the bar and promptly ordered the cheese platter and a glass of Red pinot noir! I have not had either for over 4 weeks and have been dreaming of both. I was in heaven, although was slightly worried about weird cheesy dreams! But after 2 overnight flights, one glass of red and a deliciously comfortable bed I slept like a baby for 10 hours and almost missed check-out time!
No comments:
Post a Comment