Lots Of Sightseeing...

Last year when my parents were here it was quite a mad few weeks trying to fit in as much as we could and show them everything here that was wonderful - and anyone who reads this blog or lives here knows that's a lot of stuff!

So this year we decided to move at a slower pace, our days don't really start till lunch time making sure every morning we fit in a BBQ breakfast! It's been a lovely week already of just spending quality time together.

So after a leisurely weekend Monday rolled round in a blink of an eye, making the most of it we headed to Te Papa. I have always liked Te Papa (well apart from peak tourist season!), its an interactive world of pure amazement, I'm always proud to show it off.

We had a wonderful time viewing all the different areas, my parents taking time out with Bethany (whilst I hung out at the cafe in peace) to view the new Whales Tohorā exhibition. We took a fantastic trip back in time at the old junk shop that comes to life at Golden Days, and had a wonderful relaxing lunch in the cafe.

Then heading out to take in some of that fresh Wellington ocean air.

Of course we had to stop at the usual play area and have ice-creams but we managed to also squeeze in a trip to Museum Of Wellington City and Sea. Another truly brilliant museum, my parents really did have a fantastic time!

So Tuesday arrived and we decided to take a trip to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. We are actually members of this awesome place as it truly is one of the most unique amazing places in Wellington.

A wonderful walk, a generous picnic and some amazing sights to see - memories to cherish forever were made.

And so we are now off! Tomorrow we head off to the South Island for 4 days to do a little sightseeing - all of us as tourists - how funny!

You won't hear from us till then, but be sure I will be taking photos (unless I break this camera too). A full, and no doubt very long update will be with you next week!

House Warming Party!

Not only was the timing right to have a house warming party, but it was also a good time to have a get together and introduce all our closest friends to my parents.

Scheduled for 1pm start it was funny that the UK friends arrived early with the Kiwi friends filtering in over the next few hours!!

As always I took heaps of photos (along with the help of Jenny) and those really tell the story. We really had the best time, my parents got to meet the most inspirational people in our new life and we got to spend the afternoon doing what we do best - eating, drinking and having fun!!

A wonderful day, reconfirming a thousand times just how much we love NZ, our friends and the amazing lifestyle.

Quality Time

As you know my parents arrived on Tuesday, the initial meeting was overwhelming but then everything seemed to fall into place like we had never been apart - magical. We spent the first few days literally catching up, wandering around at home and grabbing heaps of special moments together.

Wednesday was the usual for us with Bethany going to her swimming lessons. She started last week at Togzone and although different, it's a very good school. As with everything it takes time to get used to and the change has been a little confusing at times for Bethany but it's all come out well so far. She loves it and this week showed off to Grandma in style!

Thursday we just hung around at home, enjoying the blistering sunshine and having some good quality time together, and as you know from one of the previous posts I had a little break from the norm (but we wont go into that again!).

However despite all that happened late Friday we did manage to have a brilliant day out. First off we went for a cuppa at Jo's house, she has the most amazing house perched perfectly with fantastic ocean views, her hospitality is always amazing.

Then afterwards we went to Island Bay beach were we walked the whole length, admiring the views and dipping our feet in the cool cool waters.

On the afternoon we had a lovely lunch at one of our favourite little spots - The Bach. As always an amazing meal with breathtaking views of the ocean and on to the South Island mountains.

We then decided the last trip of the day should be to the best view point in Wellington - Mount Victoria. Stunningly amazing views which always inspire the most amazing feelings.

Wonderful quality time appreciating what we have - that's what it's all about isn't it?

Unbelievable Times

That's actually the name of a business in Wellington who hire a variety of motorbikes and scooters, and going by todays activities, most definately lives up to it's name.

Having not had the time to actually get out for a social bike ride since getting the 636 in December, I used my father in law coming to stay as the perfect excuse!

We rolled up to the bike shop on Dixon Street around 7pm on Friday night. We were met by Frank who runs the business and chatted about the various bikes he had on offer for Peter. After some deliberation between a Harley and a Triumph, the British bike won out over the fat American pig... I mean hog...

Peter followed me back to our house, enjoying the wind that Wellington had to offer. After a few Km's he was used to the feel and was up on the seat, doing hands free wheelies down State Highway 2. (Legal disclaimer: that never actually happened.)

We were met this morning by a good friend of mine who lives up the coast in Raumati. I met him and his lovely wife a few days after moving to NZ in 2006. He has a passion for classic bikes, owning a few which look better now than they did 40 years ago when they were produced! Paul brought a friend who like us, was looking for a chance to get some riding in that wasn't just a commute to work.

We set off around 10am and headed over the Blue Mountain road towards Upper Hutt and out towards the Wairarapa. The main road to and from the Wairarapa region is the Rimutuka Hill road, 13km's of pure motorcycle bliss. Twisting sweeping bends, sharp corners and a place to stop at the top to admire the view - what more could you ask for?

We stopped at the top, looking out over the valley, and what a view it is! Oh, and the bikes were cool too!

We made our way over to Martinbrough, round the lake Wairarapa, through a few local towns and back over the hill. We stopped off an an awesome little cafe for lunch, and I managed to fit in a giant steak burger before heading home.

Of course, when I say heading back over the hill to home, I actually mean stopping off along the way for coffee and a rest!

All in all, an awesome day. The weather held out, the bikes performed well and the scenery was fantastic!