And so we are off. The kids are tucked next to the window, peering at the south island below. The full moon hovers over the crinkles of cloud-dusted hills. In the very distance, the tops of the highest mountains are still snow-covered. Here, even the plane rides are spectacular.
I have brought this laptop so that I can record the trip and download pictures, but I have not brought any work. Not any. The folders with my NZCER work and my book project are safely inside my work bag—which is tucked next to the desk at home. In my backpack I have only travel guides, snacks, this laptop, and a thick novel. I cannot remember the last time I went anywhere with just a novel in my bag. I feel light and free and thrilled about this trip, to the most beautiful art of the most beautiful country in the world—my home.
Getting onto this 6:50 plane was no great joy. We woke at 4 to shower and finish getting the house in perfect shape for the open home on Sunday. Melissa and Ayla (who was still in PJs) arrived just after 5 to take us to the airport (the definition of true friendship is someone who comes at 5am to take you to the airport). The car ride to town was filled with laugher and attempts at Kiwi pronunciation (modeled by Ayla, the only real Kiwi in the bunch), and once we got here there were English crumpets at the Koru Club lounge (thanks to Jane, who introduced us to the idea of English crumpets).
But now we are here, tucked into a hotel in Te Anau, surrounded by mountains and deep blue lakes. Today we will horseback ride around the lake and see glow worm caves. Tomorrow we will travel north and kayak on the fjords. We are blissed out and awed by both the beauty of this place and by how empty and laid back it is even during its high season. We love
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