Hello!
I just realised I didn't write much about what we got up to after Kim joined me in Warkworth. Things carried on much a normal in terms of jobs, except with the addition of some very sweaty and mucky composting!
We had to empty a full compost bin ( about a metre cubed or so of decomposed poo, hay, and a few mystery creatures thrown in- we joked about them being failed wwoofers....eeek!) onto the flower and herb beds. This was pretty stinky and tiring work involving some annoying wheelbarrows and obstacles, but we felt a big sense of achievement and some pleasantly aching abs at the end of it all.
We then had to fill it up again which was a bit less arduous but way stinkier and involved hanging out in a bit of semi-dark bush with lots of mossies and mud and poo. We emerged out smeared and sweating, blinking in to the brightly sunlit greenery of the garden, like we'd copme out of a mine or somesuch. Very wierd and exhilirating after all the graft.
So we were finally breaking in some real farm girl muscle and learning about the dark side of the idyllic organic farmlife. All not too bad though, relative to the bush clearing on Waiheke! We've got quite accustomed to shovelling horse poo in one form or another. It's freakishly meditative and rarely smells of much. Wierd I know... fear not, we are taking a few days off from wwoofing soon but more about that later.
In terms of fun and games. We had a lovely trip to the beach one super hot evening, and a fish and chip supper to follow which was heavenly. They are big on kumara (sweet potato) chips here, with aioli! mmmm!!
We had lots of our usual hilarity and spent a fair amount of time and money on crafts. We got really into Dukit- which is a polymer clay that comes in heaps of different colours, quite like Fimo (for those in the know). A friend of the family is a wonderful artist and makes sort of picture pieces with Dukit. She spent an intense afternoon pouring out all her Dukit expertise, including how to 'Gild' it with gold mica powder, how to impress objects and take perfect moulds- which you can then bake and use as moulds to recreate the original object in Dukit- amazing!!
gtg eat now but will continue more soon....
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Monday, 23 February 2009
Waiheke rundown
Whoopsee! As some of you may have predicted I've been rather slack with this but trying to catch up now.
From 12th to 20th Feb Kim and I were on Waiheke Island wwoofing. We were meant to be wwoofing with a lady called Rosie - a jewellery designer and event organiser (right up my street eh?). We were collected by the boat from a lovely chap called Marco, who was juggling by the quayside and took us off to Rosie's in a sunshine yellow van.
When we arrived at Rosie's place, a gorgeous house on stilts at tree level with a massive mediterranean style space inside, we had a cup of tea and a chat and did some hula hooping, which was all v fun! Then Rosie sent us off with an empty baby buggy to by her a new printer. Quirky but fine. Then Anneke, a german wwoofer arrives out of the blue, fresh from Germany and v disorientated. At this point we are told that Kim and I will be staying down the road in her friend Kim's sleep out (like a summer house/guest room affair) and . Anneke will stay in the house and do childcare for Rosie's three granddaughters. Kim will do wwoofing hours for Kim the man, and I will do event stuff for Rosie. All a bit disjointed but we were up for going with the flow. Kim came to collect us in his van to lug all our luggage round to his. A SUPER nice guy, really kind and welcoming and fair. His teenage son and daughter were also really sweet. The sleepout was basically the size of the double bed it contained with 2 chest of drawers crammed in for good measure, and although clean was cralwing with mozzies and spiders. So we spent out first evening massacring the bugs, putting up my double mozzie net and making home as best we could.
The wwoofing work at Rosie's was rather random and disjointed and the first morning I just napped for 3 hours while they took the children to the park and supermarket. But in the afternoon I did a craft workshop with the children making masks which was quite fun. Kim meanwhile was making plum chutney and cleaning Kim's van, all well so far. We had our dinner at Rosie's- a bit crowded with her family there but nice. Then I drove Rosie's battered old ford camper full of women down to Charley Farley's bar at Onetangi beach where we enjoyed a mad irish trio and the stars outside.
The next day I got up at 6:30 to drive Rosie and a few helpers to the weekly market. It as pissing down but we managed to get the stage space in the hall as Rosie's stall and set it up nicely. The market was very cute and quirky with lots of homemade organic produce ranging from face creams to feijoas ( a lovely fruit like a cross between a pear and a kiwi in taste). It was a long morning and my stomach was a bit dodgy, but interesting to see how to run a market stall and the kind of set up you need. Rosie has done it all her life. In acknowledgement of my extra ours Rosie let me grab some jewellery making materials from her massive stockpiles, which was cool.
