Summer Holiday 2008: Part 2-Auckland

Me and Theresa at the beach in Auckland

On our way to Auckland we stayed overnight in Papamoa at a Christian camp. The camp was was a 5 minute walk from the beach so as soon as we settled at camp we went swimming ! But the waves at the beach were much greater than the ones in Havelock North so it was not long before we got out of the water. I didn't like the waves that much and besides I was feeling a bit grumpy after the drive from Havelock North so the beach didn't feel very enjoyable.The next day on the 12th January we departed Papamoa and drove up to Auckland. But not before another swim at the beach...

Catch the wave...

...try again...

...and again...

Linda watch out...here it comes!!!

We arrived in Auckland after lunchtime. I couldn't wait to get out of the car!! I was so happy when we arrived at the Tabachnik's place where we were staying for approximately 3 days. After unpacking and having something to eat, Micheal (who is around my age), his friend Hannah, Linda and I went for a walk around the neighbourhood. Micheal showed Linda some horse paddocks, and Hannah and I just talked (she also studies biology and chemistry at university so we had stuff to talk about). Then when we got bored of the neighbourhood Micheal took us for a drive around the harbour in his car. I found out that he's majoring in chemistry for his BSc! We drove around for a while until Micheal's Dad called saying we'll be having dinner soon so we headed back to the house.

That night we celebrated Emma's birthday which was on the 11th Jan...

Mum and Emma... eating and drinking...

Linda...

...dancing...

...and dancing...

Linda, Hannah, Micheal and I watched a scary movie and had heaps of fun...
The next day I spent with Theresa who picked me up on the way back from church. After dropping Theresa's twin brothers Aaron and Chris (Linda's age) and sister Anne at the Botany Downs ice skating rink (Linda was already there!)...

Linda!

Aaron...or is it Chris??!!

Anne and Linda on the ice...

Theresa and I watched them for a bit...and then... (when we got cold...)

...Theresa and I went to the beach! What a contrast to the ice rink! What a heat wave! The water was amazingly warm and we stayed at the beach for hours, swimming, sun bathing and talking! Theresa decided to have a half year break from study and take some art courses. Her art is awesome! This was the first time we didn't get a chance to draw together, which is something taht we normally do when we meet up. By the time we got back to Theresa's house it was time to pick everyone up from the rink. After everyone got back we started a game of scrabble, but got bored and never finished it. Linda and I had dinner with the Yong family and then played card games... snap and president skum! For dessert we had ice cream and chocolate candy! Theresa gave me some different flavour types of dried seaweed (yes seaweed!-the stuff you make sushi with) to try...

...ok it does look a bit outrageous-ice cream, chocolate, candy and seaweed... but hey, dried seaweed is really nice!
But before we knew it it was time for Linda and I to go back to the Tobachniks place. It had been an awesome day and it was great to see Theresa again!

Emma's birthday present from the Jilina family

The next day after breakfast we left the Tobachnik's place (and Auckland) and drove up to Orewa where we would spend the rest of our vacation...