So what else happened in that full second month?

Aside from loving the countryside which of course I'll come back to, I've actually been doing something along the social lines and actively meeting new people. This  which may surprise those who know me well and know how much I struggle with the whole meet and greet thing, especially if there's a larger group  involved (more than 2 or 3 constitutes a larger group in my eyes). 

I'd noticed on previous visits to NZ  there are plenty of wool stores that sell luxurious looking yarns and in the months prior to moving over, I'd also noticed that there are knitting groups in Wanaka. My house mate mentioned a little pop up wool shop so I went along to check it out. Michelle at The Woven is a wealth of knowledge, has a wicked sense of humour and is able to assist you with just about any question, plus the wool is gorgeous and as some of it is aptly named, Sumptuous!

From there, I found myself going along to Knit Club. Yes, you heard me right.. Knit Club! They meet one evening a week at a cafe/bar on the lake front and it's an eclectic group of women of all ages. The youngest I've seen there so far pre-teen and she was a fabulous little knitter. She was also quite despairing of her mother, who didn't appear to have the same knack. The girl's school teacher (she'd been attending a Steiner school) had fostered her interest in knitting.

It's always a good night, knitting with a glass of wine, sometimes a light meal, lots of chatter, plenty of laughs, the odd swear word here and there, and of course, what would a night like that be without the occasional joke. I'm loving every moment of it! And I'm actually creating something useful. I'm working on a small blanket made from local wool that incorporates the colours of the landscape here. The blues of the lakes, the blue-green of the glaciers, the zesty green of the wildflowers and the natural colour of the sheep. I figured it would give me a unique memento of this adventure.

I've also attended a lunch for women who are new, newish and not so new to Wanaka. The woman who organises these get together's has been doing them for about 10 years and is a lovely warm welcoming person who is quite passionate about ensuring people have the best opportunity to meet others. 

She sends delightfully chirpy emails to let you know when the next meet is happening and is there to greet everyone at the lunches. The start time is about 45 minutes before lunch to allow maximum mingling time before being seated. If you don't mingle, then it's not too long before you're gently encouraged to move and meet someone else or another person is introduced to you.  

When we do get to the sit down and eat part which was at a lovely lakeside restaurant the day I attended, everyone seems to be fairly relaxed and chatty. There are pens and notepads on the table if anyone wants to exchange contact details. I found it quite a unique way of getting to meet new people as we're all in the same situation, so have something in common right from the start. And the lovely thing is, people are welcome to come along as often as they want.. whether it be just once, a few months or a few + years.  Either way, you will always be meeting new people.

In other news, just one week into November a big cold front moved in and we had a light dusting of snow one night, with a heavier dump of snow the next night. This meant my plan to drive across the Crown Range on my way south to Invercargill was out of the question as the roads were only open to vehicles with snow chains.

The alternative route out of Wanaka is via Cromwell and the main highway. There was still plenty of snow to see on the alps and a lot more to see once I was south of Queenstown. Around the Garston area, there was snow on the roof tops and as I drove further south, there was snow across the paddocks right up to the road side for at least an hour of the drive. One pic I wished I'd turned back to take was of a snowy paddock full of deer, it looked just like a northern Christmas scene!

I stayed in a little place on the northern outskirts of Invercargill and had only booked last minute the day before when the weather conditions looked as if they may impact on the drive. I noticed when booking that it said some rooms had a bath tub, so thought I'd ask on the off chance the one remaining room had one. When I arrived, the receptionist greeted me with a smile and said I was able to find you a room with a bath. The place I was staying was an older place but it was so roomy and the bathtub was large and I was able to stretch out. It was one of the best tubs I've come across in recent times.

My trip to Invercargill was for a job interview which I was to have the next morning at 10 am. The interview was expected to take at least an hour, then I had to get back on the road and drive 2.5 hours north to a place called Alexandra for another interview at 2 pm. Thankfully, all went well and I made both interviews on time, reaching Alexandra with 5 minutes to spare!

The drive home gave me lots of think time and I realised that although I was applying for jobs further afield, I really wanted to remain in Wanaka. That's where my heart is and it's the reason I came over here, to spend more time there. Just driving away from the place gets me in the feels and when I'm driving back, it's like coming home. This place with the lake surrounded by alps feels comforting and protected. Perhaps it's the reason it has such a sense of healing here for me.

A couple of days later, I had a night in Queenstown and this time I was able to drive the Crown Range. There was still snow about the tops to see, however, chains were no longer needed to drive the road so I was able to drive and admire the snow at the same time. 

I'd gone down to attend an evening workshop, so booked accommodation for the night. I was a little annoyed with myself for not doing my research properly when I realised the accommodation was about 15 minutes out of Queenstown, as I'd hoped to get something nearby. However, it ended up being a great mistake because the place overlooked the Shotover River and once again, I was surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Of course that meant I had to get up early to enjoy the crisp mountain air and watch the sun filter in over the alps. Being on the Shotover River meant it wasn't too long and the Shotover Jet Boats were delighting (or perhaps terrifying) tourists with their speed and spins on the water which I was able to see from the table and chairs just outside my room.