That night we had been long invited to join them at a private beach party which we were really looking forward to. After an afternoon at the beach we had showered and dressed up and were ready to go. We got a call from Rosie saying they were eating that minute and that there wasn't room for us to go with them to the party in the van so we'd have to make other arrangements. A bit put out at this change of tune, we rushed round to eat and negotiated about the van, but it all seemed hectic and a bit moody so we decided to leave them to it rather then go where we weren't really wanted. We wound up getting a pricy bottle of wine from a restaurant and heading back to Kim's place. Kim took pity on us wilting wallflowers and drove us into the main village of Oneroa to a great bar called the Skinny Sardine, where he bought us a glass of wine and left us to have a good night, heading home to hang out with his kids. We ended up having a whale of a time and met a super friendly Aucklander, Lotus- everyone's best friend. Then we met a hilarious young hen party who were really sweet and welcoming. Chatted to various randomers including a gang of 3 funny young boys who shared our cab home and shared their JD and coke with us.
The next day we felt rough as the proverbial but better for a night out letting loose. We decided we wanted to Wwoof for Kim as wanted to be in the same place and not toing and froing as Rosie willed it. So I let Rosie know and although she was keen for Kim and I to move in there, we eventually got our own way and stayed put. We spent the morning making plum jam and cleaning the house a bit, and had a lovely lunch. We headed down to Onetangi beach on the bus, full of the joys, and had a lovely afternoon there with Shannon and Hannah, Kim's mates who were over from Auckland. We enjoyed a bit of the chilled out Jam Night at one of the beach cafes then Kim picked us up and we cooked an awesome roast dinner and stuffed ourselves.
The next day the hard work began and we were 'weeding' for Kim. This consisted of tearing out and battling through a crazy tangle of Jasmine and Wandering Jew (like privet I think?). The Jamsine has ridiculously tough vines which wrap around everything, and the garden had clearly been running amok for years before Kim moved there. We were fully kitted out in overalls and sweating like crazy, such hard work. That afternoon we drove Rosie into Oneroa and we checked out the little music museum and art gallery there and had a wander round the shops.
The next day we had to do some 'creative project with Rosie' but what we ended up doing was a tiny bit of gardening, tidying and washing up, then an hour and half waiting on the couch, then an hour or so driving her to the beach (nudie of course) and chilling there while she swam. So odd but not hard work!
The next day we were due to leave for Auckland. We did a hard morning's work, then showered and packed out bags and Kim drove us to the ferry. We were happy to be moving on from the slightly wierd and wonderful island of Waiheke and looking forward to the next leg of our adventure!! We dozed on the ferry, exhausted from a hard but fun week.
I'll write some more soon I promise and get up to speed xxx
From 12th to 20th Feb Kim and I were on Waiheke Island wwoofing. We were meant to be wwoofing with a lady called Rosie - a jewellery designer and event organiser (right up my street eh?). We were collected by the boat from a lovely chap called Marco, who was juggling by the quayside and took us off to Rosie's in a sunshine yellow van.
When we arrived at Rosie's place, a gorgeous house on stilts at tree level with a massive mediterranean style space inside, we had a cup of tea and a chat and did some hula hooping, which was all v fun! Then Rosie sent us off with an empty baby buggy to by her a new printer. Quirky but fine. Then Anneke, a german wwoofer arrives out of the blue, fresh from Germany and v disorientated. At this point we are told that Kim and I will be staying down the road in her friend Kim's sleep out (like a summer house/guest room affair) and . Anneke will stay in the house and do childcare for Rosie's three granddaughters. Kim will do wwoofing hours for Kim the man, and I will do event stuff for Rosie. All a bit disjointed but we were up for going with the flow. Kim came to collect us in his van to lug all our luggage round to his. A SUPER nice guy, really kind and welcoming and fair. His teenage son and daughter were also really sweet. The sleepout was basically the size of the double bed it contained with 2 chest of drawers crammed in for good measure, and although clean was cralwing with mozzies and spiders. So we spent out first evening massacring the bugs, putting up my double mozzie net and making home as best we could.
