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.