It all began in the scenic region of Wanaka for the wedding of Matt and Launa. Flying from Christchurch it was blue lakes, white tip tops and patchwork quilt paddocks all the way. My excitement levels were peaking as I leaned all over Denis to peer outside. Teach me a lesson for being nice to the non-new zealander who might like the window seat. Excitement levels peaked and then troughed when Dad was late picking us up and I had to wait outside. Standing on the large ornamental stones. Hands on hips. Searching. Lip dropping with each car that was not Dad.
Lucky he came.
Quick visit into Queenstown. Standard photo on the lake front. Then onto Arrowtown and a token walk along the river. We all know the real reason to go to Arrowtown is for the pies. Best pies in New Zealand for sure. Then the Crown Range, park and gaze at the top before quenching the thirst at the iconic Cardronna Hotel with a handle of Speights mate. A standard day in the mountaneous region I suppose.
Worries about the weather for the big day amounted to nothing as it was nothing short of perfect for a lake front ceremony. The lake was so still it was like a mirror and blah blah blah. The photos look amazing and Matt definitely has a few 'album cover' photos to be released.
Post wedding was spent biking and cruising around before setting of on a(nother) road trip with the parentals. This time it was up the West Coast of the South Island, taking in the gnarled skeletons of wind blown trees, glaciers, Pancake Rocks, wind and rough coast lines. Postcard scenery contrasting all other areas in New Zealand.
A little shout out to our Nelson stop over crew. Tom and Loren, and Nicoleta and Rod. Was fantastic seeing old friends from Korean days, and new friends from recent Belgian days.
Returning to the Northern Island and the return to Napier. Time to hang out with Nana P. Tu meke. Seeing her in hospital only confirmed the decision to come home for a good stint. Seeing how hard it was for her to accept that she had to go into a home was emotional, but it was at this moment that I decided to make it my goal to see her everyday that I am home. I often get caught overseas not being able to help out at home when something is going on. Makes me even more useless than I already am. But being here to help Nana settle in, and helping Mum move her out of her house was really good. I helped Mum clean - by choice!!!!
I've also been working at Mums school - painting over 300 small boxes for their resource room. The level of skill that was involved was about as high as you can imagine. And the excitement levels about the same. Sans the radio, it would have been my death. Still work is money, and money is money, so would do it again if needed. Next holiday!!!
I was playing Netball again which was cool. I was just hoping for some training, as moving my lard arse out the door for a run is beyond difficult, but managed to get a couple of games in which was a big bonus. Felt lost, slow, confused and slow, and slow again when playing, but enjoyed it none the less. I might try and play in London, but not sure if I want to commit to Saturday games.
Speaking of London, I did get my visa for a working/holiday type thing. Stoked. Now I just need work and somewhere to live. Oh god. Moving back into that situation is never exciting. However after 2 months of living out of a backpack, and the same old clothes, I know I will be wanting the comforts that a 'settled life' does offer.
Until that feeling actually appears, I will continue upon my meandering way. My birthday tomorrow, Melbourne the day after, then Asia the week after. Cant wait !