The wwoofing work at Rosie's was rather random and disjointed and the first morning I just napped for 3 hours while they took the children to the park and supermarket. But in the afternoon I did a craft workshop with the children making masks which was quite fun. Kim meanwhile was making plum chutney and cleaning Kim's van, all well so far. We had our dinner at Rosie's- a bit crowded with her family there but nice. Then I drove Rosie's battered old ford camper full of women down to Charley Farley's bar at Onetangi beach where we enjoyed a mad irish trio and the stars outside.
The next day I got up at 6:30 to drive Rosie and a few helpers to the weekly market. It as pissing down but we managed to get the stage space in the hall as Rosie's stall and set it up nicely. The market was very cute and quirky with lots of homemade organic produce ranging from face creams to feijoas ( a lovely fruit like a cross between a pear and a kiwi in taste). It was a long morning and my stomach was a bit dodgy, but interesting to see how to run a market stall and the kind of set up you need. Rosie has done it all her life. In acknowledgement of my extra ours Rosie let me grab some jewellery making materials from her massive stockpiles, which was cool.
That night we had been long invited to join them at a private beach party which we were really looking forward to. After an afternoon at the beach we had showered and dressed up and were ready to go. We got a call from Rosie saying they were eating that minute and that there wasn't room for us to go with them to the party in the van so we'd have to make other arrangements. A bit put out at this change of tune, we rushed round to eat and negotiated about the van, but it all seemed hectic and a bit moody so we decided to leave them to it rather then go where we weren't really wanted. We wound up getting a pricy bottle of wine from a restaurant and heading back to Kim's place. Kim took pity on us wilting wallflowers and drove us into the main village of Oneroa to a great bar called the Skinny Sardine, where he bought us a glass of wine and left us to have a good night, heading home to hang out with his kids. We ended up having a whale of a time and met a super friendly Aucklander, Lotus- everyone's best friend. Then we met a hilarious young hen party who were really sweet and welcoming. Chatted to various randomers including a gang of 3 funny young boys who shared our cab home and shared their JD and coke with us.
The next day we felt rough as the proverbial but better for a night out letting loose. We decided we wanted to Wwoof for Kim as wanted to be in the same place and not toing and froing as Rosie willed it. So I let Rosie know and although she was keen for Kim and I to move in there, we eventually got our own way and stayed put. We spent the morning making plum jam and cleaning the house a bit, and had a lovely lunch. We headed down to Onetangi beach on the bus, full of the joys, and had a lovely afternoon there with Shannon and Hannah, Kim's mates who were over from Auckland. We enjoyed a bit of the chilled out Jam Night at one of the beach cafes then Kim picked us up and we cooked an awesome roast dinner and stuffed ourselves.
The next day the hard work began and we were 'weeding' for Kim. This consisted of tearing out and battling through a crazy tangle of Jasmine and Wandering Jew (like privet I think?). The Jamsine has ridiculously tough vines which wrap around everything, and the garden had clearly been running amok for years before Kim moved there. We were fully kitted out in overalls and sweating like crazy, such hard work. That afternoon we drove Rosie into Oneroa and we checked out the little music museum and art gallery there and had a wander round the shops.
The next day we had to do some 'creative project with Rosie' but what we ended up doing was a tiny bit of gardening, tidying and washing up, then an hour and half waiting on the couch, then an hour or so driving her to the beach (nudie of course) and chilling there while she swam. So odd but not hard work!
The next day we were due to leave for Auckland. We did a hard morning's work, then showered and packed out bags and Kim drove us to the ferry. We were happy to be moving on from the slightly wierd and wonderful island of Waiheke and looking forward to the next leg of our adventure!! We dozed on the ferry, exhausted from a hard but fun week.
I'll write some more soon I promise and get up to speed xxx
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Hey peeps.
Well life continues to be largely chilled down on the farm. I'm gaining confidence with the horses and learning lots which is really cool. Have hooked up another wwoof place down in Wairarapa region for 23rd feb to 1st March- another smallish lifestyle farm with young horses who need handling and bringing on. So that's something to do between Waiheke stints.
Kim gets here today which will be cool, we can start our tandem wwoofing adventure! Sure to up the hilarity levels!
Went on a 7 hour round trip to Dargaville yesterday with Michelle to pick up a piglet. We had thought it was was gin g to take 3 hours so a bit of a shock. The piglet was very sweet but terrified. He pooed in the back of the Jeep almost as soon as we got him in and so we had a horrendous stink in the car for the 3 hours ride home. Managed to keep our spirits up and laugh about it. It was good to experience the lows as well as the highs of this kind of lifestyle. I think on balance it's still pretty amazing.
