Hurricane Alison......

Hey Dudes

I hope the Christmas break treated everybody well. We were certainly treated very well. Christmas Eve at the hostel was most excellent, we all chipped in with bringing food and booze, we were the last standing, again! We ended up having Christmas day with Jack, Chrissy (who we are renting from), their friends and family. It was a fantastic day if a little strange being away from home, friends and family. We coped though and you will be pleased to hear that my liver is back to full working order, in fact I was very proud of the amount it coped with-Angie and I got smashed. Angie did not fair so well the next day :-(!! I did call Sarah after 12 hours of drinking, I'm not sure I made any sense and I cried a lot!!

Jack and Chrissy were lovely, everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Their genuine kindness and care of others is amazing, I would love to see what would happen if everyone was like them.....

So, there has been muchos drinking over the last week and hence the title of this post. While having a drunked evening with two new found friends, Steph and Amber, we have decided to call hangovers like hurricanes. There has been many this week and being New Years Eve, we have predicted that there will be one tomorrow and it will be an Alison!!

The sunshine has been lush, I had my first swim on boxing day, it was sooooooo cold! We have done some venturing amidst the sea of alcohol. We went for a trek with Steph the other day to Cape Palliser, the peninsular on the south coast of the North Island!! That sounds so stupid! It was lovely, the sun shining and looking over to the snow top mountains on the South Island-cool.


After climbing up 243 steps to the light house and back down, I though it was time for another swim on the beautiful beach, there were many. Seemed such a good idea at the time. The swim itself was great, the getting out was not so great. Due to sand being on a slope down and a ridge and then leveling out this caused some wave action. They didn't seem that big until I was kneeling down talking to the girls, I felt something big behind me and before I knew it I was being hurled around and around and around some more. I'm sure this is what it must feel like to be in a washing machine. Being so close to the shore I knew I was not in immanent danger so started to laugh while being trapped by the wave, again not a good idea. Finally I was washed up to shore covered from head to foot in black sand, gravel and snot laughing so hard, the girls pissing themselves. They were laughing way after I had stopped!!!! Lovely Jane, if you are reading this it reminded me of our day at the beach in Cornwall!! I also had no towel and remained looking like I had been ship wrecked for the rest of the day!!

We met some very stinky dudes that day at the seal colony at the cape. So graceful in the water, and so not when getting out. There was a whole world of blubber going on! We were able to get really close on the rocks next to them before they gave us the eye and growled as seals do. It was amazing to be right next to so many chilling on the rocks. Meet Bill and Susie!!










The adventures continued on the way home when we were very close to breaking down due to Vinnie having no petrol, it was a little scary as we were driving through a very steep mountain range with limited space and no where to stop. The car was in neutral a lot of the way down, but you will be pleased to here we survived and celebrated with a few more beers!

So the New Year will be bringing some welcome changes for us girls. In light of us doing some hard research in the wine department we have got a job in Blenheim, South Island (Marlborough region) in a vineyard!! What better place to research the NZ wines!! We start on the 5th and leaving the comfort of the flat tomorrow to camp for a few nights and ferry over to the south on the 3rd. We are hoping to stay in the Department of Conservation camp sites near to work which are dirt cheap, mainly cause there are no facilities!! Solar shower here we come. I'm really looking forward to moving on now, itchy feet and ready to see more of this beautiful country. Not sure when the next blog will be but as soon as we have access to a computer I will post again!

Pixie and Dixie, so good to hear from you. Thank you for the Christmas Card, we loved the hamster!! Now Dixie I hope you are looking after you.......nice one on the no smoking xx

Really sorry for not being able to check e-mails yet dudes, I will try to get back to a computer tomorrow or as soon as and sorry Sarah for not having the chance to read your blog. I miss you Chever chops and love you heaps and heaps.

Love to you all.

PS Music recommendation: Fat Freddies Drop

Looking good for Jesus!

