This must be what heaven looks like...

Hard to believe I have only been here a month and a half...I have settled into somewhat of a routine, but contrary to my past life, it does not involve planning. Each day is a come what may, very stress free. I have had a chance to do some traveling outside of Gisborne, but not much as that would involve planning, which is contrary to my current philosophy. ;) I have made it down south to Napier, a lovely little tourist town in one of the many wine regions. Three weeks ago my godson's baby mamma made the hop over the ocean for a little girl time and we took my little Nissan hatchback down the coast. It is indescribably scenic and the first part of the drive to a peninsula called Mahia was lovely. In Mahia, we rented a cottage on a farmer's land for the night, completely isolated on a hillside looking out over the sea. Amazingly peaceful, but no provisions, and we brought little with us. Mostly we missed having libations to enjoy as we watched the water lap up against the rocks, so instead we went hiking and scrambling like monkeys down a cliff side to the ocean, scattering sheep in our path. Even interrupted a couple of the beast, uh, going at it! Hmmm, me big ram, see my horns...just kidding...Anyway, we had an amazing crayfish for lunch and the farmer brought us dinner that night, a lovely lamb dish and (finally!) a bottle of wine. Mmmm, slept so well!

The next day we continued our trip south. It was raining heavily, and the roads went from rolling to tight winding, one narrow lane each way, with large logging trucks barreling past. Remember, I am still new at this left sided driving thing, and my poor friend was terrified. By the time we got to Napier, we were both thinking about flying home! But we found a place to stay, wandered around the quaint town, and did some wine tasting, which calmed our nerves. Dinner that night was at a mediterranean fusion place, and after we took a moonlight stroll on the beach. Quel romantique! Yeah, my friend wouldn't let me hold her hand...;) The next morning, we were steeled for our drive home, dreading the distance and drama of that road. This time, however, the sun was shining and all was well. A brief stop in Wairoa for lunch at a great cafe (can't remember the name but it is right on the road), then home in time for dinner and a movie...

So the lesson today folks: New Zealand has beautiful scenery, much excellent wine and food, and terrible roads. May the sun shine for all of you this Mother's Day! Cheers...:)