Blog started in Auckland Airport and finished in Hanoi

We are sitting in Auckland airport waiting for our flight at 00.15 to Hanoi in Vietnam with a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur - it's going to be an 11 hour journey to KL and then another 3 hours or so to Hanoi, so we wanted to get the blog written now. We may not be able to use Blogger or Facebook in Vietnam.

Our last week in Auckland has been lovely. We were very blessed with beautiful weather resulting in the need for ice cream!!

Very good ice cream!

Fiona's birthday present arrived. Yes, it is a Tressy doll - anyone 'our age' will remember the 60's craze for a doll who's hair grew!! Sadly, Fiona missed out on such a treat when she was young and has always craved one, so, not to disappoint, I tracked one down and her childhood is now complete!!! Thanks Rose for helping with all the postage etc.

Fiona and Tressy

It has been a bit of a 'Brown' week with a lovely walk on Brown's Bay.

The Browns on Browns Bay

Followed by a trip to meet Ken's nephew Darren and his family. We loved meeting Danielle, Jess, Izzy and Harriet - enjoying coffee and cakes in their new Coast Cakes shop and hearing about their new life in NZ - we wish you every success in your cake business.

 

Darren, Dani and family (Izzy was with friends)

On our way to Shakespeare National Park, we stopped at Little Manly Bay as dolphins had been spotted there that day - how exciting to see two dolphins enjoying the bathers and paddle boarders - seeing nature in its natural habitat is always such a thrill. 

Two dolphins near the paddle boarder

We then had a beautiful walk in Shakespear Regional Park and came across the picture frame - quirky idea for the perfect shot!

Careful balancing before I fell off! (its higher than it looks)   - what a picture!!

Army Bay is part of the Park - we have a video with the sounds of the waves and seagulls to listen to when we're back in Delhi!

Now we are on our way again - saying goodbye to our fabulous time in NZ and special friends. We will miss you but hopefully catch up again one day soon!

Ken looks like he is hitching a lift (he is!) but I am flying!

The driver waved at Ken - but stopped for Heather!

We hope to be able to keep to our Friday blogs, but not sure if that will be possible until we reach Thailand.  We are about to start an 18 day tour with Intrepid Travel, of Vietnam and Cambodia.  It's going to be very busy and exciting.  

So it's good night from me, and it's good night from him.

Heather and Ken X