Two pretty ones

We woke up for a breakfast, and saw just about glimpse of Jenny's parents. Jenny told more about herself, how she had lived 15 years in Darwin, Australia, and returned back a year or so ago. First contact to nzbikers she had through Andrew, whom she found from the Ducati mailing list in the internet. Both of them were interested in overseas travelling, and wanted to see the Isle of Man TT. They met first time in Ireland, went to the Isle of Man, and separated again in Europe. Later they met when Jenny moved back to NZ.

About the Isle of Man Jenny told how they had no accommodation, and it was raining so they didn't want to put any tent out. When they went to a tourist info in Douglas, they found a place called indoor camping. They went there, and it was some kind of YMCA chapel or hall but it was 6 km from the action and they had no transport. Luckily there were plenty of voluntary people around, so they got lifts easily. The story sounded familiar. I once again confirmed, that the year was 1996. Then I asked whether in that same hall there had been two Finnishmen, Another having a Turbo-Kawasaki, an another having a collection of different Suzuki parts forming a kind of bike... The world is so small They had stayed one week under the same roof with my two good friends.

I left Jenny 50 dollars, and told, that when Andrew sends our things after us, he maybe could put one DynaBee with. I wanted also this fascinating toy for the joy of some our biker evenings, and also as a computer worker for serious hand muscle practice. Andrew had also warned me, that when you take the DynaBee to a party, people get drunken more easily... Nice toy.

Farewell (seeyas)

It was time to go. Jenny started her Ducati 650 Pantah in the garage. She had made it go again, so even the smallest excuse was enough to make her ride. So he took us through the Tauranga city to the sh2. I wondered if she rides all the way to Auckland with us, since she rode over half an hour in front of us. Then she stopped in Katikati, and told she would go no further. It was a silent moment. We had got new friends in NZ, and spent more time with them now than last time. Later we found, that it was much more difficult to leave NZ and go to a paradise island of Fiji, than leave Fiji, and get back to work. Again we said only "seeya" for a farewell. We have spent our last two Christmases in NZ, so it starts to be a tradition. I just wish we had the money to continue that tradition.

The circle has closed

From Katikati we continued to Auckland as straight as possible. First we rode through two nice gorges, but then we reached the Hauraki plains, and the fun was over. In the beginning of Auckland Expressway we had a chocolate bar break. We had only 50 kilometers left. After some guessing in Auckland we found the way to the waterfront. After that finding the rental shop was easy. We returned the bike at 12:20. Gordon asked us if we had any other problems than the speedo cable, and I told about the chain lube. Also I told that the right size hex wrench for the chain adjustment was missing from the tool kit.

Then we asked about the drive back to the airport, whether we should call a shuttle taxi or what. He told that he was going to the airport himself. He was going to Wellington to celebrate the New Year with his friends. He had to return to work again the next day, so only chance for him was the airplane. We packed our luggage, and went to some souvenir shops, while Gordon visited home. Once again we hadn't enough time to go to the aquarium...

Gordon took us in front of the international departures lounge, and along the drive we had a nice chat about bikes, rentals, racing and NZ. Gordon and Darren both left a very nice and responsible picture of themselves. I can warmly recommend NZ Motorcycle Rentals to anyone.

Our flight to Fiji departed at 17:30. In addition to Elina's shorts and jacket, a part of us both were left in the NZ. Unlike the shorts, that part of us no-one can mail after us.