Speechless.
Can't seem to find just the right words...
Maybe it was the 'fun' of "keeping left" on the drive from the airport...
Maybe it was the warm welcome from Jeannette after the oh-so-long trip across a couple dozen time zones...
Maybe it was the stunning view beyond their backyard of the bay and the Auckland skyline...
Maybe it was the mystery of the tide sweeping in and out, the birds playing hide-and-seek with the sand bars...
Maybe it was the spectacular sunrises (yeah, I was up very early the first few days)...
Maybe it was the delicious breakfast -- muesli, yogurt, fruits, juice, coffee... and that sunrise!...
Maybe it was the congenial conversation with both of my hosts...
Maybe it was Gerry pointing out the Southern Cross constellation one night...
Maybe (just maybe) it was the sublimely gorgeous weather all but one day while there...
Maybe it was the hot sun on my face as I lay out on the back porch taking it all in one last time (82F !)...
Maybe it was the Quiet (notice the capital 'Q')...
Maybe...
Yeah. I know. All of the above! Without a doubt.
One sad note.
Went on several treks to the myriad wineries in the area and departed the Te Atatu Paradise with a favorite bottle.
But I forgot! The dreaded airline security. I don't check bags. The prize bottle was in carry-on. And then it wasn't.
With a smile, the young lady at the Auckland Airport politely asked me for my bottle of wine.
Gone. Maybe it was the name of the winery that 'jinxed' it -- Ransom.
But there was one 'thing' all the countless full-body scans and pat-downs I endured on the trip back never found...
The memories.
They are safely secreted away in a 'place' the TSA has no idea how to scan!
Thanks, Gerry and Jeannette for a most lovely time.