I'm writing this from an internet kiosk at Auckland Airport - with still another three hours until my flight leaves for Los Angeles and onwards to our new home, the Big Apple.
I'm the advance party, if you like. My family follow in five weeks. Will miss them so. (But was super lovely to have them with me at Wellington Airport this morning as I flew out. And also very neat to have Mum, Dad, Sarah, Craig, Rod and Gina - and offspring - for a farewell meal last night.)
This afternoon's flight to Auckland was pretty amazing - crystal clear blue skies the whole way. As we left I looked down on Scots College (where I spent 7 fun-filled school years), had a last long look at the lovely Hutt Valley, and then kept my face glued to the window as we shadowed the west coast of the North Island. As we flew over Kapiti Island I was reminded of all the times I spent in a boat with Dad (terrified a Great White was lurking below) and all the time we spent on the grey sandy Paraparaumu beaches. Saw Otaki and for some odd reason remembered buying an E.T. book there in the early 80's. Spied Wanganui and affectionately recalled both a family holiday and a pipe band championship. Spotted Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngaruhoe and vividly played back all the winter fun we had skiing over the years. Taupo. Ditto. Rotorua. Ditto ditto. What a wonderful snapshot to be left with as I head to the other side of the world.
Can't wait to share daily stories (and piccies) from the streets of Manhattan. I'm loosely calling my adventures 'Ex(pat) And The City'. Will be fun times (squared), for sure.
Till tomorrow (and another free net kiosk at LAX, no doubt).
Pee
1 comment:
Great to read this as I had been thinking of you - as I still am and hoping all is going well and you are feeling OK. Was quite emotional reading all the happenings of years ago. Where has the time gone? Johanna's wedding anniversary today. Looking forward to the next catch up. Hadn't caught up on your cancer one though so had a read of that too. Love Mum
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