It’s hard to believe but the NZ Escape is drawing to a close. I’m sitting in Air New Zealand’s Auckland Koru Lounge waiting on my flight to Los Angeles. The retail stores at the airport are still closed but Duty Free is open, which is encouraging. NZ has just opened a quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble with Australia. NZ air travel is rapidly increasing. For now, though, the lounge is quite empty.
I am looking forward to being home and to enjoying my dear ones in the US. It is still hard for me to leave this beautiful country and the people here who also feel so much like home.
I’ve enjoyed some lovely days with my sister Helen. Busy farm life during the day with animals to be fed, stock to be shifted, fences to be mended and comfortable evenings with long, easy conversations. She has been generous in patching me into her daily life. Having several consecutive days together is priceless. We even wove some flax flowers (puti puti) in the evenings.
The little lambs were a highlight for me; I got quite attached to them and they grew noticeably during my visit. My departure means that they are officially weaned from their middle of the night feeding.
I drove down to Auckland yesterday and had a nice walk around St Heliers this morning. On the spur of the moment, I decided to get a pedicure and a manicure, since I think that it will be a while before I will have one in the US. My feet are happy!
On my way to the airport, I called in to see my dear friend Jo. We think that we have been friends for 46 years! It’s a friendship that has covered a lot of ground. Always a delight to be together.
So, dear readers, thank you for coming on our journey. It’s been brilliant to share our experiences and you’ve been generous in your willingness to participate. Ngā mihi.
4 Comments
George Troup · April 23, 2021 at 6:23 pm
It has been a great joy to follow your adventures down under, and most interesting to see how you explain our country for a North American audience. We hope your trip home has gone well (I’m guessing you will be at LAX right now), and wish you a joyful reunion with your loved ones. Looking forward to next time, and if you feel inspired to continue blogging once you get home that will be great!
jimandfrances · April 23, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Dear George and Hilary
You two are due credit for boosting our experiences in New Zealand. Otanerito remains a high point, with a long tail of rich memories. I unpacked the two paua shells that I snuck back from there. They are spreading their glow in our Michigan living room. We don’t need the prompt to hold on to the superb time we had with you, but they are a nice add. I’m thinking about capturing my first impressions on being back – a mix of culture shock and nice to be home. Perhaps there will be another post …. For now, we’ve swapped Napa for Central Otago Pinot Noir and deer for lambs in the back yard to maintain something of an even keel. Nice to be back for spring and love that we really lived in New Zealand for almost 4 months!
Alan Clark · April 23, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Thankyou for sharing your travel stories and beautiful pics. It looks like you had a great time in Kiwiland. I’m sure you and your feet will be happy to be in your northern home, especially as that bit of the planet moves into the warmth.
Safe travels!
jimandfrances · April 23, 2021 at 8:22 pm
Dear Alan
I see you did a bit of walkabout yourselves! Well done. Yes, we will enjoy the spring. i’ve got my first jab scheduled for tomorrow. Not letting any moss grow. I am sure you have an opinion on the crazy Soccer Super Fail – spectacularly out of touch, it seems. Be well, stay in touch!
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