24/2/2026 Auckland and Kohimarama Beach

I almost cried when the alarm went off at 0900hours, because it didnt feel like 2 minutes since i fell into bed. I woke myself up with a shower, and because I'd dawdled somewhat I didn't have enough time for more than one cup of coffee before checking out. 

After handing my key back in, I went through to the restaurant area and helped myself to another coffee while I decided what I was going to do transport wise to get back to the motel. I looked at all the bus options I could find from the airport and then decided that I was too tired to sit on a bus, having to change at least once and ultimately decided to get an Uber. I was fully expecting it to be $80 so I nearly fell on the floor when it was only $21 which was just over a tenner. Bargain. My driver was only a minute away and by the time I got outside he was there. Alvin, (nothing to do with the chipmunks) was a really nice Fijiian man who was really interesting. We were talking about public transport and he told me about this great app that tracks public transport, and also will find you the best route to get you there. He also gave me a discount card for another taxi app that gives you the price up front and $20 of credit for your account. I can share it with Morgan too. What's not to love?

I'd already rang Veronica from the motel about leaving my bags there before check in and she was happy for me to drop them off. When we arrived Alvin got the bags out of the boot for me and took them into the motel reception.  I had a few hours to spare so I asked Alvin if he would have the time to take me up to St Heliers and he said no problem at all. It was better than getting the bus and whilst it was a fiver it was worth every penny. 

Picking up a coffee from Josh and having a quick chat with him about his holiday to Japan, I went to the nail salon around the corner and got my nails done. I opted for the works , a full neck back and leg massage, toes painted a beautiful lilac colour and fingers a lovely baby pink. I did have trouble keeping my eyes open after the pampering but I did start to relax. 

Once I had been pampered within an inch of my life, I decided another strong coffee was in order and realised I was a bit peckish not having eaten since late last night on the aeroplane. I decided on a cinnamon brioche bun to go with my coffee, I mean I could have had a sandwich but who wants a sarnie when you can have cake. After inhaling the coffee and cake, I was just checking on what time the bus was due to get me home and here comes my Morgi, he had finished work and was checking to see if I was still around the village, to give me a lift back to the motel. 

He wanted a coffee too so went in for one, and then we headed home. I was more tired than I expected so we decided we'd have a proper catch up tomorrow night. He's had a nasty bout of tonsillitis and is still struggling to get over that, so he could do with an early night too. 

A quiet day spent doing not a lot but I'm back ‘home’ and it's a nice feeling. Especially as the sun is shining,it's lovely and warm and very little humidity so what's not to love. There was a pretty sunset but I was too tired to go outside and watch it so I took a photo through the window which wasn’t the best but what’s a girl to do. Glad to see the end of the day and be another one closer to my precious boy.

Much Love

Mrs Leonard

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