cecile's last blog in new zealand

The time has come where I must depart and say goodbye for now to the ever so relaxing Nelson, New Zealand, where you "live the day". Although, I have always favored Richmond, NZ's motto better, "It's all good!" Anywho, as I write here thinking of what to say because I'm suppose to write something, New Zealand...you're never too far from a nice hill or mountain to walk up or a flat white or even a pack of sheep. My four weeks here where spent eating, hiking, running, and an occasional bull chasing me down a hill...okay, maybe not being chased so much, more like kindly being escorted out of the area semi-calmly, oh and I almost forgot waking up to the bright days even when it was cloudy or muggy and two little girls coming into my room screaming to wake me up. It was nice. Much has happened since Nelson Lakes, but I'm sure all of you know already if you keep up with these blogs, so I will tell you about Akaroa. The weather was a bit iffy in Christchurch and we weren't sure if we should go, but we decided to take the chance and it was a hit! Although, I'm not fond of the windy roads (I got a little woozy), the trip was well worth it! I got to see the little french town of NZ. I rode on a boat that took us far off into the sea, okay, maybe not so far off, but it was a good while, saw some dolphins, saw a cave and foliage only native to NZ, ate smoked eel, had a paua pattie, oh and ate some decent crossaints, ooh, I even saw penguins...it was good! The weather over there couldn't have been better. It was sooo nice! I think I may have even gotten more tan over there than any other place I had went to in NZ. So, that trip was good. Let's see, so much has happened since then...last night I was able to see a comet, very exciting and today Mari and I went to the Hoglund Art Centre and Gallery to watch some glass penguins come to life and this really cool vase being made. Doesn't sound so interesting, but it was, we ended up staying there for 45 more minutes. Then after that since it was my last day, they thought it would be nice to take me wine tasting, so Mari and I went to Waimea Estates Winery where they have "Nelson sunshine in liquid form". Their known for their white wines and had quite tasty food. (Their wine has made it to the states...Alameda, to be exact. Check out the New Zealander, Spinyback Wine) It was such a beautiful day, it was like it would never end! Sunset isn't until like 9-9:15pm. And dinner was quite nice as well with veggie pakora's and two types of salmon-curried and some type of soy ginger, both quite nice. So, it was a nice end to a very relaxing trip. I enjoyed myself! Every corner you look, you can't help but just stare...New Zealand is really beautiful!
Last thoughts...somewhat sad that I have to go now, but I'm sure I'll be back sometime in the future and we'll all see the Lobo's soon enough! So, good times and back to the bay I go. E noho ra to all!