3/2/2026 Hello again Auckland

Well hello again Auckland! As I said, Morg met me from the airport, loaded me into his truck and we got on the road.  I’d managed to find accommodation close to where he lives in St Helier which I was really pleased about because I was becoming really conscious of all the running about he was doing when I was in the city and in a Newmarket. St Heliers is on the beach and is quite an expensive area, the majority of residents are retirees. It's predominantly residential so  the holiday lets and air b&b are booked up way in advance. I dropped in really lucky with this one which was just where I wanted to be. Close to Morg but not under his feet and a bit of space for me!  

I’d had some trouble  getting hold of the lady I was staying with at the air B&B, so I asked Morg if he would mind ringing her for me to confirm I was still coming, and arrange a key pick up when I was still in Rarotonga.  I asked him when we got in the truck if he’d managed to get hold of my host  and he said, “ yeah about that , the phone number has been disconnected” which wasn’t a particularly good sign was it really.  Morg and I looked at each other and said at exactly the same time.  “I bet she’s bloody dead” and then cracked up laughing, because we are just so hilarious. I messaged her again via the app advising I was leaving the airport and we’d be about 40 Mins travelling time. 

We found the place easily enough, although it was on a bit of a hill, which might prove to be something of  a challenge.  There were no lights on and it looked deserted.  I’d noticed a sign on the wall asking history to use the entrance around the corner. Morg reversed out of the drive,  and asked what number flat it was. So I checked and he just pointed to a huge  or sale sign hammered into the grass with the flat number I was supposed to be staying in advertised on it . The icing on the cake was the nice red ‘sold’ sticker slapped across it.  That’s not ideal now is it?

We went around the corner and I tried the bell for the flat in case it was a mistake.  I was exceptionally pleased when the door was answered by a little old lady and I asked if she was Angela. Unfortunately she said “no, but I know Angela, I bought the flat off her”.  That threw me a bit, but not as much as when she said Angela had died …. In 2021.  Oh for ducks sake mun! And no, that's not a typo.  You have got to be bloody kidding me.  I asked her if anyone else had rung the bell for accommodation and she told me nope and that I was the first. Both Morg and I did think she might have offered me her spare room for the night,  but no, she just wished me luck finding somewhere else.  I obviously have to work on my puss in boots pathetic cat impression.

I got back in the truck slightly stressed, and Morg started to laugh, he has a very distinct laugh that is very contagious and I joined him. He pointed out it could only have happened to me. Once the laughter subsided, tears followed. Because now I had nowhere to stay for the next week. Not a massive issue but it’s Waitangi Day on Friday and there’s also a huge festival all weekend in the city, so all the accommodations have subsequently doubled their prices. Fuckers. And that’s even if you can get in anywhere.   

One mini melt down later and I’m sat back in Morgs flat, frantically searching for somewhere to stay. I then decided to leave that to Morgan as I had to report it to Air B&B, i was actually mildly impressed with them. I'm guessing it wasn't the first refund they've had to give on this particular property, because once I explained what had  happened, they immediately transferred me back what I paid. It will be interesting to see if they now take the property off their books or not. While I was sorting that out, I said to Morg that Si would have told me I was sacked as our travel agent due to the fundamental cock up with the accommodations, which in my defence was out of my control! I nearly got the sack a couple of times during our trip but I think this particular one would have had him laughing his socks off. Morg pointed out that if Si was alive I wouldn’t have been in this situation so actually this time he is sacked! In the meantime, Morg managed to find me somewhere to stay in Kohimarama which is really close to him, but it was only available for two nights. Add to that the fact I had 10 minutes to get there before the check in closed, so we jumped in the truck and went straight there. The booking hadn't even gone through to the property by the time we got there but it wasn’t an issue. I just showed him the confirmation on my phone and we were all good.  

It’s a little self contained unit with a large covered parking space. You go in through the door straight into a living room that has all dark wood flooring and oriented style decor. I love that it has a separate space with easy chairs and full sky access. Not that I’d use that but it is nice to have the options. The bedroom and bathroom are just off the lounge area and again decorated in oriental style. It’s really quirky and very homely, not particularly my style of decor but it has a really beautiful chilled out vibe to it. On through the lounge is the kitchen, fully kitted out with everything you can imagine, even a dishwasher. On the side, there were breakfast supplies and in the fridge a plate of cheese and fruit and milk, beer and small bottles of Prosecco 

On through the kitchen is an outdoor seating area with lanterns and Buddhas, and candles. It's just lovely.

As Morg was unloading my luggage from the truck I got us some food together from what had been left in the kitchen for me. When he bought the last of it in, he asked where we’d had my wedding dress and Si’s wedding suit made. I replied Hanoi, Vietnam, and he asked if I’d noticed the name of the unit? Clearly I hadn’t so I went outside and had a look and saw that its called ‘Hanoi’. Once again it seems like Si is guiding me in the right direction, and letting me know he’s around. Although quite frankly he could have stepped in a great deal sooner so I didn’t have that melt down. Not to mention all the stress associated with having nowhere to stay when I’m tired and emotional!

Morg and I polished off the crackers, cheeses and the alcohol. It’s been a stressy few hours, and we discussed my options for the next few days.  The plan at the moment is to bring forward the Samoa trip and head out on Thursday. 

With that sorted Morg left, I had a hot shower and decided it was time to bed. The rest of the trip planning can wait until my brain can function and I’m not so tired, although if I leave it til my head is clear and my brain is fully functioning, I may eventually get somewhere by 2056 . 

So with that I bid you good night 

Much Love

Mrs Leonard 

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