Auckland - March 30

Made it. In the future when we don't remember the TSA government shutdown of 2026, there were 4 hours delays getting to the gate. So I arrived at 10AM for a 4:50 PM flight from ATL to LAX. I checked my passport and bag with Delta, and made it through security in 12 minutes. Yep, Spent 5 hours in the Delta lounge.

I hate First class on a 737-900. Yes, seats are bigger, but the food is not as good as European airlines. I made it to LAX early and in what can only be luck, the walk to the gate was 25 feet, literally next door.

I was in Delta's Premium Select on the 13 hour flight. Better than comfort, but not as good as Delta One. Also, it may be me, but I think the seats are narrower than others international carriers, and the food is just ok. Slept for most of the trip and had no internet for 10 hours.

Arrived in Auckland, and once again a Government that works. Getting through passport control was a breeze, although I do not like the new electronic readers since your passport does not get stamped, just a sticker on the back for express entry.

Took a limo to the hotel at 9:30 AM on Monday March 30. I had no Sunday March 29. After more than 24 hours had a nice long hot shower.

Walked the 1/2 mile to the start of the foodie tour taking in the sites along the way.

There were 14 people on the tour, 3 couples had just gotten off a cruise, 3 couples were visiting New Zealand and one lady extended her work strip for a vacation. 2 other couples were from Sandy Springs and Woodstock. One of the women was my former county commissioner Helen Goreham.

Went to 5 places on the tour, all had great food. First was Rodd and Gunn, whose chef had a Michelin star in NYC and had a good wine, a deconstructed fish and chips and an interpretation of a meat pie. Next was a Pork, a Chicken and a Vegetable dumpling at a Food Court location called Eden Noodles.

The cheese plate was up next at ViVance with locally produced cheeses. A brie, blue and cheddar were on the plate as well as honey in its comb and some quince jam. The cracker was infused with paprika.

Shucker Brothers provided Muscles and Oysters in their own unique sauce. This is where the adrenalin wore off and I was tired, even though it was only 5PM local time.

Final stop was at Miann, they had cake and chocolate and we had gelato I had the chocolate brownie.

Done, I walked back to the Crown Plaza Auckland and fell asleep on the couch in the room. Finally got up 12 hours later for coffee and blogging.

I will be checking out and then checking in to the ship at noon. I have pinned some stops to make before I have to be back on board at 4.