Some pre-warning: I’ve been drinking since 12pm today. It’s now 8pm, so judge where you must. I will not take offense.
Small shout out to yesterday’s physical activity: I hiked up Mt. Eden to the top where I was rewarded with views of the harbor and a 50 meter deep crater. So there’s that.
Today was my pre-booked wine tour on the island called Waiheke. For a total rip off of $180 NZD, you get shuttled around to 3 wineries and probably one whole glass of tastings (over 4 hours). You do the math. I think we paid for bus service around the island. When in actuality, I could have taken the local bus and did my own tour. It probably would’ve have been so bad to be stranded on the island. It was very beautiful.
Here’s me fan-girling over the bartender who was quite generous in her pours. In fact, the cashier couldn’t figure out if it was a taster or an actual glass. But the taster was $18 so I didn’t want to get overcharged!
I arrived back in Auckland and was craving steak. The “lunch” on the wine tour left something to be desired. I’m sure it was expensive but it was not filling at all. Right next to my hostel is a steak house. And it was good. But the service was terrible. And when the hostess made the mistake of asking me how everything was, I unloaded. Politely of course because I have manners. First, the water glass had lipstick stains on it. Sent it back. Ordered the wedge salad and it didn’t come with bacon. Politely ask if bacon comes on the wedge and it does. Wait for a new wedge salad. At the same time, I ordered another glass of wine and the new wedge salad came out before it did. And the salad was a whole new plating because I ate off of my original plate. I walked out of there with only a free glass of wine – should have chosen the most expensive one as my free one. Oh well.
Then I head to “FatherTeds.” The local Irish bar. And all I want is a Guinness to unwind. And then I’m approached by a leprechaun. He asks how my day is and I’m still polite (because my mamma taught me that). The Leprechaun says, “my friend wants to talk to you but he’s too shy. Would you like to talk to him?” What am I, running a charity?! But I’m polite… except it’s waning at this point. Mama won’t know right?! Friend comes over and I wished I had said “no, no, no” at the beginning. But I’m nice and I finish my beer and don’t even wait for him to offer to buy me one. I’m outta there. Faster than you can say “lucky charms.” So if you learn anything from me, always say no to the leprechaun; but be kind about it because we’re not animals here.
There She Goes... 