Observations

• Laptops are a lot harder to use than you'd think - especially without a mouse
• I must say (and not because Glenn may read this) but I'm impressed with Glenn's driving. He's getting us around this strange backwards city in this strange backwards car rather well. Even if we make a wrong turn he's able to get us quickly back on track - I think he's using something called 'sense of direction' ! Anyways - it's something I couldn't do in a million years
  
• New Zealanders talk fast and with an accent - tough for me to follow along - like watching Coronation Street without closed captioning
• Auckland is a lot like Vancouver - clean, yuppie and yachts in the harbour
• Auckland has beautiful parks - reminds me of Wascana Park only larger and with more tree varieties - maybe a little more "British" influence in the flower gardens
• Lots of trees in bloom - didn't know so many trees flowered!
  
• American culture and businesses are everywhere - especially in the mall. Lots of American celebrities in their advertising
  
• Lots of fast food franchises - McDonalds, KFC, Wendy's, Burger King, Subway, Starbucks etc - feels like home
• Checked out a couple of supermarkets - same kinds of foods offered only different brand names. Dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables seemed a little more expensive but once you do the currency conversion - its about the same as in Regina
  
• Strawberries are in season - delicious! We've already eaten two cartons.
• Weather has been lovely - around 25 degrees. Much more comfortable than Fiji!!