Feb 3rd, 2023 Day 31 of 128

Tauranga, New Zealand

I can not believe it has been a month that we have been on the ship already. Where does the time go? This morning we woke up in our second port on the northern part of New Zealand. I hit the gym early and got back to the cabin to get Megan up for breakfast. We didn’t have to meet our EXC tour group until 9:45 so we were able to take it slow this morning. Today we booked what we like to call a “foodie” day. Our excursion took us to multiple stops where we got to sample local food. Our tour guide Catherine was fantastic. She seems to know something personal about every place we ate and every person who had crafted the food we were eating. We heard about a 95 year old woman who makes the chutney we tasted and the and the couple who started the company called the Cheese Barn who teach mentally and physically handicapped youth their trade so they have a life skill. The stories we heard today we all so educational and heart warming. I will share with you some of the yummy things we ate today. We started at a coffee shop that is one of 13 coffee roasting shop in Tauranga, they REALLY love the coffee. The couple also have a knack for creating unique and delicious flavors of ice cream that I thought tasted more like gourmet gelato. We had a delicious New Zealand styled pastry as well. Enjoy that photo!! Our second stop was to Good Food Market where a table was set up so we could sample two types of local hot sauces, chutney, local cheese, sweet potato crisps, and Manuka honey. Megan and I purchased some tea, cheese, bagged crisps and two types of locally made Kombucha. Next, we went to a Meat pie shop where we all got to sample a minced meat pie and a custard pastry. They were both amazing and we learned about the art of making meat pies and the history of them here in New Zealand. Then, we went to an avocado orchard and actually met the man who grows the avocados. He told us all about how he grafts the avocado tree to other stronger local trees so that he can harvest sooner and the trees are so much larger. I can’t believe how many avocados one of his trees produce. He was so proud of his hard work and the land he is cultivating. His dog was a hoot and no matter how many times we threw that stick he always came back for more! While we were there in addition to avocados we got to try local Worcestershire, chocolate, pear vanilla chutney, and citrus marmalade. Lastly, we drove to one of the few beachside restaurants in the area. It had lovely view and fabulous food. Megan had the fish and crisp (chips; aka fries) and I had the seafood chowder that I am going to dream about until I make it or have it again. It was one of the best things I have eaten this entire trip. Yes, it was that good. If you are ever in the area make sure you stop by Maketu Beachside Cafe and Restaurant. I personally spoke to and gave my compliments to the chef!! There is also an adorable white cat out back that Megan got to pet for a good ten minutes. We got back to the ship shortly after 3:30pm and had a chance to unpack, unwind, get our laundry ready and get ready for dinner. Although, after eating all day I have to admit I wasn’t terribly hungry. But there was Peruvian Chicken on the menu and I can not miss that one. I also forgot to tell you last night was pear crisp and tonight it was rhubarb. I apologize for keeping you in suspense on that one. Also, a quick side story. Elton John was supposed to perform in Auckland this past Friday and our Uber driver had met a lovely lady from the states that had traveled half way around the world for his concert. Sadly, due to all the rain and flooding the concert was canceled. But the night we were there Ed Sheeran was in town and he performed. Oh how I wish our all aboard wasn’t at 5:30pm! Alright our tummies are full and I am glad that tomorrow’s excursion will help us to burn off today’s feeding frenzy. We are in for the evening. Megan is working on some homework, I am going to crochet and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures. We had rain forecast the last two ports and the weather God’s have blessed us with none. Hoping that luck continues as we travel along. Temperatures have also dropped considerably as we have traveled along this week. We are wearing jeans off the ship now instead of shorts it was about 70 degrees today. We really have only needed our sweatshirts when on the air conditioned buses. Today really reminded me of home. The beach, the weather, the salt air, and the crashing waves. Made me a little homesick, but I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything. I will be home in due time. Love and Hugs from across the world.