Ready to make some memories

Compressed account of week 3:

* Participating in Helping Hands Day at Long Bay Regional Park to serve the local community, gladdened my heart. Initially, I was rolling up cut sections of fencing to load in a ute but we were warned to ensure our eyes were protected so we didn't gouge out an eyeball on the sharp wire! Moved on to sweeping the beach steps of all the sand and debris while also cutting back the overgrowth of the bushes. Sounds a doddle? Yeah, NAH (picking up the kiwi lingo already, eh?) it was in fact a back breaking exertion that took a physically demanding toll on my body but I gave it my all. Still, we rallied together and morale was high nonetheless. 

* I jinxed New Zealand. Seriously. Just the day before, I broached the subject of catastrophic natural disasters but was reassured that I was unlikely to experience one. Am I a witch? In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck near Kaikoura at 12.02am on the South Island, I was frightened to go out because of tsunami warnings along the coast. Everyone was advised to stay away from beaches. 

Rumblings had hit as far up as Takapuna but it wasn't felt around Auckland fortunately. It was a biggie measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale with 50x more energy than the horrific one in Christchurch but this one took just 2 lives. The damage is colossal. Many are stranded without power or water; homes are completely destroyed. In the hours that followed and the next day, close to 900 aftershocks rocked the country. 

It reinforced to me the deadly power the earth possesses, particularly in this part of the world in the Pacific Ring of Fire. I had thought it would be cool to experience the trembling and shaking but I fully take that back. I would be scared out of my mind. My prayers go out to all those who have had their world turned upside down.

* My ever trusty Google Maps failed me on one occasion whereby I was close to Albany Heights Scenic Reserve but the track didn't lead me *there*. It was just good to stretch my legs and immerse myself in nature (roads aside) while taking in some fantabulous views. Clearly though I smell distinctively different in a disgusting way to dogs in this country or I have a distrustful, menacing appearance; as each pooch I passed barked their furry faces off at me!

* Pure bliss was 'endured' at Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort hot pools - one of the North Shore's treasures where you can luxuriate to your heart's content and I did just that! It was truly heavenly to take a dip in most of the pools (heated naturally by geothermal mineral water) save for the Lava pool. It is there that I scalded one foot by dunking it in the 48 degree temps, not heeding the warning sign! Serves me right for dynamiting in! 

Simmering and splashing more happily than Larry in spa pools named after gems, in a tropical setting of lush, emerald hilltop fringing the resort was resplendent. The Movie Pool was almost a private viewing for me and one other woman, who viewed Me Before You. This flick was a quirky fairy tale except for the unacceptable ending and although I'd known it was coming it was still insufferably sad. Before getting the bus back to Albany, I accidentally came to the positively dreamy Waiwera beach and stared out at its beauty. 

* A horribly stressful time was had on my birthday eve as Mum informed me that Halifax was desperately trying to contact me. I then realised what a ginormous idiot I'd been. On endeavouring to transfer a large sum of money from my UK bank to my new NZ one with online banking, I made a terrible mistake and input an incorrect account number. How carelessly foolish! I rushed down in the hopes of rectifying the matter at my local branch as they had been holding the dollars.. TOO LATE. They had cancelled the transaction and charged me for the pleasure (!) 

On the verge of a waterfall of tears, I queried why I'd not been contacted directly to resolve my error but was told it is against International Payments policy as they only deal with the bank. The funds I came to this country with were running low so I was extremely worried that I wouldn't have enough for food or rent. A letter addressed to me back in England gave a number to telephone from abroad; when I rang it wiped out $18 of my credit without even connecting me :( 

Week 4 in a nutshell: 

* I became OLD but spent the day hiking with my new friends - Kaitlyn, Hinsan and Kieran. We drove up to Piha in the dizzying heights of the Waikatere Ranges for my initiatory tramping experience in real NZ forest. At Mercer Bay, we were perilously close to cliff edge as white mists obscured clear views of any pretty vistas. It was an easy loop through low, coastal scrub along the highest cliffs in Auckland region. Rough waves and certain death was one foot slip away!

Lion Rock is ROAR-some as is the black sand of Piha beach; sand flew across the beach as streams of volcanically ashed wind. The iconic landmark of an eroded volcanco neck lies majestically but to my eyesight, it did not look like a lion lying down - at least not from the angle we were at. 

