We went on a Honeymoon!

What a way to travel – squeeze in a Honeymoon as well!!!  Well, ......... actually we crashed Mr. and Mrs. Manora’s Honeymoon, but it felt like our own ;o)  

So, we finally sailed down to South island, which is even more spectacular than the North. 

We set a camp in a lovely remote bay (and I do mean remote) and enjoyed fishing in the drizzly evening (and swimming in the sunny morning).

And of course, there is no Honeymoon in NZ without some high-quaity winetasting – so we went on our bikes.

Mouthwatering wines….. (much better than the French ;o)

We even managed to squeeze in some Cherry munching…

After the fifth winery visit we were all very lovey dovey ;o)

When we finally left “the real newly weds” in peace and started driving down south, we’ve discovered a colony of seals. What a treat; there were about 100 seals sunbathing on the beach. Sooooooooo much better then the zoo ;o)

Best two day Honeymoon ever! ;o)

Much love from Kaikura

S

xxx

Where does the inspiration come from?

New Zealand is a truly inspiring land. But where does the inspiration for personal growth and work come from? 

It comes simply from meeting amazing people, their beautiful land and doing wonderful things with people you love.

This is without a doubt the best discovery trip we have ever made. 

Ohhhh, and it always helps when your office is out on the open:

The true inspiration comes from the beautiful views:

from observing children having a wonderful time:

from meeting wonderful people:

 

from making lovely things (on the photo: Kiara and Lana makin pizza dough)

from pitching tents at the scenic lake side

from discovering new cultures (here with Maori tribe)

and seeing new places 

(such as volcanos and geysers; here Mt. Tongariro which is still active and Pohutu Geyser at Rotorua)

but most importantly, spending huggy time together ;o)

Much love from Ohakune

Sasha

xxx

xxx

What a wedding!

It all started  with a prefect drive there

The setting is unbelievably beautiful and there is always time to play

The wedding outfits were “a bit special” ;o)

Here is groom “James The Cowboy” with the two angels

The lovely T-Ann given away by her granddad (aka 79 year old Legend!)

Well, huge Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Manora! And a big thank you for a wonderfully unforgettable wedding! 

Much love 

S

xxx

Never say never

Fishing. Fishing. Fiiiiishing. (big yawn)… Can I think of anything more boring? Darts maybe. A complete waste of time... To tell you the truth, I can think of at least million other useful things I could be doing during the 3 hours while I am waiting for a stupid fish.    

Also, how dull must you be to like fishing? Sitting in a boat with a rod.  Come on…. Let’s do something fun instead!!!

(I guess most women would agree with my thoughts and I presume most men wouldn’t ;o)

Anyway, those were my thoughts on fishing till I’ve tried it in New Zealand. A couple of facts:

1.  There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a boat, enjoying the surroundings and each other’s company (meditation at home doesn’t come close)
2. There is nothing more exciting than catching a fish!

Here is the event that changed my mind:  We hired kayaks with a local guide in a beautiful little village called Paihia.

After 20 min of rowing, passing most wonderful wildlife (from giant jellyfish to oyster catchers), we anchored and sat in a boat, enjoying each other’s company.

Soon Mama catches the first fish! Ohhhhhhh, EXCITING! 

Had to kiss it ;o)  

Not long after, Daddy catches the fish. (same size as mama, so nothing to boost about ;o)

But, wait…. Lana wasn’t even holding the rod, when we realised something is hooked…. The little lady caught a beautiful 2pound snapper – and we are all so excited we forgot to take a photo. So here is one from the beach.

It was delicious – with some garlic and a juicy lemon ;o)

Lesson learnt: If you think you don’t like something, come to New Zealand and try it out. You’ll love it.  Whatever you do: “Never say Never”.

Much love from Paihia, North Island.

Sasha

xxx

Another Day of a travelling Family...

It’s absolutely amazing how wonderful an ordinary day of a travelling family feels like….

So beautiful. So relaxed (well,...most of the time ;o).  So Tasty.  And just a little bit precious.  

Waking up in a tent; there is nothing like waking up to a magical view.  Beautiful. (even though the kids have taken over the tent last night and we ended up sleeping on top of each other ;o)

Enjoying a cuppa in the morning; we take about 2 hours for this simple ritual. Relaxed.  

We start a day by enjoying our recently bought “Scooby Car”; it just feels so good when you’ve made a purchase you really really need….Ohhhhhhhh, my preciooouuusssss......    

There is so much to see and do everywhere you drive.

Yesterday we decided to do some mouth watering Honey tasting… Yum Yum. Tasty. It looked as if we haven’t eaten all week, as Kiara ate half of the Honey bucket.  

New Zealand is fantastic for little walks. The air is so light and pure you can’t get enough of it.  And the vivid, almost fluorescent green colour we are constantly surrounded by feels unbelievably soothing .  Simply beautiful.

What is tomorrow going to bring? I don’t really care.  I know it will be beautiful. 

Much love from Bay of Islands, North Island, NZ

S

xxx

Moments.

So we've finally arrived to Auckland.  Hooray!

Staying with curly James, his lovely wifey-to-be T-Ann and their friends. The house is full, to say the least ;o)

Now....., I reckon Auckland is as "New Zealand-ish" as London is "British", but it's an awesome place to start the trip.

The city so CHILLED out;  those special moments where you would like the time to stay still come in abundance.

Being caught in a warm summer rain. Moment. 

Planning the route - over mouthwatering cappuccino. Moment.

Sitting on an ancient tree with the girls. Moment.

Children taking interest in places you are visiting. Moment. 

Running around care free. Moment. 

Moments to be savoured. Never forgotten. 

Much love from Auckland

S

xxx

Happy Packing

Excitement is in the air. Big Time. True. But no so much about packing.

Seriously, it's Saturday afternoon, we are leaving to New Zealand on Monday and are we ready? Well, we got the passports and tickets. Hooray!

What about packing? I haven't really had a chance to think about it... but I am determined to make this bit enjoyable too....

What does one pack for a month anyway? Everything?

I'll chill out and think about it. Put the kettle on!