I’m having the time of my life!
In some ways this journey began two years ago. During a Skype session, the Blogging Babes, as we’ve come to call ourselves, dreamed out loud of a trip to see Pauline in New Zealand. In 2015 Pauline joined us on our side of the world for an incredible trip to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Our time together deepened the friendships and expanded our hearts.
Now here we are three years later, meeting up with Pauline and her two lovely daughters in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Mike drove me to the San Francisco airport where I connected with Laurie. Though I dreaded the 13 hour flight across the Pacific, I was in for some lovely surprises.
We got our sillies on five minutes into our journey, before boarding the most amazing airplane I have ever seen.
Air New Zealand lives up to its reputation in every way. The crew kept us well fed, smiling, drinks flowing and relaxed. We flew economy, or as Mike would say, steerage, but I can’t complain. It was amazing.
Pauline welcomed us at the airport, then we were off to meet her daughter, Danella and to reconnect with Kelly.
Danella opened her home to us, three women she’s never met and while still recovering from a broken leg. It’s an act of kindness and grace.
She lives in a charming flat, decorated in soft pinks and greens, with a lovely garden out back. She loves garden kitsch, and has since her childhood. I had fun discovering tiny gnomes and frogs among the greenery. They made my fairy-garden-loving heart sing.
After a leisurely morning in our PJ’s and a breakfast of tomatoes on toast (thank you, Kelly) we were off to Pauline’s. Pauline’s fans know she’s an artist and a crafter, and her space reflects her kind and creative soul. Laurie’s written a beautiful post with photos sharing that day. Please visit her post here.
Pauline’s daughter Jo and her partner Steve joined us for lunch gathered around Pauline’s home-cooked meal. The pampering continued with charming welcome bags filled with local gifts of chocolates and soaps, along with handmade cards, and art, deserving of another full post. (I have so much to say!)
This photo is back at Danella’s. I didn’t take any during our meal.
After dinner we took a walk on St Claire Beach, just moments away from Pauline’s home. We stopped for hot beverages before calling it a day.
Day three in Dunedin will be another post, but I’ll leave you with a bit of a photo teaser.
We’re having so much fun.
Blogging Babes in New Zealand
Pauline: The Contented Crafter
Wow, that’s some monster ride you have there. Have fun!
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Thank you, Sara! It’s a four-seater, one of only 7 apparently. We had a blast.
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I wish there was a ‘love’ button Alys – words can’t express how wonderful it is to have you here in our spaces, it’s a gift we will long cherish!
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Pauline, you are the gift. I’m so happy to be hear. I continue to cherish every moment. xo
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You Babe look like you’re having a blast – Alys, you really have to get some glasses to fit in with the others! And yes, I have serious bike envy, I’ll have to look up the company that does that in case we ever make it to NZ.
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Kate, I will share more details in another post, but if you want to make a note, it’s called Experience Dunedin. It was thrilling driving around the beautiful harbour, into the hills and around the town on that trike. And yes, we’re having a blast.
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What a wonderful adventure for the Blogging Babes! Thank you for sharing these heartwarming moments, Alys. Sharing time making cherished memories with faraway friends is the absolute best gift you can give one another.💕 So happy for all of you! 💗
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Thank you, Dawn. It is a gift indeed. I’m cherishing every moment.
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I’m so glad you’re enjoying NZ, the country of my birth, though I live in Australia now. I hope the country continues to wow you with its amazing scenery. It looks very much as though you’re going to have a ride to remember!
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Jane, the ride was amazing. I’ll write more about it soon. Your home country is gorgeous. Everyone we’ve encountered is warm and friendly, and our hosts have thought of everything to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. What part of New Zealand are you from?
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Epic!
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Yes!
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Totally splendid!
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It is, Amanda. I wish you were closer for a visit. I’m in love with your beautiful country.
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So glad. I am not that far but, unfortunately, I have to return to Australia soon. And by the time I get back you will be well on your way home.
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Safe travels to Australia. Will you be seeing your daughter?
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Yes. Lots of follow up things to do re my father, and lots of things to do re my daughter. It will be busy but nice to be with family.
