September 11, not a very auspicous date to be flying I thought as I headed off to the airport to catch my plane to Auckland.
I was meeting Mum at Auckland Airport and we were going to see Andrea Bocelli in concert that night. I’d bought the tickets months ago, as a special present for Mum’s 70th.
I scored a window seat with noone sitting next to me! Awesome! I put my bag under the seat in front and spread out. I even got the iPad out and did some blogging!
I arrived an hour and a half before Mum, so had time for a coffee and sandwich and a catch up on work. Auckland Airport give you half an hour of free WiFi, so I used half an hour on the iPhone and then another half an hour on the iPad LOL
We used Cheap Cabs to get around Auckland and found them very good, on time with courteous drivers. They are 45% cheaper than other taxis, and can be pre-booked online. Airport to City was just $45 and return even cheaper at $35! I gave the driver a tip, he was such a good conversationalist, and it was his first day on the job!
We checked in at the Waldorf on St Martins. The apartment was really nice, fairly small but well laid out complete with kitchen, lounge, dining and 2 bedrooms. We were on the 8th floor with a balcony. I would definitely stay here again.
A catch up over coffee, then we got flashed up and we were off to Vector Arena. The excitement was mounting now! We headed to the Tuning Fork for dinner and were pleasantly surprised to see they had the Andrea Bocelli buffet (complete with music) in the Heineken Room at just $28.50 each! We even had bubbly to celebrate!
We walked across to Vector Arena to get seated. Row SS was right at the TOP! Our seats were on the aisle and we had an amazing view! There were 7,500 people all eagerly waiting to hear Andrea Bocelli sing.
And finally the concert began. Opera conductor Eugen Kohn started up the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. There was huge applause when Maestro Boceli was led onto the stage. For the first half he sung alternated by the Orchestra playing. His voice was amazing, it just went right through you, especially with favourites such as Ave Maria, Mamma and Vieni sul Mar. Cuban soprano Maria Aleida sung alongside Andrea for the operatic duets.
During the second half, Andrea brought Delta Goodrem on and I thought the roof was going to come down on Vector Arena! There were even wolf whistles (probably due to the gorgeous backless gown she was wearing!). I was totally unprepared, when she started singing, her voice is amazing, such depth and agility! A perfect rendition of Love, Thy Will Be Done, and she even sung a few songs in Italian including Canto Della Terra. WOW!
The real treat was when Delta and Andrea sung Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis. And then again as they sung When I Fall In Love and the piece de resistance Time to Say Goodbye. The applause was deafening!
There were a few encores, but sadly the concert had to come to an end.
Back to the Waldorf to a very comfy bed and a great night’s sleep before heading back to Auckland Airport the next morning. As Mum is a Koru Club member I was able to go in as her guest. The Auckland Koru Lounge is great, spacious and quiet with free WiFi and good food and coffee (also alcohol, but not for me at lunchtime!).
Farewell Auckland, on the way back to my beloved Nelson!
Nana's Hype 