Consider New Zealand as your next trip.
But first, a warm welcome to my many new subscribers! Thank you for signing up. Yes, I did promise to be more active here, and yes, I have been quiet of late. But I have a worthy excuse. I was in New Zealand to attend my goddaughter’s wedding.
Consider New Zealand As Your Next Trip
Isn’t he/she a poppet? Just one of the 26 million sheep residing in New Zealand …
Of course, in true Just Typikel fashion, a problem arose mere hours before my flight. A dental emergency. Should I chew only on the one side for two and a half weeks while 7000 miles from home? Or should I see if my dentist could squeeze me in last minute? I’m not normally a ditherer but this surprise knocked me sideways. Thankfully, my daughter settled matters with a terse, “Call, now.”
The receptionist couldn’t have been kinder. She got me sliding into the chair six hours before takeoff. Dr. Ben complimented me on my glasses, did a thorough examination, ordered x-rays and delivered his verdict. I needed antibiotics.
“May I please have the kind that allows alcohol?” I bleated.
“Well, it would be rude not to toast the bride,” he twinkled.
I bolted for the pharmacy. An hour later, the pharmacist pulled me aside for a consult.
“This’ll see you right,” she smiled.
With just one teensy potential hiccup.
It’s late summer in Auckland. Nevermind. I could imbibe in the shade.
Who Says You Can’t Make True Friends Online?
Not familiar with Instagrammers Diane Wright or Josephine Floyd? Well, hustle over and follow them. They are absolute delights. Living in and around Auckland, both kindly agreed to meet me. In fact, they fought over who would host. How fun is that?
Di won out. She and her husband Wayne opened their home to host a delicious lunch for me, Jo and Jo’s husband Calvin. I’m still sore from laughing. Honestly, they could not have made me feel more welcome.
A memorable highlight was Di pointing out the small, quirky items she’d sprinkled about the table.
Clever gal.
“I thought they might come in handy, in case the conversation lagged …”
There was no danger of that.
I felt at home the minute I heard the chirpy, “Hi! How wonderful – you’re the same height as me!”
Thanks, guys. I only wish I lived closer.
What Makes New Zealand So Special?
While this was my sixth visit to New Zealand, I’d not been there for 25 years. I’d forgotten just how chatty and friendly everyone is. From the sheep farmer, to the rural postie, to the gal who doles out the generous slices of Louise Cake, most are eager to engage in a wee natter. However, this time, topics quickly shifted to the sobering challenges of climate change.
New Zealand is reeling from horrific flooding and destruction caused by days of relentless downpours and a wicked cyclone. Parts of the country were still cut off when I was there. Folks shared horror stories of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, their second and third largest wine-producing regions, ravaged by torrents of silt, of acres of pine trees snapped in half like matchsticks, and seas of ruined onions bobbing down urban streets.
They need visitors more than ever now.
Check out that spectacular Auckland view …
Meanwhile, back at home, folks were dealing with a different example of climate change. Greater Vancouver never gets snow after Valentine’s Day. Except, naturally, this year …
Happily, there’s only the odd clump of snow lingering in random outdoor parking lots now I’m back home and ready to resume writing.
And the book I keep harping on about? Well, I’ve got it out into the world now. Am awaiting responses. Will fire out updates once I hear something.
Meanwhile, the goddaughter is happily wed, our centenarian Francine has recovered from not being invited along to New Zealand, and Spring is around the corner here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Enough. I’m curious about you and your part of the world. Any hints at climate change? Where are you tootling off to next? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
Until next time, please subscribe to Just TypiKel for more and let’s be pals over on Instagram.
8 Responses
Obviously you are a NZer from way back, what a delight . Love your blog and miss you xx
Aw, Jo, thank you. I do have some NZ history! My grandmother lived there for all of two years from 1901 – 1903. They settled in Kaukapakapa and quickly discovered the farming life wasn’t for my great grandfather. Imagine the upheaval of moving back to England after such a short time. Yikes.
That sounds like a fabulous trip Kelly ! So happy to hear the dental emergency did not interfere with your fun, or drinking and eating cake ( which sounds delicious !). New Zealand has long been on my bucket list !
Hope you can make it down there, one day, Jane. You’d love it.
I’ll get to that part of the world. Someday. Now, the grandchildren keep drawing me over to California.
California dreamin’! Hope you get in another visit soon.
Dear Friend,
I didn’t realize that I was able to see so much interaction on your site. I enjoy seeing your mom tips 🙂 and what a lovely outlook she has on life….that is the best living legacy that we can be given and give.
love Angi
Aw, thanks, Angi. Yes, she really does have a lovely outlook on life. It’s amazing to see it continue to flourish at 100. Thank you so very much for not only reading, but for popping in and leaving a comment.