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I’m glad you’ll enjoy your family time. I’m sorry though, it’s under sadder circumstances.
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I’ll be travelling Air New Zealand, of course. 😀 😀
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Of course! Lucky you.
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🙂 🙂
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You look like a natural on that trike. Mike will have to get one for you when you go home. 🙂 Who is the lady with the black and white stripe top next to Joanna? My eyes are playing tricks on me I think. Is that K? Your selfie stick has come in quite handy. Hugs to you all. Color me green. 🙂
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Marlene, that trike was so much fun. It seats four in addition to the driver. I’ll share more soon. Yes, that’s K in the black striped dress. Hugs back your way.
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I saw her in another photo and finally recognized her. It was the angle of the photo that threw me off. My eyes need help some days. I love that trike! You all look like you are having so much fun.
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It’s always tricky, I find, getting everyone into a photo when they’re gathered together but not necessarily posing. And I’m with you: I want everything bigger these days so it’s easier on the eyes.
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Reblogged this on The Contented Crafter and commented:
Hello again! I’ve been sharing posts made by the fantastic photographer and biker chick, Laurie up til now. Let me share with you now a post from Alys, from Gardening Nirvana as she encapsulates her first three days in New Zealand and you’ll see our world through her eyes………….
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Thank you for sharing this, Pauline. I can’t believe this trip. I’m so happy to know you, so happy to be spending time in your midst.
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During those days when Mills and Boons were an important part of my life, I loved books by Essie Summers, she is still one of my favourite authors. Her books were all set in New Zealand. One of my dreams is to see New Zealand. I am happy to read about your trip there. Thank you.
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Thank you for visiting! Traveling to New Zealand has been a life long dream of mine as well. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit here one day. I’ll have to look up Essie Summers books when I get home. Isn’t it fun reading about characters in places you want to go?
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What fun! Enjoy your time together and please, give Siddy a big squeeze from his Auntie Jill. xo
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Auntie Jill, Siddy is getting so much love on this visit. I’m afraid he’ll go into withdrawal once we’ve all gone home. I’ll give him an extra squeeze the next time he wanders this way. The kitchen is holding him hostage at the moment. 🙂
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Siddy is my favorite blogger pet! Enjoy your time together. 🙂
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That is so sweet!
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Brilliant
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Happy Reunion – I see nothing but smiles!
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We’re having the best time.
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What a wonderful time you’re all having – I envy you everything but the long flight (even if it was with Air New Zealand!)
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We’re having a grand time. It’s beautiful here, everywhere you look. We’ve left Dunedin for Wanaka now, where Pauline has arranged the most amazing house. As for the flight, it’s the sleeping I find so hard. Long haul flights are brutal.
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Oh how I loved reading your take on our journey thus far, especially that you focused on Danella’s great gift of opening her home to strangers WHILE recovering! Thank you for your perspective my super talented and ultracompassionate friend. Reblogging!! XOXO
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((((Laurie)))) Thank you for your kind words. Isn’t it fun being on the same trip while reading each other’s perspectives. Your photos are absolutely extraordinary. I’ve really enjoyed seeing what travels from your lease to the page. Fantastic!
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Reblogged this on Life on the Bike and other Fab Things and commented:
Please take a moment to read Alys’ take on our journey thus far ❤
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Thank you, LB!
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Over visiting from Laurie’s blog. What an amazing opportunity for all of you! Looks like you are having a blast!
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Thank you for visiting, Lynn. I’ve just popped over to read your African safari post. What an amazing trip.
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It truly was a trip of a lifetime! Thanks for visiting!
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Wonderful! Look forward to hearing about the trike trip! 🙂
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Thank you, Cathy!
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All of you look like you are having the trip of a lifetime Alys 😀
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We are indeed, Joe.
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Great post! What a fabulous adventure for you two. 🙂
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Thank you, Jane!
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I love the in-flight screen, showing the progress of the journey.
I’m so glad you are in such friendly company, Alys.
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It’s really fun, isn’t it? Thanks for following our journey, Helen.
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I hope you’re still having fun, Alys.
