Weekend getaway

This weekend I had to visit Taupo to see a client for work... we turned it into a weekend away.

The desert road en route....

en route to Lake Taupo...

It was suggested that we check out Atratia Dam Rapids where they release water several times a day through the flood gates.
We returned for a second visit to see the flood gates open and fill the riverbed with rushign water.
We also visited Huka Falls

In the middle of our visit a helicopter flew overhead. I quickly tried to snap a picture for my friends E and D who currently LOVE helicopters as only 5 year olds really can. And I live with someone who really like helicopters
The only problem is that in the hurry to snap the photo I leaned back and forgot about the coffee cup in my hand -- pouring coffee all down the front of my jacket and a good deal slipped inside.

walking

Today I did something for both Traveler and I. I went to the fish market and got some fish I've never heard about. The lady said it was good (and then said tapped 15 other fish saying they were good too...).

Then I did something for me. I walked to the train station as an amazing full moon was rising over the harbour. I walked down Cuba Street (grabbing a coffee with all the money I saved on bus fare today), up-over-down-through Civic Square, through Kitts Park, along the Quay roads, and finally to the train station.

Here is my walk....













It ended with me accidentally catching an express train that passed my station and 3 others before stopping. I was so happy that Traveler had found a way to organize a phone connection at home today. As I was waiting for him to retrieve me, a fire engine came screaming up the road. Then slammed on its breaks, flipped off the siren, and waved a pedestrian across the road.

It started and stopped for 2 more walkers before taking off again.

wow

and at the grocery today I saw biscuits, cookies, and crackers all listed on aisle 5.

Flying fox

Last week I played on a flying fox with wonderful people

Photos are self explanatory











Even bigger and longer than the one my dad built us when we were kids, but felt safe

cookie time

The word cookie is not used much here. People often tell me what I mean.

They say that I mean scone when I say biscuit (except scones are not the same as the biscuits I would eat with gravy. One is light and fluffy, the other is denser and good with jam and cream).

They say that I mean biscuit when I say cookie (except the types of biscuits I have with my tea or coffee hear are not the same as some of the cookies from back home)

They say I mean biscuit when I say cracker (okay that is one thing I find annoying is having to differentiate between the types of biscuits you eat with savory things and the types that are sweet)

I am finding a year into living here that I am finding more and more words that I am misunderstanding.    I thought that would happen more at the start, but its not until you've been around long enough that you pick up on certain phrases/words that are used infrequently. It also takes time to realize that a word you say back home means something slightly different here.

For example the word 'quite' as in 'it was quite nice.'  

I don't hear the word really very much here - it sound very American to my ears. So I have been substituting the word quite.

Turns out that quite actually mean 'not that much'  as in 'the accommodation was quite nice' would mean, it was was so-so/interesting/not great.  But then again because Kiwis try not to go over the top with praise, sometimes they use humble language on purpose to praise.  So if that was what they were going for, it could mean it was GREAT but I don't want you to be embarrassed by me saying that.  At least this is what I've been told.

Which brings me to the main point.  Traveler and I had a cookie making race today.   

I made orange poppy seed cookies and he is still making something with butter in it.  

He also stole my lemon zest - I just need that documented some where:)

crusts...

Today a friend who is small in physical statue but large of heart visited our new flat for afternoon tea. She came baring a gift -- she had saved 2 crusts from a meal earlier in the day. One for me and one for Traveler. This was a lovely and memorable offering that was both yummy and heart warming.

Moving to the country....

This may have been the easiest move on record for me. Traveler did nearly all the packing and moving while I was away at fiddle camp. I'll have to stop telling the tale about the move from Salem to Jay Street that I did nearly by myself now.

Then when I returned from camp sick as a dog, he finished the move and final clean up for me as well. Best yet I did not have to go back to the old flat and see it all empty and devoid of us. As excited as I am about our new flat, it will be awhile before it feels like our space. It comes with some furnishings, which is wonderful, but also means that its not the normal completely blank slate with white walls that I am used to in America. White walls I hear are a very rare thing in New Zealand.

A week before hand, some friends and I walked through a local park and took this photo of our flat... I looked at the digital image through out fiddle camp to try to get my head around the fact that I really truly was moving.
I am having a hard time with change at the moment. I think my sense of identy is a bit lost with all the medical things going on, being in a new country for so long now, having a job that is so far removed from direct hands on teaching/clinical work.... Don't get me wrong I love it here, and I am learning lots and growing a bunch too -- but its not the easiest phase of my life as I get it all sorted. I am needed to do lots of self talk and visualization to get myself to believe basic things like 'shannon you are leaving flat A and moving to cottage B next week.' Perhaps some video social stories are in order:)

Once we moved in, it all becomes easier. I mean with a view like this off your deck, its hard to struggle too much!
The walk home from the bus is a highlight as well. Traveler jokes that I now ride the short bus. I only allow this because I have been riding the 'short' bus with wonderful kids for many many years. I love my short bus as it slowly winds it way up past the harbour views and to the end of our narrow winding road to our new rental.


I am thinking that a portable barbque is in order now that we have a deck. Winter and its rains have arrived, but that might mean that I can get a good deal on this 'suitcase' griller!