An adventure to NZ...

Friday the 10th of December started off early...way early. We woke at 4 and left at 5 for the Coolangatta airport. It was probably the sunniest day in the time that we had stayed at the Gold Coast for the week. I felt kind of sad, that we were leaving the Gold Coast partially because the cold meant that the hot Queensland weather had subsided for the time being. As my sister’s family, extended family and I when through the hassle that comes with the airport; queuing up to check in our luggage, going through customs and then waiting to board the plane. The downside to travel, I say. The turbulence scared the bejeebers out of me. Unexpected ups and downs I looked at my sister with the thought that I am going to die. Suffice to say, we eventually landed quite safely then leisurely browsed the duty free shops, took 8 kids to the loo then ran to collect our luggage before finally meeting our ride. Auckland airport felt so small. We met up with the family at the car park outside of the airport and waited to get our stuff sorted. I was itching to get to Whangarei. The traffic was trying to deter me however, but fortunately we had an experienced driver and plenty of room in the vehicle. As we drove north I felt so much anticipation. The sights along the way always made me happy – the Sky tower, Auckland Harbour and even the countryside. Although it did look a bit brown as we drove through Albany. Apparently the north had been declared a drought zone. How sad. New Zealand to me had always been a lush green country, so the drought had slightly annoyed me. The little drive through towns like Wellsford, Te Hana and Kaiwaka always excited me, as it let me know that we were close. Then going past the Waipu sign and Marsden Point turn off really made me sit on the edge of my seat. At last, Mt Manaia and the two Sail sculptures before the entry to Whangarei had me (in my head) jumping up and down. We had made it! Then past the Paper Mill, the deconstructed Jumbo’s club and Rewarewa Road which, for some reason, made he happy to see something so familiar. Good ol’ Whangarei. We had arrived at Nana’s house within minutes. That lovely greyish shack that now sported a deck at the front. I felt warm just looking at it. Then the moment came where my lovely Nan came out of the house. It was wonderful! She was followed shortly by my favourite Aunty Shelley. Big hugs all around and it truly felt like home. Though Nan had the house done up, it always felt like home to me and all the tedious episodes throughout the day more than made up for our horrendous trip over. We carried the 10 ton suitcases inside and I couldn’t wait to take it all in. What a lovely feeling. Stowing away the suitcases under my bed, the room which I shared with Nana, I then went to go get a drink of water. With my cup. The fire-engine red plastic mug that had been mine since I was 5 years old and it truly made my day. Talking with Nan and hugging her and Aunty Shell was wonderful and then my Aunty Ngahuia and her family showed up. Such a wonderful time . Somehow that journey showed me that Sydney, Australia will always be my home but Nana’s house and Whangarei will always be my sanctuary. Its that warm and idyllic place in my heart that I think of to relax me. It also serves to remind me that it is my happy place, the magic being that that greyish looking house will always be a home for me to return to.

2011 Full of promise...

I get so attached to the holiday season. I think it is mainly due to the fun and excitement that comes with Christmas and New Years...more so the presents and food. December-January - if only I could live in this part of the year forever! 2010 was so kind to me - getting me through assessments and my final year of my Bachelor of Arts degree. Exciting even more so as I met great people who have become great friends to me at Uni. Playing cards and what not. I have been carried away writing a piece called "A salute to the Arts" which encapsulates my University experiences from 2008-2010. I guess I was reflecting on it last night and ended up writing 7 pages on the first few weeks alone! It really amazes me when I write down my journey at my growth in all aspects of life - study, uni, work, friends. Hence the carried away part. Reflection is good and it allows us to look back at situations with open eyes. Back to the present, this entry is more so for my resolutions. One being to keep updated with my blog as I have been quite lax in writing entries. Being on holiday in New Zealand and away from the stress that Uni brought, I have been back into crafts and such. Especially writing. Because I have been happy and free-spirited that I want to capture all these wonderful experiences. I hope to treat this blog like a diary and update it. YOU HEAR THAT, MEMORY AND LAZINESS?!?! LOL.

Mental note - places that I have really enjoyed in New Zealand:
- Whangarei
- Pataua
- Town
- Town Basin
- Barge Park
- House sitting
- Backyard gardening
- Spending time with Nana
- Crafts with Aunty Shelly
- Time with my sister and her family
- The beagles

Hopefully I will make time to write entries on the above. For the sheer joy of the experience and the memory that I can reflect on. But I digress

As I enter my Masters of Teaching I will be turning 21 years old (I feel like a Nana already), graduate from Uni, celebrate Mum's 50th, go on a trip with my sister to Bali and celebrate numerous birthdays and get together's. 2011 is looking busy already :)

Keep on, keeping on. Until then, Ciao.