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It’s fun to be keeping up with you all, via the blog posts!
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What a privilege (and what a joy) it is to follow along vicariously on this adventure, dear Alys! A wise friend once told me that a good percentage of our experiences while traveling depend not on what we find when we get there, but on what we bring with us. You have clearly brought a big heart and an open, joyful spirit — so it’s no wonder you’re surrounded by such beauty and happiness. Big hug to you!
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(((Heidebee))) That’s a big hug right back your way. We’re home now, but I still have one foot and part of my heart in New Zealand. I treasure the friendships made and forged through blogging, but would never have dreamed they would carry me so far and with such wonderful people. It’s been an amazing journey. xo
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I very much understand the feeling you describe of having one foot and part of your heart elsewhere, lovely Alys — though my feet have never stretched quite *that* far! Although I’m sorry this adventure has concluded, I”m glad you’re home safely with lots of beautiful memories to savor and sustain you until you get to see your friends again. xo!
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Thank you, Heidebee. It is a mighty long stretch, that is for sure. I’m comforting myself with the idea that I will get back there one day. We’re also planning a middle trip if we can get all the details sorted out. Are you in the middle of yet another winter storm? I’ve been avoiding the news again, just for a bit of sanity. I’ll cave by day’s end I’m sure. xo
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Stay strong and stick to your news diet! There’s nothing exceptionally terrible going on … but I’m a bit advocate of hanging onto that vacation glow for as long as possible.
As for Minnesota: No more winter storms, it seems! But we’re heading to Paris soon, and ironically it may snow *there.* I’d complain, except it seems darned ungrateful to complain about anything related to Paris. 🙂
I will now excuse myself and leave you to your Kiwi daydreams. xx
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You’re right: Paris is Paris! It will be nicer though if it doesn’t snow, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed. (Finger-crossing is completely ineffectual of course but it will make me feel better, and we can have a good laugh it if comes true).
Safe travels my friend. xo
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Who told you finger-crossing is completely ineffectual? I happen to think it’s miraculous — if a friend does it. 🙂 Keep those good vibes coming because if it’s going to happen, tonight is the night! xo
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🙂
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OMG, ALYS. Moments after I replied to your note it started snowing. Really hard, too! I’m going to race outside and take some photos. THANK YOU!
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It’s snowing! Ohmygosh it’s snowing. I hope you got some awesome photos to share. I’m so excited.xo
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Not only did it snow, but it snowed for THREE DAYS! I got a couple of photos I’ll be posting shortly. 😉 Thank you again for the wonderful snow vibes!
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Oh my! I can’t wait to see your post. I’m off to see a client, but I’ll check back later today. xo
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Lovely lovely post! We’ve sure had a nice adventure once again. Really cute pics of Danella’s garden! Too many highlights to pick one but I’d say that Bike ride was super cool. xo I’ll still be pinching myself when I get home I think. It’s really beautiful here. I’m glad we could share it all together xo kpb
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I’m glad we could share it together as well. I wanted to stay and play in Danella’s garden. I’m trying to convince her to invite the fairies with a special garden of there own. She has all the makings right there. Word on the street is that pink and green are among their favorite colors too.
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Isn’t her home just so perfect! and lovely? I adored the colours. They look so fresh and youthful. As a young single woman, my style was pretty much stuff thrown together that other people were tired off. I remember a brown tweed pull out loveseat…LOL. It was so ugly but actually came in handy when I wanted to stay up and watch TV. Jammies, popcorn, my kitty Dillin, a ton of magezines (no internet) and probably wine. I thought I had ‘made-it’, ha! I can see a fairy garden out in the courtyard! What a perfect little spot 😀 xo
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Such a heart warming post – off to read the others now!
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Thank you, Sheila.
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I am slow catching with your travelling news, but I have loved reading the excitement in your post! To be honest, I am surprised that any of you have time to write and post anything, as I can imagine all the chatter and laughter that is going on when you are all together! Now, some more adventures to catch up with……xxx
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Hello again, Anne. I hope to dive in to all the blogs I’ve missed during my travels. I trust you are well and will visit soon. xo
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