Blogs from Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 2

3rd November-This morning we dropped Abby at kindy and Michelle introduced Barbara to the teachers so they know her when she picks her up. We then went for our free trial at Pilates in the local church hall.....was really good but it's so hard to keep remembering to hold your tummy in to work your core. I almost fell asleep at the end when we were relaxing oops! I don't think I'll go again though as it's fifteen bucks and boot camp is only ten. The ladies invited us for coffee in the village but we had to get back as it wasn't a day off and Michelle had kindly let us go. I was given the job of tackling the mahousive garden at the side of the house that is more weeds than plants :/ ... read more

"In this drumbeat moment of red flowers opening and grapes being crushed, the soul and luminous clarity sit together." -Rumi, Medicine out of Pain I went for a walk today in the rain in Featherston, a rather unremarkable place. The main street is littered with buildings in various degrees of disrepair, the local market dissected down the middle by a long construction scar, lights dangling like loose teeth, and the windows of bars and cafés dark and dusty with disuse. The info center wasn't quite the treasure trove of fun things to do. The old man behind the desk stared at me like I was an idiot for asking questions on a rainy Sunday afternoon, like I should have known better than to get off the train here. After several minutes of gruff mumbling (on his ... read more

Didn't sleep too well as the ajrport seemed to get a lot closer during the night and hence planes a,lot louder...something to do with the good weather and lack of wind in the area. Left our b and b after breakfast and made our way to Upper Hutt to see Karens new house which is lovely and has great potential for her DIY skills. Then on to Martinborough, checked back in to the Riesling Retreat and back to Big Sis's for the afternoon in the sweltering heat...over 30oc today. This evening David came over from Greytown to say goodbye and have some risotto ai funghi,and,a,glass of local red.I was sorry to see,him go after finding him perhaps for the first time so late. David is my brother.... read more

Gladstone winery was a must stay as it offered wine tasting, cellar door purchases and accommodation. What we had not factored was the Monday syndrome. Everywhere outside major towns and cities closes, including the winery restaurant. Even the local pub was to close at 5pm. Only one solution. Off I went to the nearest supermarket (20 minutes each way) to purchase two steaks. We put jacket potatoes in the oven and I cooked the steaks on the BBQ and together with a bottle of pinot noir we had a delightful supper. With over 100 nights of dinning out this trip it made a pleasant change to cook in. It won't become a habit as washing up is not much fun. Moved on to Martinborough, the wine capital of S.E. North Island. Population 1,500 but due to ... read more

My favorite sign post, hopefully i will find some great ones while i am away.... read more