GYPSY GIGOLO JOURNAL #71

Hello faithful readers. Sorry, once again, for yet another long break between updates.
The wanderlust wagon (The Bus With No Name) recently completed its sixth year on the road, and then an opportunity for change presented itself.
Auckland Council offerred me a pensioner flat in the Bridge Court complex in Mangere Bridge.
I would have been mad not to take up the offer, as the unit provides a very affordable base in Auckland, and allows me to continue my travels around the country.  
The village has sixty units formed in blocks of three or four flats. Residents are all meant to be "fit and healthy", as no medical or other care is provided. As all of you would expect, I'm in the greatest of nick, but I'm just a bit suspicious about the mental prowess of some of my fellow tenants.
The photo below is a shot at the entrance to Bridge Court.

Auckland Council, after furious browbeating, has reluctantly conceded that The Bus With No Name is inconspicuous whilst parked within the complex carpark - as confirmed below!

In acknowledgement of moving into my new abode, I decided to celebrate with a Devonshire morning tea.

Suitably-aged non-resident acquaintances gathered on the front lawn of my new bolthole to enjoy tea and scones. The elderly kuia is a fellow tenant. Her name is Dolly and she is one of my cohorts here in the village.

One of the more unusual visitors I had in my bus whilst stopping at Ambury Park was the local goat.
After peering through the oven door window and enquiring "what's cookin'?", it then made its retreat on learning "fuck all!"! 

This is one of our country's best kept defence secrets.
The NZ Army Band is the best in the world at what they do!
Enemies throw down their arms and start rocking in the aisles when the band lets loose!
They really are exceptionally talented, but shit-scared of guns.

This is what's required for an early morning ocean attack.
The thing that looks like a shark drags out a kilometre of line set with a bunch of baited hooks, and then the fish commit hari-kari.
Great way to catch a feed.

Just couldn't finish without yet another shot of my favourite Maitai Bay in the far north.

Now even wedding parties are starting to invade my Shangri-La.

First trip away from the new abode will probably be another voyage to the south island early in 2014.

Merry Xmas everyone, and good luck to all your families.