Word on the street that there is a demand for this blog! I’ll try to fill in the last two weeks of amazing events.
First of all, I would like to brag to everyone (New Zealand, Vermont – wherever you are) that I am writing this in Fiji. Hands down, the most beautiful place I have ever been. I am staying at the Sheraton Villas on the Denarau Island. The resort is magnificent. We have access to all other resorts on the island and can use the facilities at all (Westin, Sofitel, Sheraton Hotel.. etc). Almost every pool here is infinity style- which is beautiful on its own. I would be fine looking at those all day, but then there is a beach behind it. Unreal. I love looking out and seeing blue skies, palm trees, birds, cocktails, and music everyday.
I’ll start by rewinding 2 weeks to Easter. Leah threw a red-white-blue (US and NZ) party at her flat where everyone dressed in those colors. It was a blast! It was basically just a time for us all to go crazy on break and have a good time together before the internationals went separate ways for spring break. We also had a potluck Easter brunch because the Easter bunny didn’t come for any of us!
We internationals are quite the family! ☺
Then comes April 5th! Definitely the day of anticipation… my mom and Megan arrived! I went to the airport with Leah and her friend Caroline (they were departing for a trip at the same time my family was arriving) with a sign to welcome them. I obviously cried. It was so weird, I couldn’t even hold back even though I know it was absolutely ridiculous. I think it’s because I love what I am doing with my life, where I am, and the idea of sharing my experience with loved ones. I took them back to the cube, dropped off suitcases and ran them down Cuba Street. Yes, they were jetlagged but I didn’t care. They had lots to do in NZ for only one week! We walked around a bit and I am 100% sure that I overwhelmed them… but I think they enjoyed themselves. I forced them into eating my FAVORITE food in Wellington, Kaffe Eis gelato. It was a beautiful day for it too..sunny by the ocean, with gelato, Mom, and sister, IN NZ.. could I ask for anything else?
We had a busy week of activities which include: visiting the New Zealand national museum (Te Papa), Mac Brewery tastings with fish and chips, coffee, karaoke, Botanical gardens, cable car rides.. etc.
Consensous: favorite restraunt of the week was Istanbul, favorite beer was Macs, and favorite wine from the South Island, Wither Hills.
We also took the ferry to the South Island (as noted) for lots of wine tasting in Blenheim. The company that took us around was called Highlight Wine Tours. They picked us up and drove us to 5 wineries and a chocolate factory! We visited: Villa Maria Estate, Montana (Brandcott in the US), Gibson Bridge Wines (boutique wine), Auntsfield Estate (fabulous), Wither Hills (you can buy this in the USA- Cheesetraders in Burlington)
We stayed overnight, had a nice breakfast, and took the ferry back. Marlborough (the region) is known worldwide for it’s beauty and we definitely enjoyed the scenery. We enjoyed one of our last nights in Wellington by hitting the town! We kind of bar hopped to get the feel of a few but spent most of the time at Boogie Wonderland, a 70s-80s themed club which is AMAZING with a light up dance floor. Nanc enjoyed it. We also went to another bar called Alice’s which has an Alice in Wonderland theme (short bar, mirrors, tea cups)- very cool.
I couldn’t let them leave Wellington without visiting my favorite coffee shop, Café Doria. The owners were so excited to meet my family and gave us a scone one day and muffin the next to share. The second time, Sammy gave us a box of chocolates. It was nice for Mom and Megan to see places I love and share experiences with them. I can now share my stories for here on out with them understanding the context.
Then comes Fiji. We are here enjoying ourselves more than ever. My mom and I have done water aerobics twice, which is hilarious and fun. I literally laugh outloud for half of it, yet still get a nice stretch in. The breakfast is a huge buffet and tastes amazing. I don’t think I could ever get sick of it. It’s very difficult controlling myself, but I know I’ll be in a bathing suit all day so I hold back. The sun here is also strong, and I am extremely burnt on my back.- hurts so bad!
Everyone at the resort says “Bula” meaning Hi and “Fiji Time” which alludes to their laid back lifestyle. Tomorrow is my last day ☹ . I’ll be heading back to Wellington early Saturday AM while my mom and Megan fly back Saturday night.
I’ll share more about specific Fiji activities in the next entry.
I tried to add a few pictures, which didn't go so well. I'll add some soon as well.
A few links:
Mac’s Brewery: great craft beer, located on the waterfront of Wellington http://www.thebrewerybar.co.nz/

Te Papa: National museum
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/default.aspx

Resort (look at the pictures too!)
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1158

Boogie Wonderland:
http://www.boogiewonderland.co.nz/gallery.aspx

Publicity on the Alice Bar “World’s Best Bars”:
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=56¤tVenueId=16608874

xoxo