I know its charms are enhanced at present by the long run of beautiful summer days and the reduced traffic over the holidays, but I love Auckland! Despite being in the heart of suburbia, all I can see from the living room window is trees and all day long I hear birdsong. I’ve been walking a lot and enjoying the glimpses of blue sea and green volcanic hills along the various routes I have taken. When I pause at a pedestrian crossing, the traffic actually stops for me (in Ipoh, drivers speed up when they see you approaching!) I like the friendliness of cafe waiters who bring my coffee, shop assistants who ask how my day is going, people I pass on the footpath who smile hello.  I guess you could say I’m having a wonderful time!