Day 154 - 5 months in NZ today!

Let's try to sum up the event of those past 50 days.

First, Wellington. I'm still living here, and LOVING it. This is the most amazing city I've ever lived in. It's simple here, it's not huge so you can get wherever you want in town by just walking, and yet it seems so vast and diverse. The atmosphere is peaceful yet can be lively at night for instance. The past week the weather has been absolutely magnificent, and I couldn't help but being in awe at the beauty of the city and the view from the waterfront although I've been here for 2 months already. It doesn't get old, it doesn't get boring, every day I'm still thrilled and incredibly happy to be living here, even when I have to wake up at 5 to go open the café!

I don't get bored of walking along the waterfront, near Te Papa, the boats, the beach, Oriental Bay... The weather was so clear this last Wednesday and Thursday that we could perfectly see the mountains of the Rimutaka Range afar, and I actually let out a *gasp* upon arriving near the waterfront and getting the first sight of the view. I love that city SO MUCH.


View of the mountains on Thursday


A lovely sunny day on the waterfront

I love that we're surrounded by hills and that we're so close to the water. Every week end I go out just to take a walk and enjoy this lovely place while I can. Leaving Wellington for the beauty of the South Island shouldn't be too hard, but leaving Wellington for the last time and knowing my next city will be Montreal won't be easy. Montreal is quite alright, but Wellington is extraordinary, and I'll sorely miss the feelings I'm experiencing here. But let's enjoy the moment for now.



It still feels wonderful to be in New Zealand really. Sometimes I have the feeling it's been like having a humongous crush for a long time and finally being in a relationship. In the sense of everything isn't as magical and perfect as you thought it might be when you were longing for whoever/whatever you wanted, but now that you have it you enjoy it still no matter what its flows. You have it but it still makes you heart beat fast, you get used to it but it still surprised you and you get this whole rush of feelings back like when you were seeking it. I obviously know more about New Zealand now that I ever did before setting a foot here, I had some ups and downs along the road, but no matter what I'm still as crazy about this land as I could have been before, if not more. I still have at least 7 months ahead of me here but I already know I'll be back. It feels like home in a way here, I'm at a place where for the first time in years I wouldn't want to leave at any price. I look at the planes departing Wellington's airport and I don't have that urge of going away as I usually do elsewhere, I feel so GREAT here, such an amazing feeling to have really!

Now with the past 50 days.



On the 5th of July I went to see the ALL BLACKS playing against South Africa at Wellington's Westpac Stadium - and it was AWESOME. [Photos] Watching the Haka live finally gave me goosebumps and I highly enjoyed the atmosphere in the stadium. Plus, they WON [19 - 8]!





Work is going good. Maybe I'm not as thrilled as I was in the beginning, the mere fact of having found a job (that do not relate to kiwifruits whatsoever) and being in Welly sent me over the moon. But I'm still happy and enjoying it. There's a good atmosphere between everyone at the café, we have fun despite having to work quite hard some times, and I can't get enough of the free coffees! I might miss the coffee machine almost as much as Welly when leaving.

I especially enjoy having normal hours compare to the packhouses of hell, and having every week ends free to explore the beautiful city I live in:


Wellington from Mount Victoria lookout


From the lookout as well, Evans Bay first, then Miramar on the left - home of Weta my dears! -, the airport toward the right and Cook Strait


Feeding Tahi at Wellington's zoo!



For the past months I've been hanging out quite a lot with the lovely Lina and Svenja from Germany. We met at the backpacker and kept in touch since. They're sweet and funny and it's a real pleasure to get to spend time with them, I'm always having a great time! We often go to the movies on Tuesday for the "cheaper" screenings (still $10 though!!) and we have ice cream on a regular basis, that we love to eat on the waterfront while looking at the view. That's the meaning of happiness my friends.



Also about a week and a half ago Simon stopped in Wellington on his way back from the South Island. It was so nice seeing him again, I had a great time! He then made his way up North back to Auckland and left for Thailand this afternoon. I'm going to miss my little Belgium guy so very much. :(


Continuing the party out in Wellington in the wee hours of the morning!

Last week it was also Verena's turn to arrive at last in the capital after hard month of pruning (I'm so glad I skipped that part, packing was enough!). So nice to see her again as well! She's now looking for a job, and of the outcome of the job hunt will depends her staying in town or not, we'll see. I'll just hope she'll be as lucky as I was.





Now bed time, up at 5am again tomorrow, ouch! :P