This stunning replica of Jesus is a loving gift from the beautiful Sarah Cheverton. By mistake Angie and I opened up the Christmas pressie early which is one of the best gifts ever-A looking good for Jesus kit- genius. We are wearing some sparkly moisturiser from the kit now, drinking wine and looking our very best for Jesus!!!

We wanted to wish you all a lovely Christmas. It feels a little strange here being away from you dudes. We love you and miss you. For those of you who Christmas is not a big deal or canceled this year we hope you have a nice chilled day doing what you want when you want!! It should include some laughter though if you can. Moreover take great care of you xx

Mum and Dad, think about you dudes a lot, wishing you an amazing Christmas with Gilly and Adam in SA. Drink much (do I need to put that) and have muchos fun. I Love you very much xxx

Lovely Pippa, we are thinking of you honey, sending much love and healing vibes to you, your Nan and family. Missing you and the gang, as always sending lots of love to Crispi, Vicky, Clare, Helen and Emma xxx

Lou B Lou, also sending a heap of love and thoughts your way xxx Miss you bird, was so lovely to hear your voice the other day. Love u xxx

My beautiful Sarah, thinking about you lots and lots. Thank you so much for our gifts, you're brilliant. I love you and miss you so much xxx

Dixie and Pixie, I hope you have some chilled time together this Christmas and nice time with the family. Missing you lots, love you and think about you. Dixie, you would love the night sky here, the stars are amazing. You could always join us, pull a new year sickie!!! Can you bring the gang as well xx

Sue, I hope you had a lovely Birthday. Was thinking of you and sending lots of B day hugs. Miss you sweetie and really hope you're good. Have a lovely break with the family. Be good to you xx Lots of love xx

Maizy and Curtis, have an amazing time in Lapland, I'm sure you will! Take care and say Hi to Santa!! Muchos love and hugs. Miss you dudes xxx

Johnathan and Clive!! Wishing you a lovely Christmas dudes, I hope you have a great one, be merry, hugs and love xx

So, as you can see a lot of missing and love going on!! To everyone, Big up love and Hugs!!!!

One final picture of an amazing sunset taken last night.

Sweet as.....

Makamataka (Maori Lunar calender) Used according to seasons, phases of the moon indicate the best days to fish, plant and harvest. Taken at the Te Papa.


Hey Dudes!

Angie and I are loving this phrase, Sweet as, which is said all the time here. We have been practicing and we are sounding like stuck up English nobs (sorry Mum) so we have given up, we will leave it to the Kiwi's. I bet you can say it Sarah without sounding like an English snob.

Travels continue to be a fantastic adventure. Had an active and cultural week with lots of walks, exhibitions and museums. The weather a bit rainy and very windy, no complaining though as you guys must be bloody freezing. Hows the bedroom Sarah, are you up to 4 duvets yet??!! I don't know about you but it does not feel like the festive season here at all. It could be because we are away from home and you lovely people and also the weather. I think we will cope though, maybe the day on a beach with some vino and a veggie burger!! Hope it's not too much with all Christmas mania at home. It has been nice not being caught up in the consumer trap, that's right folks, your Christmas pressies could take some time to get to you!?

So a fun filled week here. Much walking achieved which has been lovely (I really am taking it easy Pixie and Sarah). One walk from Plimmerton to Pukerua Bay (drift wood Bay) was ace, but after over 3 hours of walking I was ready for some vino. Bird watching continued and we saw some Shags (brilliant name) and Oyster Catchers. I know I'm learning the names now!! The walk ran all along the coast, and it was all covered in drift wood. I had made up in my head that Pukerua Bay was a magic bay where all the drift wood went but no, the whole coast line is covered!! Another walk to along the coast and along the hill tops at Titahi Bay (over the sea and opposite Plimmerton) was coolio and the views stunning. I was a fashion icon that day with shorts, socks and big boots. Angie didn't walk with me the whole way!!


















