So I have arrived: New Zealand!
To be precise: Masterton, New Zealand, which is on the Northerisland, about one and a half hour from Wellington.
We arrived yesterday evening at 7 pm (local time) and was I glad that I was finally at the end of my journey. I was about able to fall asleep while standing up.
A little more about my journey here:
I had to be at the Amsterdam airport at 4 pm (local time). Tijmen (my fiancè) and me arrived at 3.30 pm, so I wasn't stressed at all at that point. At 4 pm I checked in though that could have gone better as my Visa was not in their system. Luckily the lady sorted it out and I had my luggage (only 12.5 kilo's!) checked in. I had to be at the gate at 6.30 pm, so we had some time to drink something and say our goodbye. The stress came as soon as it was about 5 pm and I only managed to keep it to a minimum for 15 minutes. At a quarter past 5 we went to the gate and I said my goodbyes. After hugging Tijmen for the last time I waited in line for the passport check and after just 15 minutes I entered the tax free shopping area.
Because they sell nothing to my interest there and I still had to wait for over an hour before I could enter the gate I sat down in a restaurant and started to write in my diary which I will be sending to Tijmen as soon as I have enought pages, and I can tell you: the pages filled up fast during my trip here.
At 6.30 pm I went through the body check and unfortunately the plane was late. Not much though and at 7.15 pm we were up in the air and flying to London. I had to wait for three hours on Heathrow and what a terrible airport that is. It's old, smelly and incredibly boring. They only announce the gates one hour in advance it as the airport is stretched I sat myself down in the middle, with a cup of tea that I bought at Starbucks. It was a big cup, which was good, though I didn't need the heat as it was bloody hot already there.
At 10.15 pm (local time) the plane finally left London and got to meet my neighbours: Wendy and Paul. What a lovely couple. They have been so sweet to me during the entire flight to Sydney. They were member of the Qantas Frequent Customers Club which gives you access to the airline lounches located on various airports and they invited me with them. I have never travelled in such luxury. The lounges offer free drinks, food, internet and have comfy seats and a think lush carpets. I loved it. I went with them in Bangkok (where the plane was refueled and the crew is switched) and Sydney.
Though Wendy slept most of the flight from London to Bangkok (they went to the rugby games in France and were on their way home to Wellington) they were able to give me lots of tips on what to see and where to go and even invited me over to stay at their house in Wellington Centre. I think I might visit them some days indeed.
The landing Wellington was rough but beautiful at the same time as it was daytime, providing a spectacular view on the shores of Wellington and it amazing mountain range and azure-blue waters. After a slow passport check and getting my visa stamp in my passport it was time to collect my luggage and luckily for me Wendy had already spotted my bag, which is pretty amazing as it is dull black. After a firm hug I said goodbye to them and met Renee outside the gates.
I was really happy to meet her once again and we got a taxi to the train station. We had to wait some and then took the train to Masterton, a one and a half hour trip. I was almost falling asleep during the ride there, but the landscapes amazed me. I don't want to compare them to anything in Europe, because that would do them no justice, but it reminded me a little bit of Norway thought the plants are far more tropical-like.
When we arrived in Masterton, Renee's mom, Diana was already waiting for us and she took us home. What a lovely home they have! I felt very welcome and had a great meal before I went into bath. But first things first and I called home before dinner. The bath was so relaxing for my sore muscles that I had no problem falling asleep after it. I slept for a solid eight hours and woke up ridiculously early at 6.30 am. But that is okay as I want to get used to my new bio rhythm as soon as possible.
Today I have been cuddling Joss, their dog and the cat and I have been emailing my friends and family back home. The weather is great; sunny and warm with a clear blue sky and I have been enjoying the garden and reading some book. I'm already in love with New Zealand.
Well, till next time.
Ad astra per aspera!
