"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!"

Thursday 21 August

Up early to pick up Natalie from the airport - because in her words “My family has forgotten about me 😢😭”! Even Albi was a bit funny when I dropped her home - alternately welcoming & waggy then unforgiving of Nat’s long absence! Luckily I snuck in a cuddle!

Back at the apartment, Louis’ mate George and his wife Caroline popped in to see him, just as Jez arrived too so we all had a lovely catch up on the balcony in the sun. George & Caroline were big on the Auckland social scene back in the day when George ran Revolver Studios in town. He told us stories about what happened where and to whom in which venues and Caroline kept reminding him - "hey, that was 3 decades ago George, that building/place/venue isn't here any more!" As long time lurkers in Waiuku, 50km out of town, they were fascinated to see the evolution of the Auckland skyline over the intervening period, especially from up here on the 21st floor.

After a healthy salad lunch I took off to explore another part of the waterfront - Hobson’s Wharf Pocket Park - which was very cute with giant seesaws, skateboard ramps, a mini grandstand and gorgeous harbour views. Looking back at the Hilton and apartments on Princes Wharf is always a pleasure - it gives the impression of a cruise liner moored up in the harbour. And the marine creatures mural all the way along the rear of the Maritime Museum building are always so cool to check out.

From the Pocket Park, I got a great view of the spot where Louis, Ann Bradley and I sat on the wharf side celebrating the 2021 America's Cup victory for Emirates Team NZ... it was very empty today, but back then the crowds were 20-30 deep all along the wharf.

Mairi brought Lily & Finn up to see us and enjoy the pool and spa - which we did, with heaps of noise & splashing! Enjoyed dinner with them, then Sara, Nat & Hannah swung by in the middle of the mayhem… it really was a people, people, people kinda day!