Wow, I started this so long ago and then never progressed. Actually, looking at these pictures today as I sit in the shade at a friend's house in Auckland, mid December, o it all seems rather surreal!
Firstly, leaving Wanaka with its gorgeous yellow lupins and fresh snow on the mountain tops
What a paradise! So easy to see why it is my favourite lake - yes, I have decided! It has overtaken the Pfaeffikersee- very narrowly!
I have to say I was loathe to leave, but the journey home was just awesome. With virtually nobody on the road, I was able to stop and stare in wonder at our magnificent lake district. I have seen the lakes so often and yet each time I see them, they take my breath away. Lake Pukaki with not only its magestic lake and backdrop of our highest mountains, but today an artist had brushed the clouds into the most wonderful formations.
And so this continued to the next lake, Tekapo, where the lupins further enhanced what already seemed to be perfect! What a superb lunch spot.
Home in Christchurch the work continued in the garden and house and I was kept busy by a constant stream of interesting, friendly airbnb guests. I love meeting these guests -Germans, Dutch, English, American, Swiss and Chinese.
As I was supposed to guide a tour in German from Akaroa, I had a fabulous evening at my friends' place overlooking the spectacular Akaroa harbour. The forecast was for strong winds, and although I woke early to this brilliant sunrise, it was clear from the wispy upper clouds and the speed at which they were moving, that this idyllic scene would change rapidly.
And it did. Ten minutes later I could mot see any hills and the water was a mass of white caps, looking like a rough sea rather than the tranquil harbour I had seen minutes before. The tour was cancelled as the tender boats from the cruise ship could not land safely. Not to worry, it had been great to visit Liz and Brian in their beautiful home.
Back home, I could put the finishing touches to my new herb and vegetable garden.
Now the back garden looks as organised as the front and all the effort has been worthwhile.
The spa area is an absolute joy with my fabulous iceberg rose nearby.
With my airbnb guests , I sometimes show them the sights. Instead of taking the long and winding road to Akaroa, 90 km approximately, I often suggest a trip through the tunnel to Lyttleton and the Lyttleton harbour area, twin volcano to the Akaroa volcano, so very similar. I love it there and the little bays which circle what was the crater of the volcano. It's a haven, with magnificent views and lots of native birds filling the air with their dulcet tones.
Christmas is almost upon us, but I cannot get too excited by it except for knowing that I will see David, Mark and Emma and my friend Pam from Brittany.
Chevk this out for a Christmas market, New Zealand style! 33 degrees and day 40 of the longest dry spell ever recorded 46 days!
A far cry from the winter markets, with Gluehwein, candles, lovely lights and bitter cold!
Better to enjoy the shade of my umbrella in my garden.
Another Christmas market - this time in the once beautiful Arts Centre
They are making progress and about 25 percent is now open to the public, with galleries and cute wee shops . Thankfully my favourite tree there withstood all the shaking.
Once the university of Christchurch, these buildings will house theatres , cinemas and bars. It will be fabulous in a few years' time, I know. Now we make do with the colourful street art and super friendly stall holders.
We just have to be patient.
As I always do, I wandered home through my beloved Botanical Gardens. Nice to see this handsome pair of Paradise ducks.
And my favourite part of the Gardens, the New Zealand section, where for just a second you feel as if you have been transported to the magical rain forests of the West Coast.
The rose garden was amazing. Sadly, I cannot put fragrance on to this blog, but the sight and scent of the hundreds of roses was stunning. Here, the sky mirrored the puffy, prolific blooms of yet another Iceberg rose.
Can it possibly get better? Well, once again the answer was'yes'. Even when night fell and darkness descended, in the middle of the night
I was woken by what seemed to be a floodlight shining in my eyes - it was a supermoon. Sadly, my Ipad could not do it justice, but there are marvelous photos on the Internet.
Too hot to do much but sit under a sun umbrella. We had days of 33 degrees - not my cup of tea at all! So, Annie and I relaxed instead of working or walking! She still wanted to play though! Silly girl!
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