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.