We headed out to the Auckland Domain well before sunset to ensure we had plenty of time to look around and get the lay of the land before it was too dark to explore anything. We parked at Jef's work and it was a pleasant stroll along Symond St for a bit and then across Grafton Bridge to get to the domain. Wow, it was crowded. With the Pride Parade and after party up on Ponsonby Rd happening at the same time we thought it would be a tad quieter here. But no. Obviously the split crowds did not make a dent to the popularity of the Lantern Festival, and the move from Albert Park to the Auckland Domain this year is certainly a welcome relief, although they could have used the grounds to the fullest advantage. They could have done better to ensure there wasn't such a concentrated area along the food aisle, where the queues blocked the traffic flow somewhat. Perhaps the organisers underestimated how deep the lines would be. Anyway, enough griping, we got to see some lanterns.
We went into the ASB lounge where Kien put a wish onto the wishing tree.
All in all it was a good evening, and Kien said he'd like to come back again tomorrow so he could explore the area in the daylight. Perhaps I shall oblige him. Let's see how I feel in the morning.
