I'm having the time of my life!
In some ways this journey began two years ago. During a Skype session, the Blogging Babes, as we've come to call ourselves, dreamed out loud of a trip to see Pauline in New Zealand. In 2015 Pauline joined us on our side of the world for an incredible trip to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Our time together deepened the friendships and expanded our hearts.
Now here we are three years later, meeting up with Pauline and her two lovely daughters in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Mike drove me to the San Francisco airport where I connected with Laurie. Though I dreaded the 13 hour flight across the Pacific, I was in for some lovely surprises.
We got our sillies on five minutes into our journey, before boarding the most amazing airplane I have ever seen.
Air New Zealand lives up to its reputation in every way. The crew kept us well fed, smiling, drinks flowing and relaxed. We flew economy, or as Mike would say, steerage, but I can't complain. It was amazing.
Pauline welcomed us at the airport, then we were off to meet her daughter, Danella and to reconnect with Kelly.
Danella opened her home to us, three women she's never met and while still recovering from a broken leg. It's an act of kindness and grace.
She lives in a charming flat, decorated in soft pinks and greens, with a lovely garden out back. She loves garden kitsch, and has since her childhood. I had fun discovering tiny gnomes and frogs among the greenery. They made my fairy-garden-loving heart sing.
After a leisurely morning in our PJ's and a breakfast of tomatoes on toast (thank you, Kelly) we were off to Pauline's. Pauline's fans know she's an artist and a crafter, and her space reflects her kind and creative soul. Laurie's written a beautiful post with photos sharing that day. Please visit her post here.
This photo is back at Danella's. I didn't take any during our meal.
After dinner we took a walk on St Claire Beach, just moments away from Pauline's home. We stopped for hot beverages before calling it a day.
Day three in Dunedin will be another post, but I'll leave you with a bit of a photo teaser.
We're having so much fun.
This entry was posted in Holidays and tagged Air New Zealand, Boomdeeadda, Dunedin, Gardens, Life on the Bike and other Fab things, New Zealand, Siddy, St. Claire Beach, The Contented Crafter. Bookmark the permalink.
Wow, that's some monster ride you have there. Have fun!
Thank you, Sara! It's a four-seater, one of only 7 apparently. We had a blast.
I wish there was a 'love' button Alys – words can't express how wonderful it is to have you here in our spaces, it's a gift we will long cherish!
You Babe look like you're having a blast – Alys, you really have to get some glasses to fit in with the others! And yes, I have serious bike envy, I'll have to look up the company that does that in case we ever make it to NZ.
Kate, I will share more details in another post, but if you want to make a note, it's called Experience Dunedin. It was thrilling driving around the beautiful harbour, into the hills and around the town on that trike. And yes, we're having a blast.
Thank you, Dawn. It is a gift indeed. I'm cherishing every moment.
I'm so glad you're enjoying NZ, the country of my birth, though I live in Australia now. I hope the country continues to wow you with its amazing scenery. It looks very much as though you're going to have a ride to remember!
Jane, the ride was amazing. I'll write more about it soon. Your home country is gorgeous. Everyone we've encountered is warm and friendly, and our hosts have thought of everything to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. What part of New Zealand are you from?
It is, Amanda. I wish you were closer for a visit. I'm in love with your beautiful country.
So glad. I am not that far but, unfortunately, I have to return to Australia soon. And by the time I get back you will be well on your way home.
Safe travels to Australia. Will you be seeing your daughter?
Yes. Lots of follow up things to do re my father, and lots of things to do re my daughter. It will be busy but nice to be with family.
I'm glad you'll enjoy your family time. I'm sorry though, it's under sadder circumstances.
Marlene, that trike was so much fun. It seats four in addition to the driver. I'll share more soon. Yes, that's K in the black striped dress. Hugs back your way.
I saw her in another photo and finally recognized her. It was the angle of the photo that threw me off. My eyes need help some days. I love that trike! You all look like you are having so much fun.
It's always tricky, I find, getting everyone into a photo when they're gathered together but not necessarily posing. And I'm with you: I want everything bigger these days so it's easier on the eyes.
Hello again! I've been sharing posts made by the fantastic photographer and biker chick, Laurie up til now. Let me share with you now a post from Alys, from Gardening Nirvana as she encapsulates her first three days in New Zealand and you'll see our world through her eyes………….
Thank you for sharing this, Pauline. I can't believe this trip. I'm so happy to know you, so happy to be spending time in your midst.
During those days when Mills and Boons were an important part of my life, I loved books by Essie Summers, she is still one of my favourite authors. Her books were all set in New Zealand. One of my dreams is to see New Zealand. I am happy to read about your trip there. Thank you.
Thank you for visiting! Traveling to New Zealand has been a life long dream of mine as well. I hope you'll have a chance to visit here one day. I'll have to look up Essie Summers books when I get home. Isn't it fun reading about characters in places you want to go?
Happy Reunion – I see nothing but smiles!
We're having the best time.
We're having a grand time. It's beautiful here, everywhere you look. We've left Dunedin for Wanaka now, where Pauline has arranged the most amazing house. As for the flight, it's the sleeping I find so hard. Long haul flights are brutal.
((((Laurie)))) Thank you for your kind words. Isn't it fun being on the same trip while reading each other's perspectives. Your photos are absolutely extraordinary. I've really enjoyed seeing what travels from your lease to the page. Fantastic!
Over visiting from Laurie's blog. What an amazing opportunity for all of you! Looks like you are having a blast!
Thank you for visiting, Lynn. I've just popped over to read your African safari post. What an amazing trip.
It truly was a trip of a lifetime! Thanks for visiting!
I love the in-flight screen, showing the progress of the journey.
I'm so glad you are in such friendly company, Alys.
It's really fun, isn't it? Thanks for following our journey, Helen.
I hope you're still having fun, Alys.
It's fun to be keeping up with you all, via the blog posts!
What a privilege (and what a joy) it is to follow along vicariously on this adventure, dear Alys! A wise friend once told me that a good percentage of our experiences while traveling depend not on what we find when we get there, but on what we bring with us. You have clearly brought a big heart and an open, joyful spirit — so it's no wonder you're surrounded by such beauty and happiness. Big hug to you!
I very much understand the feeling you describe of having one foot and part of your heart elsewhere, lovely Alys — though my feet have never stretched quite *that* far! Although I'm sorry this adventure has concluded, I"m glad you're home safely with lots of beautiful memories to savor and sustain you until you get to see your friends again. xo!
Stay strong and stick to your news diet! There's nothing exceptionally terrible going on … but I'm a bit advocate of hanging onto that vacation glow for as long as possible.
You're right: Paris is Paris! It will be nicer though if it doesn't snow, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. (Finger-crossing is completely ineffectual of course but it will make me feel better, and we can have a good laugh it if comes true).
OMG, ALYS. Moments after I replied to your note it started snowing. Really hard, too! I'm going to race outside and take some photos. THANK YOU!
Not only did it snow, but it snowed for THREE DAYS! I got a couple of photos I'll be posting shortly. 😉 Thank you again for the wonderful snow vibes!
I'm glad we could share it together as well. I wanted to stay and play in Danella's garden. I'm trying to convince her to invite the fairies with a special garden of there own. She has all the makings right there. Word on the street is that pink and green are among their favorite colors too.
Such a heart warming post – off to read the others now!