Every year, the University of Auckland sponsors what they call 'Brain Day.' The University brings in speakers who give presentations and invites researchers and hospital personnel and every/any one who works in the field. Many, like Allie's employer ABI, set up a booth and hand out literature to interested people.
Allie suggested that since she would be busy all day, maybe we'd like to ride into the city with her and do some wandering. We jumped at the chance.
We decided that we would go up to Albert Park, but we would do it in a new way. We'd come up to it from the north end rather than from in the west side like we have always done before. By doing this, we came across some new streets and sights.
We passed this street fairly early in the morning. I love how this street suddenly shoots upward and seems to run smack into that massive building squatting in it's way. I call that building the 'sumo wrestler.'
Before long, we arrived at the park. We climbed a steep hill and took refuge from the steps by collapsing on to a handy bench. And started looking around...
What do you notice that is odd about this tree in the center of the picture? Right, it's actually trees.
A pohutukawa is growing out of this palm.
When I did the post about Rangitoto, I told you that pohutukawas are able to grow on bare rock. Well, I think this proves what opportunists they really are, growing where ever they like. It's going to be fun to watch this pair as the pohutukawa continues to grow. There is a slight lean to the palm already. I hope it doesn't become unstable due to the added weight on one side and the increased wind pressure.
I just can't stop taking pictures of trees. Look at this one. I don't know what species it is.
This is the western gate of the park, and today, we left by passing between the pillars of rocks. This spot is shady and cool.
Each rock has a design carved into it and Jeanne is admiring one of them.
This is the view from between the pillars.
Jeanne and I didn't plan to spend a lot of time in downtown Auckland today. Instead, we jumped on a train after leaving the park and got off at the next stop, Newmarket. Yes, that is where the Russian deli is. We stopped there again for just a few minutes and then went on to find an interesting block of Asian markets. More about that in a future post. -djf
Wonderful stone pillars! amazing trees and street scenes!!
ReplyDeleteI love to see all those familiar and almost familiar places again! When we went to Albert Park, was it from your usual approach?
ReplyDeleteI really like how you composed that picture of the palm-with-pohutakawa: did I notice what was odd about it? But of course I did! There is a house nested right at the very top of it! If that doesn't bend the palm over, I think it's got no worries from the pohutakawa!
I'm now imagining that amazing multi-trunked massive tree vs the sumo wrestler building: while both are impressive, I'd take the tree any day!
I loved these trees. I cannot believe it was two trees but you are right. The lower tangle of trees were just calling me to climb them. I have not had to urge to climb a tree in years. It made me think of the hours we would spend throwing fruit at each other from birch-looking trees outside of our kitchen window. They had hard orange berries and we would peg them at each other as we hung out in the tree. Do you remember what kind of trees they were in Wakefield? These trees in NZ look alive and just call to you. Thanks for the great pictures and the city looks so clean and lovely always. McKenzie
ReplyDelete