Full Day 13 – Friday

Wandering CBD (Central Business District) and taking in an Improv Show at The Covert Theatre this night.

But first, getting out and about to check out Waiheke (said like Waikiki) the neighboring island to Auckland. I did sign up for a package bus hop on and off, lunch and wine, with the Ferry ride.

It took me all but one stop to lose the green band to hop on and off. So happy I had my physical ticket but further recommendation was to take a picture of it, which I quickly did when I sat down for my Wine and dine, starter entree and wine.

The show was fun, it has been a while since I did improv specific things just to do it on my own but this was a great opportunity to do it.

They did a murder mystery where they started with the ending reveal scene and then went back to the beginning to end with the scene. Perfect circle and they kept it simple but the inspector did a great Cain and Abel dad joke. Something I bet people don’t expect as a descriptor of a show. But like all things improv, you had to be there to fully understand.

After that, they offered a short set of scenes that were more in the style of ‘whose line is it anyway’ games.

Full Day 12 – Thursday

Velskov …

This was the best experience and I absolutely recommend it. Look up the word geogastronomy (taste of place).

I planted a tree, helped set the table for the event, helped make our meal, and met Mamakan. She was amazing.

Velskov

She also took us out to the moss garden. She talked about how she finds meaningful, with sacredness in the spot and feel it, she shared how you can see time there; moss and lichen, to fern growth, and then to fruiting flowers. She played a song from her heritage and we shared e ho mai. It started to rain which wasn’t great for the outdoor cooking but a blessing in Hawaiian culture.

The food was wonderful and we saw Qunetin again. He stopped by to say hi and I was able to give him some candy for him and Sammy.

It was pretty perfect.

Some observations:

Kai = mea’ai = food

Mahi = hana = work

The reserve is meant to bring a few plants back to life. She is hoping to plant 80 different species to the forest.

New Zealand is the first place to create persons for natural places, e.g. mountain. Therefore it can sue. I love it.

Hawaii Pot Shabushabu House

Open til 2am, this place is much like the other hot pot places on the island, soup base, sauces and an assortment of items to cook. With the huge exception of single-serving pots and a conveyor belt counter seating area where you are able to pick your own veggies, noodles, and a few other morsels. Meat is on order and it is buffet all-you-can eat. For those that don’t want to do a hot pot there are a few other items to order on the menu.