Yesterday was an adventure, like most of my weekends here. I started my morning trek early to catch a bus to the ferry to head over to Devonport. Devonport is a quaint little town right outside Auckland full of trendy cafes, boutiques, chocolate shops, and wonderful views of the city, ocean, and volcanos. I met a friend Katie once I arrived. You can drive from Auckland, but the ferry is where you get the best view, in my opinion (and what everyone told me I should do!) Katie and I walked around the shops in town and admired the unique trinkets and gifts. We talked about ourselves and got to know one another.

I’m such an open book, meaning I can talk nonstop, but it was lovely to listen to someone’s story and hear their passions. I love meeting new people and getting to have the get to know you conversation. Some hate that part of meeting others but I find it so fascinating. I know nothing about this person and by the end of the day I feel as though I’ve learned so much! Obviously you can always learn more about someone. I mean you can’t say you know everything about someone after one day! No way. I won’t believe it! Anyway, we walking around Devonport and ended up at a chocolate shop I was told to go to by many and Katie! Oh man… Was this place worth it. They had some samples of dark chocolate with hokey pokey, which is like honeycomb toffee. It kind of taste like butterscotch in a way. Absolutely delicious!

Then we headed towards North Head where we had the most spectacular view of Auckland, Rangitoto, the ocean, the beaches, etc. Literally everything! When trying to describe the feeling I had I can’t seem to find the words. Seeing the beauty in the world is unfathomable. We took a couple photos then headed down to hit up a second hand shop called Junk & Disorderly! It was fabulous. I’m such a big thrifter and was very surprised at how nice this place was. They had live music when you first walked in and then the place was full to the brim with stuff. It was so hard not to buy anything because I can’t carry too much back with me to America. Ya girl does not want to pay those extra fees for an overweight bag.

After our thrifting excursion we were off to a cafe called Little and Friday! Oh man. Y’all. This place. The donuts were impeccable. They were filled with a delicious cream and raspberry filling. (sorry none for you Christine!) then doused in powdered sugar. We had some other food there as well and some coffee, flat white of course. Y’all I’m pretty sure Kiwi’s (again, the people, not the fruit or the birds) solely run on tea and coffee. I’m VERY okay with having tea and coffee nonstop too so sign me up.

Finally, we headed to One Tree Hill to get a 360 view of the city. Apparently way back when someone came to the top and chopped down the tree and now they call it no tree hill, haha! It started to rain as we drove up the volcano but it didn’t get in the way of the surrounding beauty this country offers. We parked and walked to the top to admire the city as the rain fell around us. It was such an amazing moment to experience.

I’ve come to realize the kiwis (the people, not the fruit or birds) are a very unique breed. They are truly amazing. It’s going to be very tough for me to leave this place in about a week but I will sincerely treasure the memories made and more importantly the friendships made. 

Love Always,

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