My NZ: Catching up with Annette & Eddie

I'd met Annette in 1995 in England when we both attended the British Council Seminar. Since then we'd kept in touch intermittently (through snail mail/e-mail/facebook). She and her husband Eddie visited us once in Pulau Pinang, when I was still working there. Then during our recent visit to New Zealand we met up in Auckland where they live. It was great to see them again after so long.

With B, Eddie and Annette in Auckland

Annette and Eddie showed us around Auckland, starting with the Viaduct Harbour with its waterside restaurants and cafes, and ferries and yachts. There is the whimsical 'cloud building' which I thought looked more like a white worm, and they also pointed out the railway station and Britomart along the main street (Queen St.) They later treated us to coffee, chocolate and ice cream at Valentino's in the beautiful Ferry Building.

Whimsical cloud or white worm building (CNB 2014)

The Ferry Building (CNB 2014)

On another day, we were driven along Tamaki Drive, the coastal road. From Te Pane O Horoiwi or Achilles (lookout) Point, the sunset was truly beautiful.

With Annette at the lookout point (BB 2014)

Beautiful sunset and the Auckland skyline (CNB 2014)

For dinner Annette and Eddie took us to savour some really good food at the Kahve Cafe, Restaurant and Bar just a stroll from St Heliers Bay beach and local shops. To round up the day, they took us to their home nearby for tea. It was truly a great end to our get together in Auckland. We look forward to seeing them again when they come to Malaysia in the future, or if we revisit NZ (we hope).

Tea at Annette & Eddie's (CNB 2014)