G’day from
Queenstown New Zealand.
We are
always thinking of family and friends at this time of the year, especially
those we have not managed to catch up with on our annual round trip tour from
NZ/Australia/HK/UK/Italy and back again. HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL xxxx
We were out
on Lake Waikatipu this morning when Jo’s mum and dad called to wish us both
Happy Christmas! Jo almost dropped the phone into the water.
Barbara and
Joe have not mastered internet technology or the time difference between NZ and
UK just yet, but they are working on it. Soon we will be chatting on Facetime
or Skype.
It gave us
an opportunity to take some photos.
Hope
everyone has as enjoyable Christmas morning as we did.
It has been
a strange year; full of change (moving house, location and country)
A big part
of it was not all pleasant; this we do not want to repeat.
Jo had a
total hip replacement in Italy after being knocked off her road bike by someone
getting out of his car without looking (saved the car door, sideswiped Jo). And yes it was a fiat 500 - but at least it was brand new! 3 weeks
of hospital - pain, horrible food (even in Italy, hospital food is horrendous) and eccentric geriatrics; 3 months of activity and
culture to be unbooked. 5 months later Jo has only just started getting full
mobility back.
First bike ride and first kayak trip in Queenstown only just
now. Weeks of work with a physio to look forward to in the new year to get back
to full road bike fitness.
Jo is no longer a
7 handicap golfer but we are fortunate in that NZ does not recognise Australian
golf handicaps so we have to start again with 5 cards. Sarah is heading for 36
and Jo for 20+ and then to a big comp somewhere!
Everything
else has been brilliant fun and a breeze in comparison.
We had a
great laugh with all the ladies at Leura GC this year and will miss them.
Beware
Arrowtown GC- the fancy pants were shipped to NZ.
We have
bought a new car in NZ called Bumble.
Here she is, complete with hat accessory.
Bike rack will be fitted later.
Our house
in Queenstown is a 5 bed ex BnB that we were originally interested in as a
rental property. Thanks to the patience of Marti and Robbie, we managed 2
viewings in January 2016 whilst on holiday in Fjordland (a luxurious Hollyford
track walk and helicopter ride over Milford Sound with hot showers, beds and 3 course haute cuisine dinner).
Sarah took
up sculpture classes (actually an excuse for a very hilly 100km round trip
cycle training ride) and produced her first masterpiece. This began a love
affair with all things Barbara Hepworth.
Spot Sarah’s work.
We have been
to the museum, gallery and exhibition in London since.
After
cleaning gardening and sports equipment with a toothbrush, we imported our
household items and wine to NZ in May and managed to unpack enough stuff for an
impromptu 50th birthday party for Jo. Followed by lunch at Amisfield vineyard with
Camilla and Linda from Leura GC, Stephen from Wenty Falls, Marti and Robbie.
We prepped
the house, downstairs cave (I mean flat) and garage for rental in 10 days, moved in, then left for 7 months on the return
leg to summer in Europe. We had another whirlwind tour of the UK to see family
before returning back to Italy.
Our summer
in Italy was not all bad. It started brilliantly. Highlights were:
- · the veggie and fruit crop from the garden (more fig and mulberry jam and pickles galore)
- · Cycle ride to Norcia via brilliant wild flowers around Castellucio
- · Trip to Sicily – which was fascinating. If you are really interested see our other blog:http://girodisicily.blogspot.co.nz
It was sad
to leave as we made much progress with the garden and surrounds thanks to the
help of our friends Tanya, Marcello and Vitali.
Apologies to
all who we planned to see and who we missed due to Jo's unexpected sojourn in hospital, especially to: Arild and Dorette; cycle tour of Northern
Italy, The Ring in Bayreuth, Glyndebourne, South Downs Way cycle trip and Ozzy
and Hank. Maybe another year!
We had a
fantastic visit to Venice on the way back to the UK in late October. First time for Sarah - we had clear skies, few people and no smelly canals.
It was
quite magical; but not as magical as Scotland or NZ!
Now back in NZ, we think this is quite like Scotland although with a better climate. I guess the Scots thought so too.
Lots of
towns with Scottish names: Glen Orchy, Clyde, Carrick, Bannockburn. No whisky
made here but the pinot is excellent and we will have lots of fun tasting!
(Guess which of the photos above are taken in Scotland)
In early
2016 we will be back on the merry go round renovating our new home - with builder, structural engineer, plumber,
electrician, garden designer, double glazing installer, curtain upholstery
specialists, kitchen designers, and tile and wood floor, gas fire specialists,
wall builders and a painter & decorator. We have been trying to get quotes
and confirmed start dates. We are absolutely exhausted! At least the holiday
season is one where we can rest too as all tradies are off for a few weeks.
Hope that
you have a Happy New Year and relaxing holiday season! Hope to see you in 2016
somewhere in the world.
Lots of
love from
Jo and
Sarah
xxx
Leaving you with the sunset view
from our NZ home.
Answer to Q above: 3rd photo view towards Kenmore, Wester Ross Scotland
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