We’re leaving together (*a planeload of Brits)
But still it’s farewell
And maybe we’ll come back (*I am pretty sure I will)
To earth (*NZ), who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame (*COVID-19 is not a person)
We’re leaving ground, leaving ground
Will things ever be the same again? (*probably not thanks to Boris)
IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!
In my first blog post I talked about my dream to go to Australia. Well… that didn’t quite pan out. Then again… what better excuse to plan my next trip? Life is full of ups and downs, and you’ve got to look on the bright side (the ups) and I’m sure the future will bring me down(under).
My last week in New Zealand has been amazing and credit goes to Martin and the Bower Avenue gang for helping that to happen. On Wednesday we did some gardening in the morning before a four hour walk called the Godley Head Loop. The walk took us along towering cliffs, overlooking Lyttelton Harbour, Purau Bay and Camp Bay. Fuelled up by a lunch of tofu, mushroom, veggies and rice (our resident French chef gets the credit) we bounded along enjoying the sunshine. The walk took us past WW2 battlements, store rooms and offices which Martin helped us to explore. On the way home we caught an amazing sunset, looking down over Christchurch with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. With the evening cold creeping in, we headed home for homemade cider, beef stew and gluten free chocolate cake. Living the dream.
Romain, Thomas, Maria, Martin and Rob. Team Bower 
New Zealand you absolute beauty
On Thursday I woke up early and jogged down to the beach to watch the sunrise. With the sea lapping against the golden sands, the mountains in the background and a few dogs playing on the beach, I felt truly content. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries that I’ve ever visited and even in the city, there is incredible nature right on the doorstep. I’ve made a promise to myself that I’ll be back (and probably sooner rather than later). After corn fritters and veggies for lunch we did a short road trip to Akaroa and Duvachelle, admiring their beautiful waterfronts and French influence. The drive took us up over the neighbouring mountains and the windy roads were stunning. On the way back we stopped off at Cass Peak scenic reserve for some pictures before catching the sunset over Christchurch. Life contentness pretty damn high right now!!
Absolutely stunning….
Friday morning was pretty relaxed. You can blame Thursday evening for that… another delicious dinner, wine and G&Ts. In the afternoon Martin and I went for a walk around the neighbourhood, as I wanted to make the most of the NZ freedom I have for the next few days. The days are definitely getting colder though, so after a few hours we returned for a coffee and chunk of Easter egg. Yum. The danish couple cooked up meatballs and pesto potato for dinner, which was then topped off with Martin’s gluten free lemon meringue pie. Probably one of the best things I’ve ever eaten…
Saturday and the start of my final weekend in New Zealand. After another beach run we relaxed at the house, doing a few chores and reading by the fire. In the afternoon we went to Ferrymead Heritage Park, where Martin is a volunteer. We started by walking the Bridle path, which took us up a steep hill with great views over Christchurch. Then it was back to the park for tea and gluten free profiteroles in a Victorian style living room. We sat by the fire feeling dozy after the walk. Martin and I then had a look around the park, which has a great collection of trains, old fire engines as well as Victorian styled shops, gardens and railway stations. It was awesome and another great thing to have done in Christchurch. The evening was finished with another dinner cooked by our resident French chef. Can’t complain…
Another day, another hike 
A Victorian tea and Martin on the piano!
Sunday was Mother’s Day in NZ so we visited Martin’s mum and enjoyed the autumn sunshine. After a delicious mushroom and ham risotto for lunch, I set about on my contribution to dinner, a gluten free rhubarb and apple crumble. I have to say I impressed myself. All the culinary talent at Bower Avenue must be rubbing off on me! By Monday I was seriously starting to question why I was coming home. After a glorious sunrise beach run I chatted to mum for a while before preparing a left-overs lunch for the team. We did some gardening and relaxed around the house in the afternoon. Dinner was homemade burgers and pear simmered in a red wine sauce. In the evening I took my book to Martin’s outdoor (garden) bath and spent a lovely 30 mins reading and watching the stars, all completely starkers.
My last day in this beautiful country started with an AMAZING beach sunrise before leftover crumble for breakfast (because… why not?). Then I walked along the beach, listening to the waves lapping against the sand with the smell of fish and chips wafting tantalisingly towards me. I took a picnic and enjoyed lunch and the freedom that New Zealand can offer right now. Then it was back to base for one last delicious dinner with team Bower.
A breakfast of champs! 
My apple and rhubarb crumble (with homemade ice cream)
Tomorrow morning (the 13th) it is Martin’s birthday so we are going to have a birthday breakfast and some celebrations before I head off to the airport. I’ll be back in the UK on the 14th, exactly six months after setting off on the post-PhD adventure. 10 countries, 27 blog posts, 1,323 photos and a shed-load of memories. Now… I have 14 days of self-isolation ahead of me… I reckon planning my next adventure will be a productive use of that time? Watch this space…. I’ll be back 😀
The dream team…
Rob Roams (around the world!!) 