Drowned
God it is pissing down with rain in Auckland, and I am thoroughly soaked taking refuge in a Starbucks on Queen Street.
I had a meeting yesterday morning with the NZ Institute over their broadband proposal and figured might as well stay here for an extra day and a bit, so I can make the CIS forum tonight on how to supersize the economy.
I figured that with most of the day spare, I could just stroll around Auckland, buy some books from Borders, and catch up for a few outdoor drinks later today.
Instead I’ve been running from cover to cover trying unsuccessfully not to get soaked as I get from one place to another. Bloody miserable.
The irony is Wellington was superb weather at the weekend. On Sunday had brunch at the Parade Cafe in Oriental Bay, followed by ice creams at the beach. Then we spent around six hours drinking champagne at Loaded Hog and Dockside (where by coincidence ran into Water Girl and a local Mayor who joined our table) and then Auckland Girl’s birthday dinner at Nicolini’s. Sunday was a superb day.
Wellington was still pretty good weather Monday morning when I flew out. But Auckland has been non stop rain for a day and a half. So much for being nearer the equator!
April 15th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
We saved up all the rain until you got here, hehehe.
No, actually, it has been a little extreme this rain today.
But why Starbucks? You don’t have to resort to crap multinational pseudo-coffee in the kiwi home of the latte. Head to the top of Vulcan Lane. I used to enjoy a trim latte or two there with Judith C. in the good old nineties.
BTW, when it rains in places nearer the Equator it generally does rain harder. Ever been in a Queensland rainstorm? You’re just experiencing a little tropical downpour, that’s all.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Actually this is the first good rain we’ve had in some time. Enjoy the weather David, like most who work in the city I’m enjoying being sealed up while it all goes haywire around us.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Actually this is the first good rain we’ve had in some time. Enjoy the weather David, like most who work in the city I’m enjoying being sealed up while it all goes haywire around us.
I’ll second that! Bout time we had a decent soaking.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
It hasn’t exactly been dry in Wellington since you left
April 15th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Yes David, you can do better than Starbucks.
Sheinkin on Lorne Street is a favourite of mine when I’m in the big city.
It’s twin is Dizengoff in Ponsonby Road.
Both serve delicious flat whites.
So how long are you up here for?
April 15th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Enjoy the rain!
It makes the grass grow, keeps farmers happy (no mean feat) and the good people of Waiheke clean.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Oh I did not go to Starbucks for the coffee. I go because I know it has powerpoints and wireless. That is the only reason. Plus it involved less water getting on me than elsewhere.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Yeah, figured that out after posting. Seems to be clearing now. Nice to see a blog (sort of) about Auckland. Enjoy your stay.
April 15th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Don’t go horseriding…
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1316907/1712635
April 15th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
May I make one other point in defence of the rain in Auckland?
At least it’s vertical in Auckland, unlike in Wellington where it’s horizontal.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
David, DIDDUMS. Get a brolly.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
heh
April 15th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
KT, Normally that is the case, but today there were some strong gusts of wind at the same time. Unusual, but it had a definite tropical feel to it.
On the other hand, I only had to put a pullover on for the first time this year last week, and then only once. Autumn could be here, but winter feels a long way off still.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I cannot recall ever when a miserable day like today was welcomed by many with a smile.
This is the first proper rain in the Waikato for four months.
And it has been persisting down.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Jafapete
OK. I’ll take your word for it.
I’m working from memory as I now live in a part of the Arabian desert where it rarely rains. And when it does rain, it’s a cause for celebration.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Geeeze what a bunch of sissies, a little bit of a downpour and you run for cover, all doom and gloom.
TRY WORKING IN IT! Get a life.
April 15th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I have heard this more than once from people south of the Bombay Hills. It is a poorly disguised attempt to tell Aucklanders:
“Naa Naa Ni Naa Naa, We don’t think Auckland is all you Jaffers crack it up to be.”
It is akin to Henry The V111 penis envy.
April 15th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I have heard this more than once from people south of the Bombay Hills. It is a poorly disguised attempt to tell Aucklanders:
Naa Naa Ni Naa Naa, We don’t think Auckland is all you Jaffers crack it up to be.
It is akin to Henry The V111 penis envy.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Maybe a stop on this post is required as 5 students from Auckland have drowned tonight, especially with the title.
RIP young ones.
April 16th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
With a lifestyle like this David, no wonder you are beginning to resemble Jonathan Hunt.