One of the many lush views from Titahi Bay



Angie on the coastal walk to Puerau Bay


The highlight of the week-Kapiti Island. Since 1897 the Island has been protected as a nature reserve and it is absolutely stunning. Typical but the camera ran out of battery, so limited pictures. It's completely predator free and loads of the bird species there are extinct on the main Island. Such an amazing experience. We chose to walk up the Trig track up to the summit, Tuteremoana, 520m above sea-level, mainly walking through lush forest area, also a reserve for Fauna and flauna. Does not sound a lot but when you are walking for 2 1/2 hours up a steep gradient, you feel it. My bum is still feeling it now. Worth it though. We took our time and made friends with lots of the birds! Meet the crazy Waka, Cheeky little dude, will go for any food you have and think that you don't notice when they sneak behind you and shove their heads under your arm to reach for your crisps-my kinda bird!! Still not as crazy as the Kakas who take it to another level. They look like a parrot and will happily sit on your head or shoulders, bite your ears until to give up your food!! On the way down from the summit we met one who eye balled us, being the chicken I am I bent down into a ball, Angie too and just in time as it dived and just missed her head!!
The Waka

Plenty more birds to tell you about but I will leave it there. A truly magical place we hope to go back to.

The cultural week included another trip back to The Te Papa, The New Dowse and Pataka, museum of Arts and Culture. The Dowse in Lowe Hutt was fantastic, my favorite exhibition there, Our Stories, looking at intimate photography of people with lived experience of disability. The Dowse is a another creative space of art exhibitions which is free to the public and over 8 exhibitions, including one on Maori social leaders, artists and scientists. The Pataka was also brilliant, most of the exhibitions again were photography, one by artists in Iran, a selection of work by leading contemporary artists.

On the left-for you to interpret.......

Another exhibition by Anoek Steketee, showing a series of staged photographic images of Iranian people in public spaces. The photo below is my favorite, beautiful. What do you think?



Angie and I are still trusting in the organic process and not making many plans, however we are thinking of fruit picking as we will not be able to get social work jobs for 2 months. Also thinking of Wwoofing (organic farming) for a while before setting of to the South Island. I will be keeping you posted of course.

If I don't get to the computer before, Merry Christmas, I hope you have a great one. Drink much, laugh more and be very very merry. Thinking of you all and sending much love.

Miss Edser, in case I don't get on till after your Birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweetie. I'll be thinking of you and sending lots of birthday hugs. Have a fantastic day.

Maizy Maizy, what is your e-mail address?? I miss you. I miss you all xx

New addition to the travelling duo.......Meet Vinnie

Hey lovely people!

Meet Vinnie, (yes, I am one of those people who names cars), our new home after Christmas for the next 4 months. She's not quite your deluxe camper van or even your basic camper van, but the seats go back into a kinda bed with some lumps and bumps! We've decided to travel around the Islands in the New Year using Vinnie, a tent and some camping stoves......should be interesting. Does mean that while we are staying in Plimmerton we can go of for the day/weekend for an adventure. There are already a lot of dents and scratches on the car which is all good for me as I'm sure I will be adding to them. I'm too scared to park it yet as it feels like I'm driving a truck!

