New Zealand Part 1 - Lu's place, a calm despite the storm

 

Kia Ora!

 

This is just a very quick update on my first few days in New Zealand, where I've been since I left the Odyssey crew.  I arrived safely after 2 good flights and was met at the airport by the lovely Lucia, a sight for sore and tired eyes!  It was soooo good to see her.  A short drive and we were at hers where I said hello to John, Harris and new cat Sawyer.  Now most people will be aware that I don't like cats but these ones are perfect - they just stay away from me most of the time.

 

The first few days were lovely, I just spent time catching up with Lucia and finding out about her new life in NZ.  We went to St Heliers for lunch and walked along the beach, despite the weather being pretty rubbish.  Lucia and John said I had brought the bad weather, which turned out to be a storm, with me from Scotland despite the fact I haven't been there since April!  I was so glad I kept some of my warm clothes.

 

It was also a good chance for me to start getting back to normal, or near enough.  It's said how excited I was to go to the supermarket, buy food and cook a meal.  Also, it felt like a novelty to wash my own clothes in a washing machine - complete luxury!  The icing on the cake was getting fish and chips, washed down with a can of Irn Bru - the meal I'd missed the most.

 

Anyway, a huge thank you to Lucia and John for making me feel welcome.  I stayed for 5 days then headed to the South Island for 8 days, a blog on that and my further travels in the North Island with my friend Katie to follow when I get the time.  I am heading to Waiheke Island tomorrow to catch up with Angi and Peter, friends I met in India.  Katie and I then travel to Samoa for a week before she heads home and I head to Fiji for 10 days.  I have booked some time in a homestay there and will then head to the islands for some snorkelling and luxury - exciting times!  I am not sure of my internet connection in these places so can't say wen I'll next update the blog but keep with it, I promise I'll get there!

 

 

 

Happy girl with my fish, chips and Irn Bru