Parnell

Up until recently, the trains going to and from Auckland all bypassed Parnell. There was an old fashioned-looking terminal there, and platforms, but the trains never stopped. To tell the truth, the area around the station looked industrial, and rough and dirty. My attention was drawn toward the other side of the train when we passed Parnell and I watched the steep and wooded hillside of the Auckland Domain fly by instead. 

That changed recently. I don't know why the station is getting a face-lift so to speak, but I'm glad it's happening. 

Parnell is usually billed as Auckland's oldest suburb. And it is one of the richest. In the early days, many of the most prominent movers and shakers built mansions on it's hills. 

But I know almost nothing more about it. I recently got off the train there, just after we went through the tunnel which seems to me to mark the border and act as the gate into the suburb of Parnell. I discovered how very hilly it is as I walked to the French Market, La Cigale. That translates to cicada in English. 

This hike of mine was one of exploration. I had heard of the French Market to be found there and wanted to see it. This relatively short excursion into Parnell has wetted my appetite for more exploring; much more in fact. I saw about two blocks of Parnell Road, but what I saw made me want to make a trip there sometime, just to walk as far along Parnell Road as my feet and legs want to carry me. Maybe I could make it all the way to Newmarket and take the train home from there.  

Parnell is called an upmarket suburb in Wikipedia and I can see why. I find that I have developed a taste from strolling through streets fronted by beautifully renovated old buildings and stopping for coffee at street-side cafes. 

And what a great activity for an older gentlemen. I ride the train for free. I walk among historic buildings, take pictures, and when I tire, I buy a $4 coffee which allows me to sit beneath an umbrella on the sidewalk and watch the world go by. I have always loved a bargain and what I have just described seems like one heck of a deal to me. 

I have a few pictures from Parnell today. Not many, since this was my first look into this area. I think it will prove to be a gold-mine of pictures and text for future posts. The best and brightest nuggets I'll share with you.  

Getting off in Parnell 

The area between the train station and the town area needs work. 

The view from Parnell Road. Not far at all from downtown.  

There it is, The Cicada.  

La Cigale is made up of both permanent structures and the tents which spring up every weekend. 

 This stand sells Arram's favorite breakfast, crepes. And the guy in it is reaching for Arram's favorite topping, Nutella. 

By this time, I was starting to get thirsty, and this guy had set up a very impromtu sort of business that promised to solve my problem.  For just $3.00 he would knock the top off a chilled coconut with his matchete.

Nothing like it. It's a bit messy to drink, but I didn't mind. The sun was out today and the temperature rapidly climbing. This was the perfect drink for the moment. 

The skeleton was singing old songs.  

Just about ready to leave. 

I'm on my way back to the train and I'm taking a few pictures. I've just climbed the hill that goes past this unique structure.  By the time I get to the top of Ruskin Street, I'll be higher than it top of this building. Big hills here. 

 Look at this narrow passageway between two buildings. I wondered where it went. I walked in and discovered that at the very end, turning left brings you into the garden courtyard of a professional building of some sort.  

I'm headed for Sturges Road, which is on the Swanson line so I don't have too long a wait.