I've been riding Opo more and getting my confidence up there as well. Let her go full speed yesterday in one of the paddocks and she is incredibly fast. Elise is going to have so much fun with her as she gets more confident. We are thinking about taking her for a big run on the beach, that would be amazing!
The puppies are really growing and super entertaining and sweet as ever. 2 are on hold to buyers and of course there is lots of interest in them. I'm sure they will go to good homes though as Michelle and Nick are very thorough with vetting potential owners.
I've been making some jewellery with new materials. Du-kit, which is a polymer clay like Fimo or whatever, and comes in loovely colours. Glitter and confetti letters- I've been making sparkly multicoloured pendants with lyrics embedded into the front and back. Hoping to sell some of them on Waiheke. It's nice doing different styles of jewellery design and learning about different materials.
Well I'm gonna go as not had brekkie yet!
I've put up some more pictures up on Picasa, will try to link to here soon xxx
Well life continues to be largely chilled down on the farm. I'm gaining confidence with the horses and learning lots which is really cool. Have hooked up another wwoof place down in Wairarapa region for 23rd feb to 1st March- another smallish lifestyle farm with young horses who need handling and bringing on. So that's something to do between Waiheke stints.
Kim gets here today which will be cool, we can start our tandem wwoofing adventure! Sure to up the hilarity levels!
Went on a 7 hour round trip to Dargaville yesterday with Michelle to pick up a piglet. We had thought it was was gin g to take 3 hours so a bit of a shock. The piglet was very sweet but terrified. He pooed in the back of the Jeep almost as soon as we got him in and so we had a horrendous stink in the car for the 3 hours ride home. Managed to keep our spirits up and laugh about it. It was good to experience the lows as well as the highs of this kind of lifestyle. I think on balance it's still pretty amazing.
I've been riding Opo more and getting my confidence up there as well. Let her go full speed yesterday in one of the paddocks and she is incredibly fast. Elise is going to have so much fun with her as she gets more confident. We are thinking about taking her for a big run on the beach, that would be amazing!
The puppies are really growing and super entertaining and sweet as ever. 2 are on hold to buyers and of course there is lots of interest in them. I'm sure they will go to good homes though as Michelle and Nick are very thorough with vetting potential owners.
I've been making some jewellery with new materials. Du-kit, which is a polymer clay like Fimo or whatever, and comes in loovely colours. Glitter and confetti letters- I've been making sparkly multicoloured pendants with lyrics embedded into the front and back. Hoping to sell some of them on Waiheke. It's nice doing different styles of jewellery design and learning about different materials.
Well I'm gonna go as not had brekkie yet!
I've put up some more pictures up on Picasa, will try to link to here soon xxx
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Four legs and four wheels!
I've been continuing to have a wicked time and had lots of fun experiences. Here are a couple of recent highlights:
- learned to ride the quad bike- I take it down the drive to feed the pigs and ponies each morning.
- rode Opo- Elises's gorgeous pony (pictured)- that was really fun, she's lively and very responsive.
- spent an afternoon at the beach with the children
- had a yummy sushi lunch in Warkworth- it's so cheap and delicious here!
- had a barbecue and toasted marshmallows
- hand-fed a beautiful dove- it sat in my palm and ate grain- so soft and pretty
- been practising my slackline, and the children are enjoying it too- Elise is pretty good.
Also I've sorted another wwoofing adventure for Kim and I. We are going to go and visit a lady called Rosie who lives on Waiheke Island- a really artsy, musical holiday island just across the bay from Auckland. We are invited to a beach party to meet her family and friends and then staying a couple of days to help start planning a gypsy fair and circus to raise funds for a sick nieghbour. Then we are probably going to head south for a bit, and she's invited us to go back for 2 weeks at the start of March to help prepare and implement this event. She is a jewellery designer with a market stall to run (!) and 'bucketloads of gemstone lying around waiting to be strung up' so I'll be in my element! She also has a couple of animals and a vege garden and we will be staying in a little cottage or sleep out close to the house, the town and the sea! Will know more when we have been to visit and worked out arrangements for March but sounds very cool.
I just need to sort out a place in Nelson or Golden Bay- which is a gorgeous area at the top of the South Island- we are hoping to head there for the last 2 weeks in Feb, calling in to Wellington at some point to go to a drum and bass gig.
