How can I describe my first impressions of glorious New Zealand? I am not fond of flying, preferring to keep my eyes glued to the seat in front of me and pretend I'm on a bus, however, on the flight from Auckland to Christchurch my nose was pressed against the window, drinking in the unbelievable terrain. Mountains, Gandalf. Being so accustomed to the flat lands of Western Australia, I could only stare in wonderment, my fear of flying forgotten.
To those new to the group, I am from Western Australia. About six months ago, my (now) husband and I decided to uproot ourselves and spend as many years as we can travelling. Starting with 2 years in NZ.
The Canterbury Plains, where Christchurch is situated, is demarcated by the most amazing hedges, making a patchwork quilt of the landscape from the air.
Since landing on Thursday Dec 11, we began exploring this compact paradise of a country, starting with the aptly named, Diamond Harbour and the delightful town of Lyttleton. The sun was shining, making the water sparkle like the gem for which the harbour is named. I was entranced.
Yesterday, we took the drive to Arthur's Pass. Ahh...mountains. We lunched on the slopes, gathered wild lupins, drove in ecstatic silence through the tiny Alpine villages as a fine, lacey rain bejewelled the windscreen and fed hundreds of sparkling mountain streams. A word about the gathering of lupins. When I suggested picking just one or two, Brook muttered something about illegal wildflower picking and Rangers: I am somewhat deaf and, coincidentally, my deafness worsened at this precise moment. I attributed this to the high altitudes. A poster on the wall of a tea house informed us that the lupins are an introduced species that have become a pest. So by picking and disposing of the flowers responsibly, the seeds will not have an opportunity to set. They are now fragrancing the sitting-room of our charming cottage with a gentle lilac scent.
You will all be pleased to know that my beads, which I carried in my luggage, arrived in perfect condition. I also carried all of my small hand tools. I don't know many woman who travel with bench vices and jeweller's saws!! It all arrived safely, ready for me to start business in January.
I've joined as a friend of the Christchurch Art Gallery and we are attending our first social function there this Wednesday, which I am very much looking forward to.
I won't turn my posts into a travel journal. I am setting up journal pages on my website in the next few days where those who are interested can read about our adventures.
I am very much looking forward to meeting NZ beaders and contemporary jewellers. This wonderful country is seeping into my conscience like a sweet fragrance and giving me new ideas and inspiration.
I hope everyone is well and will catch up (as much as is possible) over the next few days. Marisa (AU) and now NZ as well!