Jenny here.
I was talking with Mega the other day at the café where the Riverhead Road meets State Highway 16. She was telling me about the stories she was writing concerning their coming to New Zealand. I asked if she wanted any help, thinking I might be able to help with her stories. To my surprise, she gave me one to write myself. There were some handwritten notes, to begin with, otherwise, it's all how we remembered it.
The final decision was made a few days before Mega and Brian left to return to India. Four of us couples had decided to go out for a meal. Mike chose the place as he often did. We usually leave things like that to him since he seems to know the best places. The place he chose this time was one I had heard about but never been to, 'The Riverhead,' a historic tavern to the north-west of Auckland.
We arrived at the tavern as it started to rain. You know, one of those summer heat showers, Auckland often gets on hot afternoons. Heavy rain for a while, then it’s gone.
The restaurant was an amazing place, full of history from this area. Photographs and artefacts on the walls, the room fully restored much as it must have been years ago. I kind of wish we’d brought our other Indian friends here as well when you were all in New Zealand.
We were shown to our table, on the covered deck, overlooking the river. I thought the guys would get together at one end leaving us girls at the other, but no, we scattered around the table mixed together. I like it that way better as everyone is involved in the conversations.