Just catching up the blog from our last day in Auckland. I think I last wrote when we'd got back from Piha. I logged off quickly so Trudy and Kev (Lisa's parents) could take me and Anna to the botanical gardens they have pretty much on their doorstep.

Not to claim I know much about plants - however Anna was very impressed! She seemed to like a lot of the green plants and took a fair few photos lol, I just thought some of the flowers looked pretty and dodged the bees. Mel was pretty tired and stayed at home - its taking her a while to drop her jetlag unfortunately.

After that we got back and I called up Bindya - I'd only managed to get round to calling her now as we'd been so busy. She wasnt busy and was lovely enough to get the address and pop round for a bit. It was nice to catch up although I didnt get to see the baby and it turned out to be a really helpful visit as Mel and I jumped in the car quickly making up an excuse that we were going to see the baby and Bindya and Deepak took us to a supermarket where we managed to buy some carnations (Trudy's favourite flowers - nice detective work anna!) and some beer for Kev as it was his bday next week. Mel very nicely remembered the beer they'd drunk at the BBQ.

We also got them some cards and after operation sneaky at the front door managed to keep our presents hidden until a bit later when we surprised them and said our thanks. Its really been the nicest few days there and weve felt so at home! Couldnt really say thankyou enough because Lisa and Sam drove us around Auckland giving us a grand tour that would have been pretty difficult otherwise.

We went out for a nice meal after and ended our stay with a Love Stack (Annas massive tower of veg) and a doggy bag home (of all Annas food she didnt finish!). Good times!

We left early the next morning for our bus to Paihia (up north)!