Hannah's visit to the land of the long white cloud: January - February 2014

At the end of January I began the mammoth journey back to NZ for a visit. My flight from Heathrow was delayed which meant a rush to transfer in Singapore. Although I made it, sadly my bag did not until later the following day. I now appreciate the wisdom in packing a change of clothes in your carry-on. 

Auckland welcomed me home with stunning weather

It had been two years since we left the country so it was nice to be seeing friends and family again. I spent time in Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth and a brief stop in Auckland. I really enjoyed catching up with friends and family, and making the most of all the things I miss about NZ while living in London.

You can't beat Wellington on a good day - looking out over Oriental Parade

View from my sister's house, Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay

Fantastic strong flat white and date scone

mmm delicious sushi from Sushi Bi (Wellington), and feijoa juice

View from my old uni (and work) back to the city

Oriental Bay, the beach in the city (Wellington)

Oriental Bay

Wellington harbour

Wellington harbour

Market on Wellington waterfront

On the track up to Mt Kaukau, looking back towards Wellington

I'm sure anyone who has spent a long time living away from their 'home' country and returns for a visit can relate to the slightly surreal feeling I experienced. Although Wellington still sort of felt like 'home,' I have a different life in such a different place now. Some things are the same but many have changed. So it was with mixed feelings that I jumped back on the first of my three flights and 26+ hour journey back to my second 'home.'

Only in New Zealand...the departure board telling me to relax

London, Little Venice: December 2013

I think many visitors to London the most they see of the city's canals is the customary visit to Camden. However there is a real community of people living in canal boats, and it's quite enchanting to wander around the area nicknamed Little Venice, near Paddington, north London.

In fact, it's a great walk along Regent's Canal, from Little Venice, through Regent's Park, and on through to Camden. From Camden you can also continue on to uber trendy Angel. If you were to walk all of that end to end, it's a pretty decent walk, so you'll need some nice weather! But even a little walk along the canal is a nice escape from the busyness of the city. Along the route, there will be occasions where you have to leave the canal-side to walk on the street.

From my work in Regent's Park, I would go for a morning jog along the towpath, and watching everything change so dramatically with the seasons was stunning.