Thursday 25th June

Morning feels weary, but we can freshen up in the bathrooms. The airport has some free wifi which is great and mal managed to use google maps to plan a path to the motel. With a walk and two bus transfers we get to the motel. We go and pay and store our bags then head off walking to the beach. It's at least 32 blocks! It's a nice walk though and is refreshing. The beach is very deep. We walk up to the shops and find some food. After breakfast/lunch we go and get a SIM card for mobile data and check out city tours for tomorrow. We head to the famous pier and enjoy the variety of entertainment. Gypsy style stalls, a violinist, fishermen, food, and carnival rides. The weather is nice. Cool but fine. On the pier we overhear two ppl discussing NZ; one who had been, one wanting to. There are a lot of mentally disturbed ppl, mostly appearing to be homeless with their shopping trolley of stuff. Talking off to ppl not seen. It seems odd in a 'flash' modern place.
When it's past check in we catch the bus back to the motel and relax for the evening. Malcolm heads to look for a grocer and returns with lots of delicious food. Trader joes. Very good food. We enjoy some and bed awaits after 37 hours!