Day 21 Bay of Islands, New Zealand

We docked right around our scheduled time at 8a. We had a leisurely morning with a balcony champagne brunch delivered to our room. It was an extra charge but believe me it was worth the US$45. Not only was it lovely, it was delicious! We felt very special with this treat. 

Champagne and Coffee

Sweets
Bagels and Lox
Fruit plate
Quiche, baked tomato, salad, and coleslaw

After such a treat we got off the ship via a very long wait for the tender. After arrival to shore, we rode the free shuttle into town. We wanted to do a lunch cruise but it was fully booked. However, it was very nice seeing town and wandering about. The Kiwi's (as New Zealanders call themselves) are so welcoming and friendly. NZ is a beautiful country. I will mention here, they have been hit by more than one cyclone recently. There is yet another on they way, let's pray it skirts the country and leaves them unscathed. Goods were quite expensive and we didn't buy anything. Even the at the craft and farmer's market area. Back a the ship we had a late lunch, a treat of pizza and salad. We have been trying to "eat healthy" which really is easy with a few minor requests. Our waiter at dinner is always eager to please us with extra vegetables and holding the carbs! However, tonight I just had the crab quiche and salad appetizers and skipped the rest. I wanted to go up to deck 15...








AND I just got back from deck 15 with the Astronomy professor pointing out the Southern Star, planets, and 2 different satellites!!! I know my photos are horrible but it really was a fabulous time. I remember my Great Uncle Bert pointing out Sputnik. Now that really dates me!!! Here is a link to the satellite video I took. You can see this satellite pretty well in my video. Click here. The Astronomer was not sure if it was a China or Japan satellite. My other video of the US satellite is not worth posting. I did see it with the naked eye but it quickly went behind the shadow of the Earth. This was such a wonderful treat, I am so thankful I got to do this fantastic experience.

The Southern Cross





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