Work treated us to a day out of the office to kick back and relax. We went to the Auckland Zoo. Naturally, I took some shots.
The Giveaway
Its been a long weekend here in Auckland New Zealand with the celebration of ‘Auckland Anniversary’. In good form the weather has been fantastic, and I managed to get out several times and shoot some images. One such outing,I was invited to a local car dealership to take some social images of their big car giveaway. Here are a few of the shots I personally liked from the bunch as I meandered through the crowds that attended.
Golden Sun Rises
An early start to get supplies for the week took me past Auckland’s Lake Pupuke. Standing on the eastern side, the sun was just entering the sky for another glorious day.
To take his chorus line, I found Lou Reed’s lyrics floating in my mind as I walked along the lake side:
Oh, it’s such a perfect day
I’m glad I spend it with you
Oh, such a perfect day
You just keep me hanging on
You just keep me hanging on
More tomorrow
Santa in the City
An early Sunday morning wander (actually, a slow limp as I’ve hurt my back) through Aucklands CBD, Queen Street, featured a familiar face. Old Farmers Santa. A bit of old iconic legend in Auckland, this 20metre tall, 4500+kg jolly man is now 53 years old!
I recall his pre-facelift years where he had a summoning finger and winking eye – characteristics which brought about the title of being the worlds creepiest santa last decade (the size and design reminds me of Stay Puft from Ghostbusters) . Since his ‘facelift’ in 2009, his finger no longer moves, and his eyes stay wide open. A bit of a shame, but equally, probably for the best.
I don’t recall the reindeer in earlier years. Imagine the warehouse needed to store this lot when christmas is over!
Come Fly With Me
If you can use some exotic booze
There’s a bar in far Bombay
Come on and fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away
Come fly with me, let’s float down to Peru
In llama land there’s a one-man band
And he’ll toot his flute for you
Come on fly with me, let’s take off in the blue
Once I get you up there where the air is rarified
We’ll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I’ll be holding you so near
You may hear all the angels cheer ’cause we’re together
Weather-wise it’s such a lovely day
Just say the words and we’ll beat the birds
Down to Ac apulco Bay
It’s perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away
Once I get you up there where the air is rarified
We’ll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I’ll be holding you so very near
You may even hear a whole gang cheer ’cause we’re together
Weather-wise it’s such a cool cool day
You just say those words and we’ll beat the birds
Down to Ac apulco Bay
It’s so perfect for a flying honeymoon, oh babe
Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly
Pack up, let’s fly away!!
And don´t tell your mamma!!
Frank Sinatra
(Songwriters: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, SAMMY CAHN)
Shot at Butterfly Creek on the Sony Nex 5N