I decided to take my time coming back and do a little more exploring, so found the spot where the jet boats started out. They go through a narrow looking gorge to start with which I imagine sets the tone for the remainder of the trip!

I started my summer job two days later. It's a tough gig working in such beautiful surroundings. I drive up in towards the mountains each morning which makes the morning commute a relaxing way to start the day. There is a little beach near where I work and I sometimes stop there on my way home just to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Speaking of peace and quiet, I have another favourite place I like to go to relax a while with a book. The Lavender Farm isn't too far away and with summer on it's way, their spring gardens are spectacular and the lavender is starting to bloom.

Well that's it for this post, other than to say my time here is going way too fast!  This post covered the earlier part of November and now it's December, so I still have some catch up to do. Until next time...

Spring Winter Summer all in one

I arrived in early spring two months ago, however, in the last couple of weeks winter has had it's last hurrah with snowfalls and summer has arrived early, with some hot days that have seen people swimming in the lake and cooling off in the 15 degree (celsius) temperatures near the shore line.  

A lot has been packed into this last 4 weeks, with a weekend in Dunedin exploring, a night in Invercargill to attend a job interview plus another interview in Alexandra (on the same day of course!), a night in Queenstown to attend a workshop, starting my summer job and an unexpected brief and delightful visit with a dear friend from Australia. 

I always enjoy the drive from Wanaka to Dunedin with the many changes in landscape along the way. Lakes, alps, orchards, forests, rocky outcrops, rolling green hills, winding mountainous roads, beauty in some shape or form every where you look. Being springtime, there was the addition of wildflowers along the roads, as well as flowering trees and shrubs covering the hill sides. The temptation to pull over and take photos here there and everywhere is strong!

I have to say the little town of Roxburgh has the most impressive public toilets I've ever used. The convenience block is situated on the main road through town and you're met with detailed stainless steel sculptures that share some of the area's history. 

The facilities themselves are ultra-modern with automatic sliding and locking doors. A voice then tells you the door will remain locked for 10 minutes, however, you just have to press a button to get out should you be finished earlier. And then... there is music!!!  I kid you not! I'm unsure if it's to relax you, entertain you, mask noises, or distract you - what ever the reason, I found this quirky addition to the whole public convenience experience rather entertaining. Oh and the music playing was none other than 'What the world needs now, is love sweet love... '

Back on the road, there is more impressive scenery as you drive through the Manuka Gorge.  On the other side you will find the Mt Stuart Reserve which has a beautiful rest place and walking tracks for those who like the exercise. 

Dunedin itself has much to offer. I stayed in the heart of the city and found an awesome little organic shop that had a fabulous range of everything you could think of. I came away with ingredients for making bath salts at a better price than I'd been sourcing online. 

The beautiful historic Dunedin Railway Station is worth a visit just to check out the architecture and the gardens. Upstairs in the building is an art gallery that's well worth a visit. It's very easy to spend an hour wandering around the exhibits displaying the talents of local artists and is one of my favourite places in Dunedin.

There is also a fantastic Saturday morning farmers market held at the station that is filled with locally grown and/or made produce and foods. It's not a huge  market but it's perfect for getting your fresh supplies for the week and there are plenty of delicious goodies on offer to tempt the taste buds as you wander the market.

The landscape all around Dunedin is gorgeous, regardless of which direction you choose to go. An hour north, you will find some beautiful beaches and the incredible Moeraki Boulders. Photos don't really do justice to the size and magnificence of these huge boulders that lie along this particular stretch of coastline, they have to be seen and experienced in all their rugged beauty. 

There were a lot more tourists down on the beach this trip and sadly, many did not appear to have a great deal of respect for their surroundings as they were more interested in climbing or standing on the boulders to pose for photographs. 

Just south of the boulders, is a short drive to Shag Point where there are more rocky outcrops along the coastline. Numerous bird and sea life reside in the area and it's a beautiful quiet place to feel at one with nature. 

For me, a trip to Dunedin is not complete without a drive out along the Otago Peninsula. I love this winding stretch of road along the water front heading in or out of Otago Harbour. Dotted along the coastline are little shacks that sit out over the water and there are walkways in places, with a few seats to rest and enjoy the views.

Once again, I took my time driving back to Wanaka. I'm not in a big rush these days and enjoy stopping here and there as I choose, usually to take pics but sometimes just to explore the surroundings a little.

