Tag Archives: Auckland

It wasn’t Italy but….

My wife and I had planned a trip to Italy, but work got in the way, so instead of a three week break it became one.

We decided on New Zealand – what a great choice! Only half a day from Adelaide and we were in Auckland, a harbour city
that is like a mini Barcelona. It’s harbour setting provides wonderful views, and with them comes great restaurants and a relaxed feel. We stayed at the recently redecorated Art Deco styled, Hotel de Brett one of the more interesting places we have stayed.

Hotel de Brett

Hotel de Brett

It’s not just

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Italy 2014 – an idea!

This is the first of what I hope will be a series of blog posts about my planning for and stay in Italy in 2014.

So often I have read books, blogs, articles about time in Europe mostly from the woman’s perspective. I have generally enjoyed them however it isn’t me. I am a 50 plus male, long term Partner in a large professional services firm. I am married to a fantastic woman who I have been with since my University days and we have 3 adult children. It isn’t my intention that I find myself through this journey I just want to record my thoughts as I(we) embark on this next phase of my (our) life.

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When I discussed with my wife our plans for a trip away in 2012 it was about 3 weeks squeezed in around a very hectic work schedule. It all got to hard so we abandoned 3 weeks in Italy for a fantastic week in the North Island of New Zealand. Whilst not the romance of Europe, New Zealand is a fantastic place and Auckland is a really vibrant seaside city which gives it a sort of Barcelona feel.

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White Island a trip we did by helicopter for my wife’s birthday and is one of the best sightseeing trips we have ever done. Even better than Mt Etna!

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Hotel De Brett – an awesome place to stay. Absolutely fantastic renovation, fabulous hosts, great restaurant and near everything! www.hoteldebrett.com

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Just one of the many great views of Auckland

It was a great holiday but it wasn’t Italy!

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