Waiheke

Somehow managed to not be working Friday evening which was great because it meant that I was free to head up to Auckland after work with Si and Fi to have another weekend away.Gem had arranged Friday eveing and we had a great night with a BBQ which turned into a great night out in Ponsenby, Auckland.

On Saturday we woke up feeling absolutely rotten, but considering we had booked accomodation on Waiheke (which we had to check into by 1pm) we had to get up and out. After having paracetamol, ibuprofen, juice and a shower and not feeling any better we realised this was gonna be a bad hangover day. So around 11am myself, Gem, Bea and Fi headed down to the wharf to catch the midday ferry to Waiheke, after feasting on an entirely needed Maccys we camped out on the top deck to see if the sea breeze helped.....it didn't!! After arriving on Waiheke we got a taxi (with a MENTAL) taxi driver to the hostel, where we dropped off our kit and headed straight to the beach, where we stayed ALL day! (bar myself and Bea going for a small shop and ice cream hunt). After monging on the beach we headed back to the hostel for a quick shower before heading out for dinner. Had a turkish dinner which was AMAZING and the wine went down surprisingly well!

Sunday we woke to an overcast day and headed into the small town/village for breakfast. While at breakfast the weather cleared up nicely and was soon clear skies and a scorcher. That sealed the deal for kayaking and we headed down to the kayak centre to hire a kayaks for a few hours. Absolutely stunning scenery, amazing coastline. Even got to pull up in a small bay and have a quick swim and a nice walk. After our kayak we headed back to the ferry to head back over to Auckland. We had a lovely fish BBQ before heading to our next activity, climbing. By 8.30pm I was suitably knackered and Fi and I headed back down to Hamilton.

Another FAB weekend.

Up North!

Friday night started in work with an evening shift. After finishing at 9pm I waited till Si finished at 11pm then headed up to Auckland to Gem's. We arrived around 12.30am ish and Gem arrived soon after, having finishing work at 1am. We had a quick catch up and then headed to bed.

Friday morning we awoke reasonably early and I headed over to the Airport to pick up Bea who had just arrived in New Zealand. From there we headed up north to Matakana/Goat Island for the weekend. Stopped off at Matakana 1st for a quick bite to eat and a mosey around the shops, then headed to the campsite to pitch our tent before heading to the beach for the rest of the afternoon. Managed to perfect (well, kinda) my skim boarding skill - thanks Tom and Loz, great pressy. That evening we went back to Matakana for dinner and then played some cranium back at the campsite (we ARE hardcore!)

Sunday we woke to an amazing day and headed off with our snorkel gear to check out the marine reserve. Despite the sea being REALLY cold, had a great time and saw loads of fishys. After snorlkelling we went for a nice lunch then headed to another beach for the rest of the afternoon where we played volleyball, rugby and a bit of frisbee.

After that we headed back to Auckland for a quick bite to eat before heading back home.
Thanks guys.x

Home

So going home started off with Awkward hassel with panic over my expiring passport, which turned out to absolutely fine which was annoying considering I paid for flights down to Wellington to sort it out.

The flight started off well, with a surprise cake from our travel agent then turned to chaos as we were unexpectedly called upon to give medical assistance to a sick passenger, IV access obtained, drugs given, 2 diverts cancelled and a confiscated bottle of champagne made up the rest of our journey home, needless to say we were happy when we arrived back....and to sunshine in Manchester!!!

The trip home was spent dotting between Manchester, Liverpool and Chester seeing some of my most favourite people.
A quick summary:

The first few days that I was home I spent with Mum and Dad, going for some nice meals and having some great days out in and around the Chester area, including spending a RIDICULOUS amount of money. I also managed to squeeze in a visit to see my grandma who is unfortunately very poorly in hospital :( hopefully on the mend now though.

The first weekend I was in Manchester with Tom, Lauren and Helen being spoilt by all things British, including the food and wine festival at Tatton, high tea at the lowry and walks around some of the amazing parks and the pride and predudice national park house.

The next week I was between Liverpool and Chester seeing Helen, Esther and Lucy as well as a few days with Mum and Si (bro) and Pip. Friday night I went back over to Liverpool for a Whiston reunion. Was amazing to see everyone again after so long, nice to know friendships dont change!

The final weekend was spent with Laura and Byron who came up to visit me which was amazing, I showed them a few of the Liverpool sights before heading out to meet up with the hockey girls. Cant say enough how amazing it was to see everyone again. Also, it was great to hear all about Esthers up coming wedding, which unfortunately I cant make it to!

So, all in all a very busy fortnight. Sorry to all those people I couldn't see, there were some definite big gaps and I hope that I can see you all next time I'm back, will try not to make it so brief!