Albert Park

After the Auckland Tower tour we walked to a patch of green we saw from the tower.  It was invitingly serene, with a band stand, old buildings and statues. It is located adjacent to the University of Auckland and was an obvious haven for students seeking a quiet place in the sun to read, relax and romance, such is university life!  A bronze statue of a resplendent Queen Victoria (1897) was inscribed with “Queen of the British Colonies and Empress of India”. 

South African Memorial

Those Fallen

There was a smaller marble monument created by NZ soldiers who fought for Britain in So. Africa.  This monument commemorates their fallen comrades.  It reminds me of past trips to NZ when we have been here for ANZAC Day; April 25^th this year, a Friday.  ANZAC Day officially commemorates the Battle of Gallipoli.  In a small village we were told that everyone marches and no one watches the parades there, because everyone has lost a family member who is being remembered.  All over the country there are small rose gardens, I call the ‘lest we forget’ plots.  This is always a reminder to me of how many men & women were lost fighting for Britain.  According to Wiki, ‘New Zealand had the highest casualty and death rate per capita of any country involved in the [WWI] war.’

In front of Barracks

There is a wonderful cookie called the ANZAC biscuit, which is still quite popular today.  We were told that they were sent by wives and families to soldiers abroad during WWI because they were nutritious and kept well in travel.  They are primarily rolled oats, coconut, butter and other wonderful ingredients.  The recipe is easily found on the Internet. 

There is also an old 1800s official building, probably part of the Albert Barracks, which now houses classrooms for those who want to learn to speak English.  Seems fitting that the classrooms appeared full.

Speaking of Full, this was a Full Moon Rising over Waheke Island taken from our deck that evening.

Lovely day and evening, J