February 15th - Auckland

That tall skinny building is the Sky Tower....how would you like to jump from it??!!??

Deric and Chuck showing some New Zealand spirit!

The central part of Auckland occupies a narrow isthmus and is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate bodies of water – the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Tasman Sea to the Southwest. The high point (no pun intended!) was going up to the top of the Sky Tower. At over 1,000 ft, it is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. Our knees shook as we watched people doing the sky jump! You can watch too at http://www.skyjump.co.nz/ Chuck offered me $10,000 if I would do it….apparently he thought his money was very safe! Maybe the first clue was how nervous I was going up in the glass floor elevator! (We’ve signed up to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb where you don special little suits and wear a safety harness as you go up over the top of the girders….I hope I can do it!)

Parnell Village, a trendy suburban shopping area, was also a special treat! All the charming boutiques and outdoor cafes reminded us of Carmel in California. Parnell is billed as a place where “you’re sure to find something unique”….and we did!! Possum Fur Nipple Warmers!! Honestly! Apparently the New Zealand possum is killing the native forests and birds…and buying this product will help to save them. (??) So we did our little part to keep New Zealand green!