Our trip to NZ this time was much more pleasant due to two factors: first, Air New Zealand now flies direct from Vancouver to Auckland (in just under 14 hours) instead of the horribly tiring Toronto to Anchorage to Hong Kong to Auckland flight we endured two years ago; and second, not only were we flying together this time, but we also had the most enjoyable companionship of John and Jess. Leaving snowy Ontario behind, we flew to Vancouver on Dec 29th, spent an easy night in a nearby hotel, and had a relaxed day getting back to the airport for our evening flight out to NZ.
Waiting time in Vancouver was passed by doing a little blog work (see J hard at it) and enjoying the very cool saltwater aquarium near the waiting area. Vancouver Airport is beautifully designed and really a pleasant place to pass the necessary time.
Arriving in Auckland after a flight marked by an unusual amount of turbulence but a terrific selection of in-seat movies (I finally watched Once Were Warriors, the iconic Maori movie, plus three other movies!), we picked up the Nissan Pulsar we had purchased from the guy who bought our car from us when we left NZ last time around, and found our way back to the home of our friend Heather. Heather was away holidaying in the South Island, but she generously loaned us the use of the house while we were in Auckland. What a relief it was to relax in this lovely setting, and realize that we were really back! Warm sunshine enticed us out onto the decks, and prompted the purchase of summer hats.
After a day of recuperating, we felt a bit more ready for socializing, so we called up Ted Dunlop, ex-pat Canadian from the Ontario college system, who has lived in NZ for about 10 years now. Ted and Nancy immediately invited us for a wonderful BBQ where we also met his sister and her family (Catherine works for CIDA and had many interesting stories to share), and their friend Lisa, who works for the University of Waikato in Hamilton, plus runs a smallholding just outside of Cambridge, home to a variety of livestock and friends. We had a wonderful evening reconnecting.
The next day we were off to the south, headed for Palmerston North. Travelling through the Waikato, I was so pleased to see its green and hobbit-like hills again. We arrived in the late afternoon at the Cambridge B & B run by our friends Judy and Gavin. We shared another great NZ BBQ, but of lamb chops and sausages this time, and very much enjoyed catching up with these friends before sinking gratefully into the cloud-soft beds.
The next morning we carried in south, stopping briefly in the busy tourist town of Taupo to sort out necessary evils like car insurance etc. (so much easier to arrange in NZ than at home, it seems) and then continuing on via the desert road, past awe-inspiring Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ruapehu, to finally reach Palmerston North, where J & J are to settle for the year. We made a grocery run, then carried on for another 40 minutes to our home for the next few days, the Graingers' bach (cottage) in Foxton Beach, so generously provided by our good friends Sheila and Barry. This rustic retreat proved perfect for our needs, and provided an ideal launching pad for our search for a home for the kids over the next several days. We also managed to squeeze in morning and evening walks along the estuary (where I photographed this gorgeous pohutakawa--the NZ "Christmas tree"--in full bloom)and sunset strolls on the ocean beach. Contrary to our previous visit, however, we experienced two days of torrential rain here as well!
While looking for a suitable house or apartment for J & J, we chanced to visit a bicycle shop where John connected with another John (an ex-pat American) who suggested that we look in a particular area very near Jess's university campus. So, we made that our first stop after checking out the campus itself (it's only as big as a small college and looks very inviting). Well, as luck would have it, there was a condo unit available--a two bedroom, two-storey unit right on the edge of the beautiful lagoon that edges the university campus! Although the rent is at the upper limit of J & J's budget for the year, the gorgeous location, great condition, extremely friendly and helpful neighbours and walking distance to the campus clinched the deal after a few conscientious looks at other options. The owners of the unit also own the local Toyota dealership, and have been incredibly generous, providing two loveseats, a big TV, all kitchen gear, and even some quite lovely artwork. As well, the Graingers let us know that they were clearing out the bach in readiness for renting it out unfurnished (they are moving to the S. Island), and Sheila urged us to take anything that was useful--which we did, renting a van and filling it with beds, microwave, tables, chairs, a bicycle and a washing machine! The kids have been so lucky to have these generous donations, and have been able to make a really comfortable home for themselves. I've been busy providing "paintings on demand" for their walls and thoroughly enjoying the process. We've also had great fun shopping for fun things like linens and towels. I think they'll be very happy here!
Tomorrow morning Frank and I head north again for two weeks in the subtropical Northland area, way up on the skinny part of the North Island above Auckland. Stay tuned for more stories!
No comments:
Post a Comment