Activity Packed ... yes it's Auckland

You have to wonder when the first sight you see on the bus from the airport (at 5 am) are people exercising (jogging) in cold dark weather. Yep .. .that 's Auckland. A large modern city which hides its beauty in the surrounding volcanoes and the vast amount of sea that surrounds it. I (supposedly) was lucky in that the weather was gorgeous, slightly cold (for me) but beautifully sunny and crisp fresh air.

Taking example from these very sporty people I had seen that morning, I decided to go to the pool for a bit of a splash (yep after a 12 hr flight) ... and of course the fact that I couldn't check in until 12 nudged me in that direction. I then visited the Victoria Market (bof), bought some gloves (necessary) and went for a wander around town.

Luckily, my mum who had lived in Auckland some 40 years ago still had a few friends around. On day two I was taken round the sights, Takapuna beach, Mt something or the other... all vv beautiful. I indulged in a good lunch, coffee, dinner ... and eventually made it back to my mum's friends house for a good night sleep in a proper (ie. non hostel) bed. Luxury.

Day three was Activity Day... and involved walking up Rangitoto (a volcano). The day was amazing, the walk relatively easy (ie. less than 1 hour each way) except for the last bit where I had to count my steps in order to make it to the top. I am definitely a weekend walker. The views were worth it though.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Auckland. Swam in the local pool, walked around town, had some sushi and actually found crossing the road fun (they have a beep ... swissh...noise that makes you want to race across the street!).

Next stop Rotorura via Hamilton

The Weird (Sometimes) and the Wonderful

Having spent my 30th birthday in Texas with M (thanks yall!) it was time to move north to the almighty Arkansas. A very good friend from my Exeter days was living in a small peaceful town located near the border between Oklahoma and Arkansas. A whirlwind of fun and activity was about to take place. From my memories of our times in Exeter, I would have found H anywhere in the world as I knew that fun was close to being guaranteed.

I was excited to meet her family and her sisters Heidi, Harmony, Hope (yes my friend's name also starts in H) ... I had heard so much about them ... they didn't disappoint. Her family welcomed me in and I indulged in their kindness and lightheartedness. It's an awesome feeling when you meet people and can share a belly laugh with them 2 minutes after meeting them.

If I had to list the many activities I experienced in the space of 3 short days I would include a picnic in a park, coffee on broadway, a french party, an adventure ride to a casino on Cherokee owned land (I won big! ...3 times my bet!), a trip to Walmart (this IS a big deal in Walmart-Country-Arkansas), a visit of the Walmart Museum (remember those 7 points of success), cooking pancakes (twice!) , eating potluck, seeing Kangaroos, Emus, Zebras, Tigers ... etc in a safari park, relaxing next to waterfalls... the list goes on.

But more than a list of extremely cool things experienced with an awesome group of people, I enjoyed spending quality time with a very good friend and getting to know a little bit more about faith. I am not really a religious person. I am not sure if it's because of the overbearing nature of Catholicism (being born and bread in France!) or the ostentatious ornaments within churches that make me wonder whether that money could have been better spent elsewhere, or the inherent dogma attached to most religions ... For those reasons (and others) I would most likely consider myself agnostic.

But I learned a great deal about Christianity during my short time with H. I did my best to keep my mind open and my ears alert. I listened to other people's beliefs and even attended a Sunday service. What I saw was a group of people open to ideas, cherishing a strong belief without imposing it on others. I enjoyed the strong sense of community and immense solidarity that stemmed from this shared belief. It is also very comforting to believe that there is a superior being that is more powerful than anything we do, have or suffer ... Although I haven't quite made up my mind yet, I have learned a lot and am grateful for the good wishes and prayers I received.

All too soon it was time to say goodbye and head to slick LA. If you ever need to book a hotel and are not too fussed about which one it is, I would recommend you use Hotwire. As a treat, I booked into a 4 star hotel near the airport (paid 80 USD !!!) and enjoyed the luxuries for one last night. I had one day to kill in LA so I opted against fighting the famous traffic jams and contented myself with taking a free shuttle bus to the beach somewhere. It was a nice day out.

Next stop: Auckland, New Zealand.

Milestone

Road to ....

Today I leave the terrific twenties and enter the best decade to date (so I have been told)....


Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!

I am a poor lonesome cow Giiirl !!!

I left my parents in Houston TX and boarded my 45 min flight to Killeen, TX so see a very good friend from MC. Killeen is small military town situated 1.5 hrs north of Austin. M was there to welcome me with both her children, A who is 5 and the latest ickle one called Y who is only 8 months old.

I love spending time with M and her family. M was the first one of my closest friends to start a family and it' s great to see beforehand what will hopefully come next (at some point!).

I quickly settled in, made myself right at home, played with the kids, ate their food, drank their beers .... just kiddin' . It felt great to catch up and be part of their family for a little while.

We also had a huge BBQ on Saturday to celebrate on big 3.0 early. It was amazing. Good food, nice people, loads of room, activities, beers, frozen margueritas...we even tried to build a swing and failed miserably !

Meet a new Mac User

Birthday present to be remembered.

I switched ...

Made the big jump ...

Bitten the bullet ...

Bought my First Mac.


Sweet.

Sing it Bruce...

Born in the Usaaaah...

I never thought it would feel soo different. I mean, Mexico is very americanised by South American standards, McD, Starbucks, Big Malls ... it's all there. But arriving in Houston, i was hit by the spectacle of over-consumerism that reigns there. To be fair to Houston, unless you plan on visiting NASA there's not much else to do here (sorry). So that is exactly what I have been doing - (window) shopping.

But let's go back a few days. I said goodbye to my colleagues and my friends and welcomed my mum to the jungle of D.F. We spend a few days getting over her jet lag, staying in a posh 5 star hotel (oh..dorms will be tough after this!) and getting a massage :) . We then braved the horrendous and infamous traffic and hit the road in our rented car (people, you would have been proud!). My suggested itinerary over a little over 5 days was DF to San Miguel de Allende, to Guanajuato, to Morelia, to Taxco ...back to DF. All this probably means nothing to most , but all I can say (now having seen it) is that is it amazingly beautiful. We stopped in beautiful and picturesque colonial towns, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the typical Mexican hospitality (have i mentionned how mexicans are the NICEST pple ever!). It was a little bit like Thelma and Louise - but without Brad or the chase.

I feel lucky being able to do something like this with my mum. We had a great time and shared many many laughs together.

It ended all too soon and before I knew it I was at the airport boarding a Continental flight. I was genuinely sad to leave Mexico. The people, the city, the work, the friends I have made ... all have made this one of the best experience possible.

But now for something a little different. I met up with my Dad in Houston and have enjoyed spending time with him (although given the work schedule (his) this hasn't amounted to that much...) and well shopping with mum (you gotta love the dollar!).

Next move - going to see one of my closest friends TOMORROW!!! I am very excited and we will be celebrating our big 3o together. PARTY-PARTY-PARTY-

Raaaah...bring on life after 3o!

D for Departure

Eight months ... eight amazing months of adventure, contrasts, discoveries and new friendships.

Let there be more.

Next stop USA