I was wowed by the rainforest for our second mini hike to Kitekite Falls (not pronounced like the object you fly in the air but as 'kitty kitty') on a moderate 1.8km track. We had to clean off our shoes with spray so that we wouldn't bring in infection which would kill the ancient Kauri trees. As we crossed the river by log, I removed my shoes as I was convinced I'd fall in and then dunked my feet and ankles in the antarctically freezing water spilling down from the three tiered, 130ft falls. I got close to the drop when we ventured to the top and surveyed the valley, breathing it all in. I want to have these moments forever! On the way back the slopes had become so slippery from the mud and I lost my footing several times. This was not excellent. I had to cling onto tree trunks so I wouldn't careen down the ravine. 

The trio treated me to a birthday dinner at Goode Brothers where you can create your own pasta dish. I had linguine with pumpkin, courgette, baby peas and basil oil which some may say is a pretentious plate of pasta but it was impressively pleasing to my palate. Then I pavlova-ed with a happy concoction of passionfruit and lime curd, vanilla cream, raspberry dust and fresh fruit salsa. It loved me right back! I didn't twig that the candles in my dessert were especially for ME until the waitress tipped me off; I'd just taken it that this was how the pud was served. *DUH* As the sprinkles on the sundae of my bday, I was able to speak at length to my wonderful family. 

* Bumped into Hollie, a girl I'd met in Australia, very randomly as I was sat on a bench waiting for my house viewing! Of all the places in Auckland, it was crazy that we chanced upon one another! 

* On my grand dessert tour of NZ, OKO dessert gave me a happy belly. The raspberry, white chocolate and coconut mousse in a heart arrangement was staggeringly sensational. The light and fluffy texture had a fine balance of sweetness and beauty and I'm already hungry for MORE. It is the Novak Djokovic (or should that now be Andy MURRAY!!) of treats as it contained everything I like in a pudding. 

* Back to my banking predicament, an understanding woman agreed to discuss it with me via my family's landline, with me on speaker via an app! She saved my bacon as mere hours after our conversation the money had reached my account!!!!!!!!!!! RELIEF. 

* I was sorry to leave The Cuffs who have put me up and put up with me for a month now. They made me really welcome and have done so much for me but I hope I'll still be able to spend time with them. I moved into my new abode in Grafton, just a stone's throw away from the heart of the city, where lots of students live. But my day began in the best way, with a coconut hot chocolate (a steaming brew that can only bring joy) and an apple cinnamon muffin. That evening, I attended the Lego Christmas tree lighting at Aotea Square but due to the drizzle it was poorly attended. The tree itself is constructed from over half a million lego bricks and weighs 3.5 tonnes. And yet, the effect of it being illuminated when it wasn't even dark and without a big build up, was fairly lacklustre and yet, my heart is aglow with exultation. 

A wonderland of GREENness

How is it possible that I have been living out in Auckland for 4 weeks already? It has been one of the most heartwrenchingly difficult periods of my life.. as at just 8 days in my dear, sweet Nan sadly passed away on Bonfire's Night.. and all I wanted more than ANYTHING was to be home with my family.. I  crumbled.. I struggled. It was such a devastating shock that all I could take comfort from was in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is hopefully reunited with her beloved husband. I believed I was a strong, capable woman but my days in the South Pacific suggest I am often anything but.. It seemed like nothing would bring me joy now my heart was hollow and that I may as well just board a plane back to England.. but I know that she would tell me to stay and have the time of my life. So I'm dedicating all my experiences to her loving memory xxx

Brief recap of week 1: 

* When our plane landed in the island I shall call home for the next year, I was astonished by the supremely teal and aqua shades of the water. Even highly dazed and confused, I could tell that NZ has hit the paradise jackpot and I shan't take its beauty for granted. 

* Jetlag is a stinky swine and my body clock became massively confuzzelated from crossing too many time zones. I don't dig it. 

* Began all the menial tasks of setting up a bank account, getting a SIM card and AT Hop for the public transportation. Essential items of business before I get to have some F-U-N!

* For an entire 24 hours, I had an ache in my side that was tight and constant but ranged from dull discomfort to agony. No method of pain relief alleviated it whatsoever, much to my hypochondriac nature I imagined the worst - that it was appendicitis or gallstones. I was housebound as it hurt too severely to do anything physical. Of course I contacted my Mum to see if I needed to go to hospital, less than 72 hours into arriving in Auckland as I was stressing. Magically, the next day it wasn't causing me any troubles so we deemed it to be a muscular strain from the weight of my suitcase!

* Takapuna beach before 7.30am was reviving with the cool ocean breeze and a beautimous view out to Rangitoto Island, followed by my first foray into the City of Sails itself. The weather is so intermittent that I am forever putting on and then taking off my raincoat.  I don't strongly enjoy rapid drops and rises in temperature. 