The last week has been a very good one. Feeling better by the day and my body is starting to feel like my own again! No Sarah, I actually listened to what you said and stayed off the Yoga for the time being! We have been doing some lovely coastal walks and thanks to Angie discovered a gorgeous walk, The Taga-Papu Track which takes you up the hills backing Plimmerton (crazy amount of steps, my lungs were not happy when we reached the top), through dense woodland, which looks tropical, and over more hills and through farm land. After the steps a well deserved rest on the bench, It's so peaceful and calming. I do have the theme tune from Weeds a lot while being here. The little boxes on the hillside are not the same though. All the houses are made out of wood and really random, none the same and all different shapes and sizes. I did meet a few friends on the walk, one who took a bit of dodgy liking to certain parts of my body!! It kinda looks like I'm enjoying it-Wrong!
Another coastal walk to Pukerua Bay on the west coast, was really cool. Lou B Lou, you would have loved it. A cove packed with drift wood, from the smallest smoothed down pieces to huge tree trunks. It was such an amazing sight but something about it was a little eerie, not sure why, maybe the amount of drift wood compared to the size of the beach? We have also managed to have a little sail, well not really us sailing, someone else did all the hard work while Angie and I sat there. John from the previous hostel has a tiny wooden sail boat that takes no one than 4 people. Really grateful it was so small and we didn't have to do anything, I would be crap at the sailing thing. The one task I was given I couldn't do and John had to take over. We spent 3 hours in the Cook Strait (the sea in the above photo) sailing round the coast lines and close to Mana Island which was home to Maori and European settlers. A brief stop of at the beach opposite Plimmerton, where Kupa, one of the first Maori navigators arrived and his wife. The Maori name for New Zealand, Aotearoa came from his wife.... enough now, sounding like a teacher!! John freaked me out when telling us a story about an encounter his friend had with a shark some time ago in the same waters and in the November!!



Hope this is not too boring, please let me know if it is and maybe I will take some video footage and put in on the blog!! How exciting that would be for you all!!
Had an amazing day in Wellingtom yesterday, spent most of the day in the Museum of NZ, Te Papa. I really do like Wellington, the city itself seems to have so much character and randomness, it's not been 'cleansed' if that makes sense. The business and shop areas are all mixed in and spread out. There's lots of independent shops, cafes, theatres and plenty more that I have not seen yet. Te Papa itself was amazing, it's
View from the boat

huge. We managed in 6 hours to do 1 floor of 6!! As a museum it really is outstanding. The different mediums used are brilliant. We got as far as the Awesome forces exploring earthquakes, the fault lines etc... Our space was cool, 2 rides that take you underwater and one that shows you the cool sights of NZ. It's a simulator kinda of thing, I have to admit that Angie and I screamed at the bungee jump part, it was really scary! There was a crazy wall where you can design your own pictures from downloading images from their collection and take images/videos of yourself to put on the projector wall, hours of entertainment-especially me videoing giving Angie a wet willy!! (not as bad as it sounds!). There is so much to see, I'm sure we will need another 5 visits, there is loads on Maori history and the social side of NZ. The museum starts with the natural landscapes, animals plants etc and works it's way up to the people and social history. I will keep you informed.

As you can see we are doing very well and loving Aotearoa. I hope you are all well and life is treating you all kindly. Sending much love and hugs. xxxxxxxxxxxx

I am still here!!

Hey!

Well this has been an unexpected start to the travels, sorry for telling the story to those who are already aware of the adventures (or lack of) so far for Kate and Angie and sorry to those who are not aware of what has been happening and that there has been lack of updates on the blog, let me explain.... So that so called flu of mine went on for some time. After spending 2 weeks not being able to get out of bed in the hostel and feeling pretty crap the owner of the hostel, lovely Helen, decided to take me to hospital for a check up, good job really as it turns out I had pneumonia pretty bad and had to be admitted into hospital for 8 days!! What a great start to the travels :-). I've been back now for a week and on the mend, feeling so much better and my little whippet legs are getting stronger by the day! It does mean that Angie and I are not able to travel around at the moment and I'm not able to work for another few weeks.... On the plus side we are in the most beautiful place for r & r in Plimmerton, right by the sea.

We are now staying in a cool studio flat, 5 minutes from the beach, perfect. I'm spending my days reading, walking, eating, eating some more and sleeping-It's so hard, but you know if one must!! Starting to love just doing nothing which is quite surprising for ADHD girl. Found an amazing cafe that serves the most heavenly cakes, it really is helping me get better, especially the walnut and toffee slice!

