Ron's a handsome bastard, isn't he?Becky and I may never have children, so for the time being, Ron may just have to do. After a less-than-thrilling trip to the Ellerslie Racecourse Car Market on Sunday morning, we instead accepted a delivery from the Verandahs car stork. Or to be exact, from Ken Thomas, Auckland mechanic/inspection agent/sometimes backpacker car dealer. Ken seems the rather quintessential New Zealand type - no-nonsense hard-worker with a penchant for shorter shorts than most people in the US would find decent (think Larry Bird in the early '80's) and little tolerance for dallying around. We are literally kicking ourselves now for not getting a snap with Ken.
Ron and Andrew look good - this is how we rollWe accomplished quite a bit on Sunday and Monday. Besides getting Ron, we opened a bank account (an 1.5 hr ordeal that is best unremembered), got car insurance, sent away for NZ tax ID numbers, and got a cell phone - 021 178 8755. Apparently we don't get charged for incoming calls, so call away. Remember, however, that we're 18 hrs into the future for those of you on the East Coast, and we can easily retaliate if you call at inappropriate hours of the night here...
Feeling rightfully accomplished, we visited Sky Tower, Auckland's answer to a landmark architectural feature, on Monday, our first day of nice weather in Auckland. Sky Tower boasts some great views of Auckland and the surrounding areas. As the self-proclaimed adventure sports capital of the world, one can ride the elevator, climb to the top, or do a bungee-style jump off the tower. We took the perfectly good elevator to the top.
AfSky Tower, from the ground
Sky Tower, from a bit higher upAfter our trip to Sky Tower, we were off to the Auckland suburbs! (Nicer than they sound, actually)
7 comments:
I'm Ron Burgundy?
We're also driving a Subaru Legacy now. Ron must be the Chukwagon's Kiwi Doppelganger.
Also, could you cut down on the outdoor pictures? We have snow in our forecast and it's much too depressing to look at sunny New Zealand.
Wow! You guys have gotten done more in the last few days than I have in the last year! P.S. I was so excited to try to call you, that I did, and then Mr. Verizon Voice said he couldn't complete the call as dialed...bummer!
becky!!
I had to write you in your far off jaunt, because yesterday a girl in my office was wearing a FASHION HAT! yes, it is true. even publishing is not immune.
enjoy ron burgundy and the rest of the nz treasures...
Sorry about the phone number. I sent out an update on what you can do to call. Looking forward to many calls in the future. We also though of Ron having a twin across the world. May both our cars run long and well. And the fashion hat is hilarious! Flashbacks to D&W for sure.
Take care,
Becky
Ok, I feel the need to make you two aware of how great you should feel about the day to day weather you have been experiencing…FYI: Yesterday in Burlington, the average low temperature was –3F with a high of 0F…Portland’s low temp. was 2F with a high of 12F…Lebanon’s low was 19F with a high of 35F…and snow is on the way for most of us! No more rooting for cold weather, you guys are in summer bliss even with your rain and mist!! Happy traveling!
Cool RIDE!
I see Andrew is already whereing his sun glasses at the wheel. By the way, Nice picture of Aunty at the window with the beutiful veiw.
Keep truken
K Turn
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