Mount Eden

SMOKEY THE DOG

I like dogs (cats are another story) but I've never really understood people who are suuuper into their dogs. As in they personify their dog, talk about their dog, take their dog everywhere and talk TO their dog in that particular high pitched voice usually reserved for infants and toddlers.  I've never understood it. Kind of similar to the way I feel about folks who opt to have standing desks. 

This all changed when I met Scott's Dad's dog, Smokey. I officially became one of those people

Smokey-4
Smokey-4
Smokey-3
Smokey-cafe
Smokey-5
Smokey-Rachel
Smokey-van
Smokey-Auckland
Smokey-Rachel
smokey-one-tree-hill-auckland
Smokey-auckland
smokey-one-tree-hill

Smokey is smarter and more pleasant than a lot of humans out there. He doesn't require a leash, will wait patiently outside a grocery store for you while you shop, loves hanging out in cafes while you work, is an ideal wingman for meeting new people because he's so handsome people just want to pet him AND he does tricks. He's the ideal running and hiking companion, loves to explore the city, always down for a road trip, is incredibly friendly and relaxed, loves the beach and on top of all of that, is wildly photogenic. 

Smokey-Downtown

He's just a dreamboat. I don't know who I've become. I've never felt this way about a dog before. 

MOUNT EDEN

Mount Eden is a dormant volcano high up above Auckland.   

In American-speak: 8,821 miles from New York. 

In American-speak: 8,821 miles from New York. 

It's good for a hike to the top for a bit of a workout and nice sunset views of the city. You might even find a fellow American up there who will be single serving friend for the afternoon, where you'll bond over the odd need to come to this funny little country that was never even mentioned in either of your 16 years of education.