We've only been here two days and have already fallen in love with this country. This in an absolutely beautiful place filled with beautiful people. Every person we have met (with the exception of a customs agent at the airport) has been very friendly, many going above and beyond to help us. Case in point- Robyn and Eric. I was introduced via Facebook to Robyn, who is Adam's (my tennis coach from Boise) aunt. Robyn and Eric graciously offered to pick us up from the airport (at 5:30 am!) and let us stay at their home. For the first two weeks of our trip we will be calling Maraetai (meaning a meeting place by the sea) our home. Their home has a gorgeous view of the ocean and has an extensive network of bike and running paths Blake and I have been taking advantage of the past two days.
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Early morning view from the house deck.
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| Sunset view from the house last night. |
I was extremely excited to find they have two cats- 15 year old Freeway and the very unique Panda. I think Panda has a shot to become New Zealand's version of Grumpy Cat.
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| Panda looking ever so happy to be held. |
Blake and I took advantage of the mostly good weather today and biked a few miles into the Saturday market at Pine Harbor. A lady selling gluten free treats convinced us to have a sample, which then turned into us buying a delicious white chocolate, caramel, biscuit type dessert. Blake was overjoyed to swap stories with a lady who recently had spent a year working at a coffee shop in Seattle.
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Blake enjoying a treat at the market.
Exploring the Ocean by the house.
He always wants to climb things.
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Other highlights:
- They have really good peanut butter.
- Our homemade Catan board is a success
- Hokey Pokey ice cream is the country favorite- vanilla with crunchy toffee
- We got to be sheep herders for a baby that had gotten out of his pen
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| Our homemade Catan board |
Missing everyone!
Caroline
