Auckland

JUNE 23, 2011

Here I am, nestled in my cozy little room at
 The Te Ngakau Waiora Mercy Spirituality Centre in the Epsom neighborhood of
Auckland New Zealand!  I had spoken with the manager, Val, before. She was warm and welcoming.   I have found some low cost hidden places to stay by looking into housing provided through monasteries and retreat centers. This place is a lovely little example. The room is maybe 8 by 10 feet, paneled with knotty pine.  I have a comfy twin bed, 3pillows, a sink and a space heater.
the heater is needed for it is the middle of winter here...my introduction to my summer vacation!  it is mild, however , and I am comfortable with a long-sleeved t-shirt, a fleece and a rain shell.  this morning it is dark and pouring rain, so I feel so safe, dry and warm drinking my coffee and watching out the window. the birds sound as if they are having a party out there!  I am happy to stay in for a while and journal...

Yesterday was a lovely day, the weather a  it warmer and,  although it did not rain, it was slightly overcast with some sun breaks.  I stepped off the plane,made made way through customs in the dark morning hour and made it to my lodging at about 9a.m.  After the check in I hopped a bus to the downtown ferries and decided spur of the moment to take one to Waiheke Is. For a wine tasting tour with short hikes.  It was perfect! there were four folks from Thailand and five from Japan and two from Mexico with us.  The motor coach was comfortable and the stops were active, outdoors, informative and fun!  we tasting great wines and olive oil.  at one stop we had a very gingery ginger ale.  at the final vineyard we hiked to the top of the hill where we could have a360 deg. View to the water all around the island, see most of the island and see Auckland in the distance!  Our tour guide in the bus , Horst, was interesting and amusing too!  when I returned on the ferry I had a lovely chat with a retired chemist!

coming up on the bus to my "home" was a bit of an ordeal , I kept getting sent to different bus stops.  finally on the right bus, it took a long time due to commuter traffic.  Once I was in my neighborhood, I found. Roasted foods "takeaway" place, got some lamb with peas, potatoes and pumpkin and headed to my room.  I quickly ate, showered, stretched and cuddled down into a very deep and satisfying sleep.  I believe I slept over ten hours!

Two options have come up for tomorrow: I could tour here, or take a one hour flight to Wellington to visit the Eco-School there.  I got a last minute email from the director this morning!  I am waiting to see if he can tour me tomorrow before I book the flight.  I did not count on the fee, Bautista would really like more than the 2Eco-School visit I already have planned.  If that cannot happen, I will be happy to save the $ and stay here. Either way I will attend a wonderful concert here tomorrow night!

In the meantime, today is for rest, prayer and walking up One Tree Hill (if the rain slows down).  I may poke around in some shops to see what that is like, but intend to take it pretty easy, As it turned out I was inspired to hike much more than One Tree Hill! I also hiked Mt. Eden! It was about a 10-12 Km circuit! (6 - 7 miles?) I am happily tired and sore. beautiful day! For the beauty of the earth...Lord above to You we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise was my song today!

EDIT June 2022: I looked up the centre and discovered this bit of sad news. “ The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed another victim with the permanent closure of Te Ngakau Waiora Mercy Spirituality Centre in Epsom, Auckland, from July 31.”