The people we have met here have been so kind and caring, the owners of the hostel, Helen and John, getting me to hospital and visiting me with food parcels and our new landlords, Chrissy and Jack who visit daily and going out of their way to make sure we are OK. I'm not sure what I would have done without beautiful Angie too over these last few weeks, she has been truly lovely and taken great care of me, I'm very lucky. Despite feeling shitty in hospital I still managed to keep my humour, had to at times particularly when being put on an older persons ward, I brought the average age down by 50 years. For precaution I had to be put in isolation in case I had TB, bonus was I had a room to myself and even better Angie had to wear a mask and apron, she looked so silly, it was brilliant!!

Thanks to all my beautiful friends for their healing thoughts, cards and loveliness.

So I'm not really able to update you much on the wonders of New Zealand and tell you about the crazy adventures we are having as I have not been able to do that much!! My body was probably ready for an enforced detox (no drinking or smoking for over 4 weeks!) and just relaxing in Plimmerton is doing me a lot of good. Angie and I have sadly started to bird watch, the fluffy, winged kind of birds that is, I know I really must be ill. We are loving the Tui, looks a little like a fat black bird with a white neck, makes the most varied and crazy sounds that follows the same pattern and ends with a sound that is just like the moomins!! You still with me or has this finished you off?!

Sorry no photo's to add, my camera has decided to die, there was a mini explosion when I changed the batteries and funnily enough it's not working now!

I will keep you posted, promise. Missing you all. Oh and Sue, have no fear the seagulls here are nothing like the bad boys in Cornwall, there is no need for armour or weapons. They do come close but are timid when it comes to even thinking about stealing the food, they just give you a look. I think we are safe!

Book recommendation: East of the Sun by Julia Gregson-Brilliant.

Slumming it in New Zealand!

View from our bed!

Moana Lodge, Plimmerton.

Finally we have arrived. We had prepared ourselves as much as possible for a crazy long journey and indeed it was. We were due to be into Wellington at 2.00pm on the 4th, however due to some hiccups on the way we finally got to the hostel at 3.00am on the 5th! Without wanting to bore you all I will share some details of the reasons for the delays. It would have been all fine if it had not been for a security scare in Bangkok where we (meaning all passengers - not just the two lesbian terrorists sat in cargo class!) were taken off the plane. Now appreciating that high level of security is all good, I did not realise that a pair of 'imaginary' golf clubs would cause such problems. Apparently someone saw a passenger go onto the plane with the golf clubs, after an hour or so of continued asking if that person would come forward and the stewards searching the plane we were asked to leave the plane. A good 2/3 hours later we were told that the security alert is all over. However we never saw these golf clubs come off the plane, I think this person who had spotted the dangerous objects was on drugs. Anyway would you not find something a little less conspicuous to take on a plane if you were going to cause some injury!!?? Whilst waiting though they did discover that the plane had a technical fault and we were held in Bangkok for just a little longer.......you dudes fallen asleep yet! Long story short we missed our connecting flight from Sydney to Wellington and waited a further 8 hours before leaving to Wellington. Needless to say Angie and I looked like the extras from Shaun of the Dead, not pretty!

After overdosing on Beechams, crazy hours travelling and body clocks having a fit we slept for over 15 hours to wake up at 7.00pm! Lou B Lou, your predication was right, I have flu (cold for any of you hardcore people). We have not seen much of the area due to only being awake for a few hours! We're staying a a really lush hostel in Plimmerton on the west coast of the North Island, 20 minutes from Wellington. It's right on the water front, very beautiful and as it is commonly referred to, very, very windy! I'm not sure all those t- shirts I packed are really going to be enough! We did mange to have an hour of day light to walk along the coast to the local shop, look who we met......even too windy for those used to it!

Hope all well with you dudes and you all enjoy the fire works! We've had ours already! Thanks to my lovely friends for all their kind thoughts, actions and words before the final departure. I feel very lucky to have such beautiful friends-Thank you (sounding a bit like an acceptance speech!) Missing you all and love you heaps. Keep you posted! xxxx

leaving today

I'm off soon. Not yet though. I'm just practicing.