We had a lazy morning. No hurry getting going, big breakfast, then back to the room to connect with our cousins. Our plan was to visit the museum. They took a pass on that. It’s within walking distance of our hotel, and cool and rainy early morning had given way to a warm and sunny day. The museum sits atop a big hill, providing a great view of Auckland harbor. It’s really a beautiful city when the sun is shining.
The museum is impressive. The main floor is filled with Maori artifacts, the story of how the Maori came to New Zealand and how the British colonialists did them wrong and are now trying to make reparations. The upper two floors have other exhibits, including natural history and memorials to the wars in which New Zealand has fought. We spent three hours in the museum, then enjoyed the walk back to hotel.
David drove to pick us up at 5:45. We drove a little south of the city center to a temporary theater, The Pop-Up Globe. The theater company puts on several Shakespeare plays during the summer. We were there to see “Measure for Measure.”
The theater is set-up like the original Gobe was (if you don’t remember, watch “Shakespeare in Love” again). The production is The Bard’s play, but with many playful asides,ad libs, and even some songs and dances. It was thoroughly charming.
Tomorrow is our last day in Auckland and in New Zealand. We’ll hit the beach if the weather cooperates. Watch this space.