So it's all go and very exciting and I'm still loving it. Pretty tired at the mo but feel like I'm getting generally quite strong and healthy.
- learned to ride the quad bike- I take it down the drive to feed the pigs and ponies each morning.
- rode Opo- Elises's gorgeous pony (pictured)- that was really fun, she's lively and very responsive.
- spent an afternoon at the beach with the children
- had a yummy sushi lunch in Warkworth- it's so cheap and delicious here!
- had a barbecue and toasted marshmallows
- hand-fed a beautiful dove- it sat in my palm and ate grain- so soft and pretty
- been practising my slackline, and the children are enjoying it too- Elise is pretty good.
Also I've sorted another wwoofing adventure for Kim and I. We are going to go and visit a lady called Rosie who lives on Waiheke Island- a really artsy, musical holiday island just across the bay from Auckland. We are invited to a beach party to meet her family and friends and then staying a couple of days to help start planning a gypsy fair and circus to raise funds for a sick nieghbour. Then we are probably going to head south for a bit, and she's invited us to go back for 2 weeks at the start of March to help prepare and implement this event. She is a jewellery designer with a market stall to run (!) and 'bucketloads of gemstone lying around waiting to be strung up' so I'll be in my element! She also has a couple of animals and a vege garden and we will be staying in a little cottage or sleep out close to the house, the town and the sea! Will know more when we have been to visit and worked out arrangements for March but sounds very cool.
I just need to sort out a place in Nelson or Golden Bay- which is a gorgeous area at the top of the South Island- we are hoping to head there for the last 2 weeks in Feb, calling in to Wellington at some point to go to a drum and bass gig.
So it's all go and very exciting and I'm still loving it. Pretty tired at the mo but feel like I'm getting generally quite strong and healthy.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Foaling around
Despite the title, second foal still very much pending, but we had a great time watching Topaz running about and prancing and rearing last night, she's got lovely arab movement from her father.
Today I did my first morning's feeding by myself- well the horses and pigs, and Elise showed me again how to milk Julie the goat. Elise is a pro-milker and really quick.
We had a lovely dinner last night of lamb sausages and kidney beans in a stew with some rice, my second meal cooked for the family so far and they seemed to enjoy itThis morning we had french toast and Elise and Toby showed me their crystal collections which was fun.
We had a bit of rain this morning, but it was quite refreshing. The puppies are now roaming free over a certain area of garden and this morning they just wanted to play out in the rain. After some towel drying and cuddles from mum Chloe they are all passed out asleep.
The day's brightening up so I might go for a walk. The farmland is made up of small but steep picturesque hillsides, quite alot like the hobbiton image of NZ! The animals are all really photogenic too so there are lovely views wherever you look!
Toby brought in a cicada to show me, a little flying cricket type bug which is native to NZ. Very pretty but I told him I'm not a fan of bugs too close up! Bugs not too much of a problem here. There are certainly a few but they mostly don't bother people. There is the buju bug which is like a big moth which I think can bite if you tangle with it, but they only come out at night. There's also apparently white tipped spiders which have snuck in from Australia (got through the intense biosecurity at customs!) which have a nasty bite but won't do you too much harm in the long run. To be honest though it's a very friendly and easy environment on the whole.
Life here is full but relaxed and even though there's lots to be done there's a gentle pace to it and lots to enjoy about the work. It definitely suits me better than the office that's for certain.
I'll write again soon, maybe in a couple of days, as I guess the daily routine isn't going to vary so hugely and might get a bit boring to read!
xxxx
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Down on the farm
and 
I arrived at the Terry's farm in Warkworth last night and I'm completely hooked already. Within 5 minutes of arriving Michelle taught me to milk their lovely goat Julie. I spent the evening getting to know the lovely dogs, Chloe- a creamy pedigree border collie with the sweetest temperament, mother to 6 bouncing 4 week old pups who are a total riot, and lovely Rusty, a typical NZ working dog I'm told, bit of a mix and playful as the pups at times! There's 2 older cats Smoky the long haired one and Teddy the black. Also Loveabubs the crazy kitten, a total sweety and hilarious tumbling about with the puppies and jumping out on the dogs and chickens. There's Baz the handsome arab stallion, and Ruby and Bee his lovley lady wives. Topaz is Ruby's 3 week old little daughter, super sweet and confident foal. Bee is due any day now so we are pretty excited.
