The Williams family, emigrants and parents and newest arrival – Priya – were based near Papoa Beach. We drove there through the morning – the weather that had forced the closure of the Tongoriro Crossing evident with squally showers as we headed past Taupo and Rotorua. We had a short shopping stop and a lunch stop and arrive at the Williams’s house mid afternoon. The scenery was good, even on this grey day.
We even passed the Kiwi fruit centre should anyone be interested?
It is strange to travel so far and see our neighbours from home.
Priya was as exciting as a 3 month old baby normally is. It was good to see them all and we were made most welcome. James cooked a superb meal and we polished off a few bottles of wine and played NZ rummy until late. Another night not in the camper! I missed it in some ways. It will be strange to give it back in a few days time.
There were some strange conflicts. Discussing the relative benefits of the UK and NZ couldn’t really happen, there is so much that is not rational and roots are deeper for some than for others. Best to steer away from the topic.
Priya is lovely though.
Strange to visit the area without seeing the sea! Not the weather for it – some heavy rain in the evening.
Good times…
Tags: New Zealand
