Mapua Beach NZ
Quinns Rock Beach PerthA belated New Years Greeting to everyone. May 2010 bring joy and happiness into our lives and stability to the world`s stage. You guess it , I have been away for the past two months in the sunny southern hemisphere. Australia and New Zealand, have saved me from most of the extreme cold weather, ice and snow the UK has experienced in many years. It was 40 degrees and rising when I left Perth, after spending Christmas and New Year holiday with my daughter and grandchildren,so it did feel good to breath in the cold wet air for a time but the snow and ice I can do without.
I had a wonderful trip the best yet, more expensive because of the financial world crisis but well worth the extra. Having been to Perth many times before there are no surprises, only the increase in people and traffic is obvious every time. The sunshine is a bonus but can be a big problem if not treated with respect. Slip Slop Slap every time you leave the house and keep out of the midday sun. I am not a beach person don’t surf or swim in the ocean any more, again too many dangers. But the coastal scenery is fantastic, I loved to go down in the late afternoon find some shade to read or take a walk in the surf . I find the heat quite a problem but Cathi had installed aircon which is much more efficient than the ceiling fans and it kept the heat down especially throughout the night. So it was a very comfortable stay. It was good to spend time with the family over the holidays get to know the children once again as they are adults now and developing as fine individuals. Cathi has much to be proud of I am so happy and proud to have had the opportunity to establish myself again in their lives. Its hard when loved ones live thousands of miles away, keeping that bridge strong. They emigrated in March 96 so I have visited them many times, and every time has been different.
I took a break before Christmas and flew over to New Zealand to stay with friends who have a winter home there. I stayed with them in 2006 in Nelson but this year they moved to a fabulous home that backs on to the beach at Mapua. At high tide the sea was virtually up to the back gate, a wonderful location. New Zealand is so different to Australia, its green and lush beautiful gardens filled with roses and colourful flowers plus sunshine, to the dry dusty hot environment that`s Western Australia. Its very like England at its best around 1950`s style. We had a exciting time, spent a few days in Able Tasman National Reserve based at Pohara in Golden Bay. Took the boat out and sailed around the coast from Kaiteriteri discovering secret coves and beautiful beaches Dug for cockles and mussels in the sand at Marahau, walked the walk across rope bridges and experienced so much in such a short time, it was wonderful. Thanks Ann Derek and Guy you made it happen..