There's Meg the little native goat and Cutie the jersey cow. Yet to meet Twiggy the pig and the other cows. There are all manner of chickens and some v loud roosters! 4am wake up call anyone??
Nick and the children Elise and Toby are still at pony club camp but due back today. Michelle and I spent some time chatting last night and I cooked some pasta. She is lovely and really interested in nutrition and naturopathy for both people and animals so I'm learning lots. This morning she took me round to feed all the animals which will be my daily job- took us about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. Their food all looks super appetising, organic grains and cereals and fresh raw veal for the carnivores. All the animals are supplemented with a mix of molasses, seaweed and apple cider vinegar which keeps them free of worms and parasites and healthy and happy.
I'm tired as didn't sleep too well last night in the new environment with lots of strange animal sounds, but sure I'll be fine tonight. May take a nap in the hammock. There's a sauna, spa and plunge pool here too, so lots to do to relax, but I'm so happy just playing with the animals.
The views are stunning. I've uploaded a few quick snaps on facebook but will be looking into a better site for uploading and storing my pics, or may even send the home on cds. It takes ages to upload! Missing you all and thinking of you.
With much love,
Lucy
p.s. I have an NZ mobile number now but there;s practically no mobile reception out here so email me or you can call the house if urgent. The number is 0064 (0)94225203 xxxx
I arrived at the Terry's farm in Warkworth last night and I'm completely hooked already. Within 5 minutes of arriving Michelle taught me to milk their lovely goat Julie. I spent the evening getting to know the lovely dogs, Chloe- a creamy pedigree border collie with the sweetest temperament, mother to 6 bouncing 4 week old pups who are a total riot, and lovely Rusty, a typical NZ working dog I'm told, bit of a mix and playful as the pups at times! There's 2 older cats Smoky the long haired one and Teddy the black. Also Loveabubs the crazy kitten, a total sweety and hilarious tumbling about with the puppies and jumping out on the dogs and chickens. There's Baz the handsome arab stallion, and Ruby and Bee his lovley lady wives. Topaz is Ruby's 3 week old little daughter, super sweet and confident foal. Bee is due any day now so we are pretty excited.
There's Meg the little native goat and Cutie the jersey cow. Yet to meet Twiggy the pig and the other cows. There are all manner of chickens and some v loud roosters! 4am wake up call anyone??
Nick and the children Elise and Toby are still at pony club camp but due back today. Michelle and I spent some time chatting last night and I cooked some pasta. She is lovely and really interested in nutrition and naturopathy for both people and animals so I'm learning lots. This morning she took me round to feed all the animals which will be my daily job- took us about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. Their food all looks super appetising, organic grains and cereals and fresh raw veal for the carnivores. All the animals are supplemented with a mix of molasses, seaweed and apple cider vinegar which keeps them free of worms and parasites and healthy and happy.
I'm tired as didn't sleep too well last night in the new environment with lots of strange animal sounds, but sure I'll be fine tonight. May take a nap in the hammock. There's a sauna, spa and plunge pool here too, so lots to do to relax, but I'm so happy just playing with the animals.
The views are stunning. I've uploaded a few quick snaps on facebook but will be looking into a better site for uploading and storing my pics, or may even send the home on cds. It takes ages to upload! Missing you all and thinking of you.
With much love,
Lucy
p.s. I have an NZ mobile number now but there;s practically no mobile reception out here so email me or you can call the house if urgent. The number is 0064 (0)94225203 xxxx
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
I made it!
So I finally made it to New Zealand and am enjoying my first day in Auckland. Haven't been to sleep here yet but caught a bit on the plane during second flight, after being up for 24 hours!
I absolutely can't fault Air New Zealand who were friendly, punctual, efficient and good-humoured for the whole 27 hour experience. They made transit in LA super easy. The food on board was awesome- NZ Lamb and chick pea casserole, Warm pastrami, cheeze and caramellised onion sub, Lovely fruit and muffin breakfast. Highly recommend them to anyone- they do a large number of routes via US and Asia.
Caught a few bits and bobs of Obama inauguration footage at various airports which was really euphoric and made the day feel even more special. Watched Brideshead Revisited, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (v good Woody Allen film) and The Wackness on the flight. Film selection was huge and v good.
