11-12 Day - Leisure

Up with the hands - weekend! Although every day feels the same for us (which is great because there is no bad 'tomorrow is Monday again' mood), we take Saturday as an opportunity to spontaneously have dinner with our 'mates' from Italy and France. Great idea: great food, cool beer, and a sunset to melt away!

To end the week properly, Etienne shows us the 'Dukes of Marlborough Tavern': a real pub with live music, which we miss in Austria. At the lonely foosball table, things get down to business and some cliches of certain nations are confirmed ;) Luckily, the lousy Austrian is not alone in being one of the worst this time!

On Sunday morning, the pub is quickly transformed into a sports bar to watch the rugby international match between the All Blacks (rugby=national sport of the Kiwi's) and France, who happen to be playing in Paris. Martin, a Frenchman still recovering from the previous evening, and a randomly present old sea dog watch the rather one-sided game together.

But since the weather is once again very good (contrary to the weather forecast), we decide to go on a sailing trip. Together with Robin&Rick, we set sail and cross the Bay of Islands. We see beautiful islands and get valuable insider information from Robin (who else would know that Thomas Muster bought a property on the beach right near us?).

But without a doubt, the highlight is the dolphins that suddenly accompany us. Incredible to see the animals from this close and unexpected.

With the best sailing weather, we enjoy the great atmosphere on the boat and get to know a nice Dutch family. They can also give us tips for the rest of our journey since they have already visited our next destinations. Additionally, the daughter was immediately very impressed by Karin ;)

Finally, after over five hours of boat trip, we arrive safely at the port of Russell and are a little bit glad to have solid ground under our feet again. However, the waves will accompany us all the way to our bed.

Now we are getting ready to drive north (Cape Reinga) tomorrow.