Idealog.co.nz | The Transformation Issue
085
my favourite places
I lived in Seattle for three years
and Ponsonby Rd reminds me so
much of the art, culture and hole-in-
the-wall-cafe scene – a little piece of
America. It wasn’t until recently that I
found out that the area was known for
girls hanging out in their active wear
and serving Auckland’s elite at cafes,
but I think that adds to the flavour
of the area. Some of my favourite
restaurants are GoGo Daddy (boat
noodles and duck fried rice), Azabu
and the myriad of cafes that serve
up the best early morning almond
milk lattes while I watch the sun
start to rise.
My week then fills up with
meetings upon meetings in the city,
Britomart and Parnell.
Parnell is at the heart of where
some of my most important deals and
negotiations have happened over the
years and holds a memory of a very
important time in my life.I love the industrial settings
such as the old textile building, home
to Simon & Lee. It’s the best fried
chicken joint, and I can say that
because I spent four years in the mid-
west US, so I know my fried chicken.
There’s other favourite eateries here:
NSP, Woodpecker Hill and Pasture.
Eating is often followed by long walks
around the neighbourhood taking
in the sunsets. It’s the best medium
between the bustling and quiet, small
and big city.
My week then ends back in Herne
Bay where I’ll escape with friends to
bars and clubs, winding down from
the craziness of the week.
Saturday mornings call
I leave with the rush of the other
Aucklanders on the infamous 4pm
ferry back to the shore and then
off to the airport, where I plug my
headphones in until the turbulent
landing into Wellington.
I wouldn’t change a thing from
my weekly commutes but I wish there
were more hours in the day, so I could
enjoy more of Auckland. I can’t wait
to see where this city will be in the
next 10 years – hopefully it’ll have
less traffic.for catching up on emails and
communication that’s slipped through
my now 65 hour work week. Then
its often a quick dash down the hill
to catch the 11am ferry to Waiheke
Island, my home away from home.
The small island has provided
me healing energy since early 2018
after big shifts in my life, and now
at the end of fun, but often volatile,
weeks. The days are chilled and
relaxed. I cook and drink and give
myself space to digest the week that’s
been. Catching up with one of my best
friends who lives on the island is a
favourite pastime, with degustation
at wineries and wine tastings giving
me a nice sense of balance and a place
to level out.
Sunday mornings there are
more emails to attend to before I
explore one of the many walking
trails on the Island. Flat white in
hand, I love wandering and admiring
the architecture of the old and new
houses cropping up everywhere on
the Island. I make a quick pitstop
at the local fish shop to pick up a
dozen fresh oysters, which I’m slowly
learning to shuck – a labour of love!The small island has
provided me healing
energy since early
2018 after big shifts
in my life, and now
at the end of fun, but
often volatile, weeks.