Big Trip

OK... so now we're here in Auckland, what do we do? Actually, the first decision was easy. Our hotel is just a few metres from the Auckland Skytower, so we just had to go up & see what Auckland looks like from the highest building in the southern hemisphere. Fortunately it was a glorious day, so it looked pretty good. You could see right out into the Hauraki Gulf to the various islands, such as the classic volcanic cone of Rangitoto. And round the other side, you could see to the narrowest point of the land between Manukau Harbour on the west side and Waitemata Harbour on the east side. It's really not very wide, but it looks pretty built up. Anyway, while we were there on the observation deck, someone flew past, going downwards. Fortunately, they were just doing the Skyjump. And then Sarah said "I think you ought to do that".
There was a little bit of dithering, but not much. I went down & got suited up & fitted for a harness, and then had to make my way up in the normal lift, with a bunch of other people who were going for an innocent look out of the windows. Then, well, it was pretty simple, really. They clip you into the safety wire and you walk out to the edge of the tower, a couple of floors up from the observation deck. They count down, and you step off. Sixteen seconds or so later, you're on the ground. Actually, there's a bit of a hiccup in the middle as they stop you just below the deck so that they can get a photo of you dangling. Then they let you go again.
The best part is that, if there aren't many people jumping, they ask you if you want to do it again. For free. Now, I can spot a bargain when I see one, and I reckon that this meant I'd get two jumps for half price. BOGOF. Fantastic. The second jump is much better than the first, because you remember to relax, look around you, and enjoy the ride. They also don't bother to stop you for a photo, so it's a smooth drop to the ground. Excellent.
After that, we had to go & do some shopping, so grabbed lunch at a local cafe and walked to the nearest supermarket. Then, we just sort of mooched the afternoon away.
We met up with our friend Piran for dinner. Piran has a habit of being in out of the way places, though we have met him in the UK. He's the chap who couldn't make it to our wedding, but happened to be travelling in Italy at the time, so met us on the honeymoon instead. From memory, his full name is Piran Dibdin Nankivell Aglio AElius Raphael Odo Diggory Denzil Montford. He's great fun, anyway, so we had a very pleasant evening. If there's anyone out there who remembers him, he says, "Hi!".