If I were a journalist

This Christmas I did something I have never done before. I applied SPF 30 sunblock on Christmas Day. Regardless I still got burnt because I am typically useless at being thorough when it comes to application. The sun is fierce here. Less than an hour at the beach leaves faint tan lines. Popping into town without a layer of sun protection is leaving my nose redder and redder.

New Year saw another first; stepping foot on a volcano and seeing it’s crater. I saw in the New Year on the top of Mount Eden. It’s one of the nearest volcanoes to the city centre that can be seen from the hallway balcony of Tracey’s flat. The view is spectacular - as far as the eye can see is the sprawl of Auckland, its bright lights and tiny puffs of fireworks that people were letting off to celebrate. And I saw my first ever volcano crater.

I’m beginning to think of Auckland as a rather pretty city, despite all the ugly new builds, skyscrapers and lack of historical architecture that I normally prefer. I like the view of the city skyline with the water and boats in front, especially when the sun shines. In the opposite direction you see another volcano on the horizon and the greenery that is dotted around the place helps tremendously too.

There’s plenty of views I want to photograph but these days I rarely carry my camera with me because it seems like I have plenty of time to snap away for it to be a necessity right now. However, I much prefer blog posts with visual aids and I really should show everyone back home where I’m hanging out.

So that is next weeks challenge: Take the camera out.