* Browns Bay may not be classed as anywhere extraordinary in and of itself; for the sand is sandy, the waves are wavy and by George, the wind is windy!! What I like is that it wasn't swarming with beach bums and had a tranquil aura with old couples taking jolly jaunts hand in hand. What I did not like was being hit on by an undesirable I attracted, who sat beside me on a bench and stroked my hair, causing me to jump up exclaiming 'I NEED THE TOILET!' in order to hastily retreat. 

A SURPRISING DISCOVERY - Iridescent ladybirds exist here which I came to know when one took a shine to my chest region and held a one bug party. 

A NOT SO SURPRISING DISCOVERY - (which came from spending a lot of solitary, remote Rianne time) I am a BORING person. Gone is the formerly rambunctious Miss Montigue!

Shortish and sweetish summary of week 2:

* Was tinged with the deepest sorrow when Amy broke the unbearably painful news of my Grandmother's death. I don't think I can comprehend that she's truly gone.. Before I left England, it frightened me that losing her was a possibility which is why I'm so grateful that I got to spend one more afternoon with her. Those final few hours were so special and important to me and allowed me to say a goodbye to her. The last words she ever spoke to me were 'bye, love' ... I'll always miss her and can't bear the thought that I wasn't able to attend her funeral but it's nice to think that now she is watching over me and keeping me safe. 

* The following day, I fervently desired to leave but a long chat with my Mum encouraged me to remain out here. Still, to go out and try to have fun or even smile seems WRONG when we're in mourning. 

* Whenever I was out running errands and would see an elderly woman, I was filled with unreasonable resentment and all consuming, gut-punching grief. How come she gets to live? Why is her life preserved and not my Nan's?? 

Our last photo together

* I broke down in floods of tears very publicly in a Pak N Save superstore when Michael Buble's song 'Home' played out over the sound system. The lyrics 'I'm just too far from where you are' and 'may be surrounded by a million people I still feel all alone' struck a poignant and lip-trembling chord within me. 

* Visited the Hibiscus Coast at Orewa beach on a beaaaautiful 21 degree day and there's just no escaping the gusts from the sea. Decided there's simply no point in brushing my hair as it won't stay in tact and is savaged in seconds. The shoreline is gorgeous as are the bedazzling hues of the ocean - a swirling of aquamarine, azure and sapphire. Maybe it's silly, but I feel my Nan's presence in the wind .. her sass and spirit will live on inside me as I'll keep a part of her in my heart everywhere I go. It's supposed to be for the best to try and keep busy.. that way I shouldn't be continually overcome with anguish. 

* You can't be beach-ing appropriately when the skies are blue, without a scoop of gelato or two, can you? EVERYONE in the universe loves having ice cream at the seaside. The flavours of Crunchie and passionfruit called out to me and although the combination didn't work together, the passion I now have for the seductive passionfruit is EVERYTHING. I fell full on in lurve with this sunshine in one scoop. 

Sometimes the journey is the destination

THE INTREPID TRAVELER TROTS OFF AGAIN - As dear to my heart as all my friends and loved ones are, it has come to the point in my life where I have sought out another international quest to escape a mundane reality in Britain. For what will be a big, leap of faith I am venturing out for a year's working holiday in New Zealand which just has to be anthologised on my blog. 

While I am certain I will ultimately have a smashing time on the other side of the world, being eleven thousand, four hundred and thirty five miles away from home will no doubt have its hardships. We are fortunate to be alive when technology is extraordinary, so it will comfort me to know that I can just use my Iphone to communicate with my peeps back home. Failing that, I'll be able to take to the ocean to calm me and listen to the waves lapping whenever I please. 

I'M COMING FOR YA, AUCKLAND - Travel fills me with courage that I am capable of ANYTHING.. but don't expect to hear of me skydiving or bungee jumping or anything perilously terrifying, for I am not a thrill seeker by nature. Yet still, trepidation seeps through my veins in the lead up to flying across the globe TOMORROW. So long as I tell myself that 'What's waiting there might be glorious!' then the 27 hour voyage will be bearable. 

The paradisaical North and South Island have been calling out to me for some time that I could not let this opportunity pass me by. Not knowing what adventures await me the land of the long, white cloud is both exhilirating and daunting but I know with surety that I will savour every second. There won't be a moment while I'm away that my heart won't be with those I care for in England, so I will do my very best to keep in touch as regularly as possible. 

"Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye, Cheerio, here I go, on my way. Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye, Not a tear, but a cheer, make it gay. Give me a smile, I can keep all the while, in my heart while I'm away. Till we meet once again, you and I, wish me luck as you wave me goodbye." 

My lips will miss you, Sprinkles and Creams!

Peace out pretties xoxo