This time, we stayed 2 weeks in Auckland.
The 1st week, we stayed at the posh SkyCity Grand Hotel. This is the most expensive hotel in NZ that we've stayed by far. They've got v. nice toiletry & vanity set that came in an exquisite box. Should have acted blurr and asked the housekeeping staff like what Lydia did. They told her she could keep the entire set, it's complimentary.
The conference was more interesting this time round. We had a traditional formal maori welcome by the local tribe based in Auckland. And all of us had to do the "Hongi" -- the ceremonial touching of noses. Each of us were given a koru pendant as a welcome gift from the locals. : )
There was an impromptu "crisis management" role-play session. It was an educational and entertaining session for the participants. Educational coz it hit home the msg that it is impt to have the protocols and processes in place, in times of crisis. Entertaining coz some of the jokers could really be contenders for oscar awards, especially those who were acting as "media" who had a field day with all the gossips and cooking up stories. :P That was FUN. : )
It was the transition period from winter to spring, so the weather was erratic. We could have Bright sunshine -> heavy rain -> bright sunshine -> hailstorm -> bright sunshine again within half a morning!!! It became an inside joke amongst us when we make comments like "They change their minds as frequently as the Auckland weather" :P
Being the thrifty people that we are, we stayed at The Ascott for the 2nd week. It's almost 50% cheaper than SkyCity Grand, and it's nearer to office. Bagus was horrified that YL and me brought along the slippers from SkyCity Grand. :P We had fun having 'pajamas' party in YL's room watching Desperate Housewives. Beng almost fell off the chair when Bagus appeared with his weird looking pajamas.. hehe.. :P
We managed to do some day trips over the weekend. In the morning, YL and i did the Auckland City Tour that included a visit to the museum, and the highest peak in the city where we captured the adorable 'lawn mowers' in action, grazing. : ) This is actually the summit of Mt Eden one of 48 dormant volcanoes situated in and around Auckland.
In the afternoon, Bagus joined us for the Scenic Drive along the tops of the Waitakere Ranges where we trekked to see the waterfalls. The Guide from Bush & Beach even prepared a mini tea session for us with her yummy homemade cookies and tea. Then we headed for the Piha Beach where the sand is Black color! Apparently, the sand formed by a magnetic iron oxide mineral that has eroded from volcanic ash further south and swept up the coast... so, take a magnet and you can have fun at the beach : ) Alternatively, you can also check out the cool dudes surfing @ Piha Beach. ;-)
We also managed to sneak a day trip to Waiheke Island on a lazy sunday to enjoy the wine @ Te Whau Vineyard. We each bought the signature vintage back. Happy. : ) I ended up smuggling 3 bottles back home. :Pp
No comments:
Post a Comment