Tauranga

February 2
Tauranga

Technically, I was just outside of Tauranga at Mount maudu-something (I have no idea what it was called). Anyways, I got off the ship with my friend Terry (singer from the first contract) and climbed the mountain the town was named after. It was a decent climb and the mountain was large enough to make it worth it, and to make things easier, there was something we could use to climb it that I almost never use…a path. So we set out up this path and made it to the top some time later.
It’s hard to describe the view at the top, but it was certainly worth the climb, and after a few pictures and me climbing on various objects unnecessarily, we made our way down the other side. We followed a different path down, one that took us across the front of the mountain and lead us to the perfect beach below. After some more walking, we decided to head back into the city to stop at a bar and see how the Super Bowl was progressing.
We arrived at a bar that was showing the game and was packed with Americans from the ship. It was the fourth quarter and perfect timing to catch the most exciting part of the game, especially for someone like me who doesn’t quite follow football. I can honestly say I had no idea who was even playing the day before…I guess I should be ashamed, but I’m not. The game was interesting none the less, and being in a bar where some people were actually emotionally invested in one team or the other made it fun. But it was really neat being able to watch this classic American sport sitting in a ocean village in New Zealand having drinks and nachos – and immediately after an intense hike in perfect weather.
The game ended, the bar immediately cleared out, and Terry and I made our way back to the ship. I’m hoping I can spend the next Tauranga sky diving or white water rafting, and so long as I don’t have a rehearsal late morning like I did today, I should be all set for my next time in port. Thanks for reading!