Got through customs super easy- onward flight not a concern, and bloody extortionate chest xray never even came into play! Got an easy and near-empty shuttle bus to Auckland centre. Kim met me from the bus station in town and escorted me out to the lovely little place that she is house-sitting. Comes with a sweet black cat Finzi and gemstones on the coffee table so felt right at home.
After Kim had gone into work I had a shower and some food and felt pretty much human, so have spent the afternoon wandering along the coast from St Helier where we are based to Mission Bay- a popular beach suburb of Auckland. I walked along the lovely warm sand and scoured the tide line for shells. Being NZ I found some sweet bits of Paua and a few lovely big peachy pink fan shaped shells. Also a few matching pairs for earrings! Need to work out how to drill the things... hmm.
So far my impressions of NZ are excellent. It seems to be very chilled out, and all the people are incredibly friendly so far. Even bus drivers and customs officers and nice dudes. The weather today is beautiful- mid 20s and a sea breeze- perfect in my opinion. The sea is warm and a beautiful azure blue, just how I like it. The houses are an interesting mix of colonial style wooden bungalows or houses, and more boxy modern creations. The best things I reckon are the uniquitous song of the crickets in the suburban area and the vibrant blues and greens of the hillside, sea and sky- It's so beautiful and almost fluorescent. The light here is really special. I really feel NZ and I are going to be great friends!
I'm meeting Kim at 5 for a coffee on the harbour and maybe a bite to eat in Mission Bay. It's not a great deal cheaper here than UK to be honest but we are planning to do a lot of WWOOFing which will mean free food and accomodation so feel it's ok to live a little for the 2 days I'm in Auckland.
I'm going to my first farm in Warkworth on either Sat or Sun. They have foals and puppies arriving and I'm super excited about getting out into the real NZ countryside for some good clean fun.
I love and miss you all and wish you were here. It's toally worth the trip.
I'll be in touch soon and checking email/facebook now and then.
Lucy xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I absolutely can't fault Air New Zealand who were friendly, punctual, efficient and good-humoured for the whole 27 hour experience. They made transit in LA super easy. The food on board was awesome- NZ Lamb and chick pea casserole, Warm pastrami, cheeze and caramellised onion sub, Lovely fruit and muffin breakfast. Highly recommend them to anyone- they do a large number of routes via US and Asia.
Caught a few bits and bobs of Obama inauguration footage at various airports which was really euphoric and made the day feel even more special. Watched Brideshead Revisited, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (v good Woody Allen film) and The Wackness on the flight. Film selection was huge and v good.
Got through customs super easy- onward flight not a concern, and bloody extortionate chest xray never even came into play! Got an easy and near-empty shuttle bus to Auckland centre. Kim met me from the bus station in town and escorted me out to the lovely little place that she is house-sitting. Comes with a sweet black cat Finzi and gemstones on the coffee table so felt right at home.
After Kim had gone into work I had a shower and some food and felt pretty much human, so have spent the afternoon wandering along the coast from St Helier where we are based to Mission Bay- a popular beach suburb of Auckland. I walked along the lovely warm sand and scoured the tide line for shells. Being NZ I found some sweet bits of Paua and a few lovely big peachy pink fan shaped shells. Also a few matching pairs for earrings! Need to work out how to drill the things... hmm.
So far my impressions of NZ are excellent. It seems to be very chilled out, and all the people are incredibly friendly so far. Even bus drivers and customs officers and nice dudes. The weather today is beautiful- mid 20s and a sea breeze- perfect in my opinion. The sea is warm and a beautiful azure blue, just how I like it. The houses are an interesting mix of colonial style wooden bungalows or houses, and more boxy modern creations. The best things I reckon are the uniquitous song of the crickets in the suburban area and the vibrant blues and greens of the hillside, sea and sky- It's so beautiful and almost fluorescent. The light here is really special. I really feel NZ and I are going to be great friends!
I'm meeting Kim at 5 for a coffee on the harbour and maybe a bite to eat in Mission Bay. It's not a great deal cheaper here than UK to be honest but we are planning to do a lot of WWOOFing which will mean free food and accomodation so feel it's ok to live a little for the 2 days I'm in Auckland.
I'm going to my first farm in Warkworth on either Sat or Sun. They have foals and puppies arriving and I'm super excited about getting out into the real NZ countryside for some good clean fun.
I love and miss you all and wish you were here. It's toally worth the trip.
I'll be in touch soon and checking email/facebook now and then.
Lucy xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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