For the past few weeks I've been in Queenstown again...a place I absolutely love with the Remarkables, abundant snow, and gorgeous lakefront. After visiting my family and feeling rejuvinated in Pennsylvania by staying at the home of good ol' mum, I was ready to tackle the southern hemisphere once more. With my flight from New York to Dallas delayed, I had only a short time to catch my one-way Qantas flight to Sydney. There's something romantic about flying on a one-way ticket to Australia.
Bottomless wine and coffee and endless music would keep me company as I was on my longest flight ever. Stronger-than-expected headwinds have forced the Dallas-Sydney flight to stopover in New Caledonia in the past. Touching down back (home) in Australia, I made my own way to Alison's place. Smelling the gumtrees reminds me I'm back in the Land Down Under. I keep coming back to Australia because I absolutely love Australia with all my heart. My relationship with Australia is like that of a marriage; I'll love her 'til I die.
During the three days I spent in Sydney with Alison, it allowed me to indulge in $1 coffee whilst enjoying Alison's company. Every day is an adventure when you're with Alison. When Alison was busy, I'd walk amongst the gumtrees and go geocaching at Oatley Park.
As I flew into Christchurch last month, the immigration official who interviewed me last year recognized me and said "your second home." It sure feels that way, as we candidly discussed seeing my family and going to New Caledonia. For now, I'm back in Queenstown...back home is the more appropriate word. Another winter I'm spending here and I'm living in the same dinky little flat I lived in last year. Today I had my first attempt ever at making a roast lamb dinner. With Jo's guidance, I roasted the lamb for about half hour before adding carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin before topping it with rosemary. And this is whilst using only a toaster oven. After all my hard work, the roast lamb dinner came out utterly divine.
With a toaster oven and rather limited kitchen utensils, I've learned to get creative in my kitchen. I was excited enough that I made my housemate a plate as well.
When you're a bit bored of Queenstown, there are so many easy escapes. Have a look at the serenity of Bob's Cove.
I ventured here only a week or so ago in search of some geocaches. Aside from the natural scenery, I really love Patagonia hot chocolate...warm and comforting on a blustery day. After six weeks visiting family and a jaunt to Canada, it feels great to be back in the southern hemisphere, where I feel more at home. I have returned to Queenstown rejuvinated, ready for another action-packed winter.