I arrived back in Wanaka from my Dunedin trip to a dinner party my house mate was having and good heavens, can that house mate of mine cook! She certainly has flair with food and the dishes she creates are superb. This particular night was a gourmet feast starting with crayfish and lychee salad, followed by crayfish chowder, a grapefruit lemon and mint sorbet to cleanse the palate, then slow cooked moroccan boneless lamb neck (melt in your mouth delicious!) served with couscous and roast kumara and baked black peaches served with ice cream and a ginger biscuit. Are you drooling yet? 

Have to say I'm thoroughly loving this New Zealand adventure so far! More to come...

Where did that first month go?

I knew the time would fly but this has been ridiculous. This first month has absolutely disappeared, which is surprising really given I've been nowhere near as productive as I'd anticipated.

I guess when I stopped work and eventually finished doing all the things I had to do in order to get here, arrived in this beautiful country and all of a sudden had no where I had to be in a hurry, no deadlines to meet, and could just slow down and breathe, my body firstly decided it needed a head cold to ensure I slowed down and then the grief stuff reared it's head for a while as well. 

Add that to a little old fashioned turmoil from some ongoing stuff (stuff is such a good word at times, covers all manner of things) back home and I was all over the place emotionally and could barely get my head together some days!

It's deeply annoying that I've allowed some of it to get on top of me and it's rather disheartening to say the least when you realise you are your own biggest disappointment. 

However, it's a timely reminder that this trip is wholly and soul-y about me. It was a very deliberate decision to do this trip solo for a variety of reasons, mostly around my own personal growth, the adventure of course, but also taking the time to grieve Mum's passing instead of putting it on the back burner to catch up with me later and to reflect on my own life - the good, the bad, the ugly so to speak, what I want out of life from here, what I want to achieve and putting an active plan in place so I can move ahead.

So all that deep and meaningful stuff acknowledged, what else have I actually done in the almost 5 weeks I've been here? In between all the angst, I've managed to do a little local sightseeing (as in drive, look, soak up the views, take photo's), enjoy some walks around the lake front and pick some wild flowers.

I usually spend some time each day around the lake front and at least once or twice a week can be found writing in my journal that I was gifted by a very dear friend prior to leaving, specifically for the purpose of capturing this trip.

As I arrived just as the ski season was closing, it was the perfect opportunity to check out Cardrona Ski Resort for the first time and of course, I couldn't miss out on going up to Treble Cone again this year. The views alone are worth it.

Cardrona and Treble Cone are quite different. The road up the mountain to Cardrona is wider and the views show the beauty of the valley below. The base and ticketing area is much bigger and you have the option of the open air chair or an enclosed gondola (otherwise known as the chondola) to go up the mountain. 

There's much more on offer in the way of food at the base camp and at the top, there is a small cafe that has some basics including hot chocolate and mulled wine with the option of table and chairs or bean bags to enjoy a break in.

It's great having the option of taking a gondola rather than the chair, especially when the wind can be icy! Obviously any pics you take aren't going to have the clarity of the open air, but you will be warmer.

As mentioned, Treble Cone is worth the trip for the views alone. Yes, the road is narrower and perhaps a little more winding and there are no gondolas to ride in, but oh my gosh, the views are spectacular. 

The outdoor cafe area is larger with a number of tables and chairs, plus the addition of some deck chairs if you really want to lay back and take in the views. 

It was closing weekend when I went up this year which means it's fancy dress on the mountain. There were some hilarious outfits and I am in awe of how some still managed to ski or snowboard in their get ups.

I've spent time reading under a big tree at the Lavender Farm.

I've bought myself a little car to get around in that reminds me of Postman Pat's car, without the black and white cat (kids story for those who don't know about Postman Pat).

I joined the local art society and attended a painting class.

I took an overnight trip to Aoraki Mt Cook, stayed in a fabulous little motel with the most incredible views and went stargazing that night at the local airport.

Along the way I also took a detour to get a closer view of the Clay Cliffs at Oamaru.

I've applied for umpteen dozen jobs, some of the applications haven't closed yet but in the meantime I have a summer job starting next month where this is the view! (this is not one of my pics by the way, it's courtesy of Google)

I've met a young couple who were working and travelling around NZ, had spent time in some of my favourite places in Australia and were about to head up to the west coast to work for a while. I met a lady from California who had been in NZ for 2 weeks and fallen in love with the area.

I attended the local charity duck race which was entertaining and the two ducks I bought are probably still making their way down the creek.

After the duck race, I went along to the opening of a local art exhibition. There are some very talented artists in the area and why wouldn't there be when they have a gorgeous landscape for inspiration. 

I've watched bus loads of tourists get off their bus and move straight towards the water with their camera's in hand.

I've tasted the local gelato and had delicious Mexican food from a local food van that I took up to the nearby little lookout in the middle of town to enjoy.

I've gone across to Arrowtown and listened to some of the Queenstown Jazz Festival.

I've written lots of postcards and am feeling incredibly blessed to have been able to make this dream of mine happen. And that dear readers, is a snapshot of my first 5 weeks in New Zealand.