We’ve been to New Zealand!

For those of you that are unaware, there is a sameness to airports. A scrubbed down, antiseptic, characterless sameness. It’s difficult for me to remember if we were in Amsterdam, Dubai …

… Hong Kong, Sydney …

… or Christchurch. Now, I have to confess that when you’re as sleep deprived as thirty hours of flight is going to do to you, that sameness in a little bit comforting. There isn’t a risk of culture shock! Though it was a little disappointing to leave Amsterdam when it was 12C and raining and arrive in Christchurch where it was 12C and raining.

We managed a day’s respite in which we, gratefully, were able to catch up with some friends and family. It was a relief that people were able to make time for us so close to the Christmas insanity! The next day we were on the road and continuing our journey. First stop was a favourite coffee shop!

Where not only did they only sell coffee and regular café items, unlike at home, but we were able to buy supplies to bring home with us! So into the suitcase went a kilo of beautiful beans!

The landscape, scenery, sunlight, and roads were just what Himself and I had been needing to recharge our internal batteries.

We chose to head up the country via the coast road and were rewarded with clear surf, rolling hills and rocks covered in seals!

We stopped for lunch and took the time to walk across the beach in front of us (which was just rocks), and I dipped my fingers in to check the temperature of the water. It wasn’t warm (Hello, New Zealand!) as it was too early in the season. But it was hard to be resentful when the day was so beautiful.

From there we turned inland and were witness to some of the most quintessential homeland humour to be found. (New Zealand and Australia being close enough that all the same jokes are present.)

Our journey was nearly over though, and for those of you that were following along on Twitter or Facebook will know, we spent the next week in paradise. Just wait until the next blog post when I show you!