Waiheke is on average 5 degrees warmer than Auckland (9 F) and it was gorgeous. Everywhere you looked the sea was in full view, flowers are blooming, Pohutukawa trees are beginning to bloom which means it is going to be getting warm soon, and people were surfing, sailing and kayaking all around. It's a lot like home in such a way that it is densely populated, people are pretty laid back (a lot more than home) and I would love to live there!!!
Today, Sunday, I met up with my 3 USA friends and we took a fairy to Rangitoto Island. This island has no one living on it because it is an active volcanoe. It is not too active, so we didn't get to see any lava! It is very interesting to note that the ground is a lot warmer than usual due to the volcanic activity underground. The hike to the summit was not too pretty, but once we got to the summit it was a 360 degree view of Auckland, Waiheke Island, and numerous other islands. The water around is the most beautiful turquoise, blue, and green colors I have ever seen. It was interesting that there is not much wildlife on the island, a few birds/spiders/bugs were seen. There are birds and bugs, but nothing else. I guess when you are living in a country with absolutely no insect/animal/snake/etc. then you don't realize how lucky you are that you can hike at your own desire!
When we arrived back to the mainland we were waiting for our bus, as usual (we spend hours waiting for buses and riding them I feel), we saw some Maori's catch a stingray right off shore and it took 3 of them to carry it back to their vehicle, an old honda accord, where they just threw it in the trunk! What a culture! On friday I am hoping to take the day off from school to attend a culture day that is going on.
Hope all is well! xoxo
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