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

Ode to Wellington

Well to leave transit at Sydney airport is $90 each so we have decided to spend 9 hours wandering around the airport, boredom strikes and I heard the song "my favourite things" and I figured it would suit an ode to Wellington. The things I will miss about Wellington.

The Yellow fever and the rain at the phoenix

bright yellow frujus and my favourite caffeine fix

A bottle of L&P served over ice

These are things that make Wellington nice.

Sushi at midlands and crisp hoppy ales

Weta and Te Papa and fishing in gales

Sunny days spent at Kaffee eis

These are the things that make Wellington nice

Kylie is now unemployed!

For the first time in around 8 years I don't have a job and I'm not waiting to start a new job, it's a little strange not thinking about work, but every time I remind myself of my extended holiday, a sly smile arrives.
Here's to taking some time out for myself and taking it slow *cheers*
To my old team at TCL here's to all the years, the laughs, the long nights and working weekends.
I have learnt a lot over my time and made some great friends who I hope I can keep in touch with and will see again.
Below are some pictures from the leaving drinks.

At this point Hemu probably should have stopped drinking then he might have made it into work on Friday. :D

blue sky!

Practising GI Joe face for the sevens